Emerton seals Rovers switch
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Article summary
Brett Emerton has completed his move from Feyenoord to Blackburn Rovers FC for an undisclosed fee.
Article body
Blackburn Rovers FC have confirmed the signing of Australian international Brett Emerton from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, subject to the midfield player being granted a work permit.
Four-year contract
The highly-rated 24-year-old penned a four-year contract and will join the Blackburn squad for pre-season training within the next few days. Emerton was named the 2002 Oceania player of the year and collected the award earlier this month when he returned to Australia to get married.
'Absolutely delighted'
Emerton said Blackburn manager Graeme Souness "has good ideas about me and about the team", adding: "They are a good team who did well last season and it looks like it's going to be even better this season." Chief executive John Williams said the club were "absolutely delighted" with Emerton's arrival.
Valuable addition
Emerton scored in Australia's 3-1 friendly victory against England in February, one of six goals in 28 international appearances. He will be a valuable addition to the Blackburn midfield following the departures of David Dunn and Keith Gillespie earlier this week.
European campaign
The Lancashire club are preparing for a second successive UEFA Cup campaign after finishing fifth in the Premiership last season.
