Cardiff City have confirmed their second signing of the summer and it comes in the form of goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
Alnwick, who has joined on a two-year deal, had been a target for Cardiff for some time, with the Bluebirds having to replace Alex Smithies, and potentially youngster George Ratcliffe, upon the expiration of the goalkeeper's contract.
And the former Newcastle United and Rangers shot-stopper has finally completed his switch to the Welsh capital, with the 28-year-old's contract with Scottish Premiership club St Mirren due to expire next month.
After completing the move, Alnwick said: “As soon as I heard that the club were interested I couldn’t wait to get here. It has been a long couple of days, but to get it over the line is amazing and I can’t wait to get into pre-season and get started. I wanted to be playing in the EFL and it was the next step in my career.
“I can’t wait to meet everyone, including all of the fans, and show them what I can do. It’s a huge club and I’m delighted to be here.”
Boss Steve Morison added: “He’s really experienced and we needed to add in that department. He’s an excellent goalie and he’s at the peak of his powers.
“He’s got a great pedigree and he was really pleased to come, and that’s what we want; we want people who want to come, we want people who want to be a part of it, and we want the fans to be excited by the signings.
“He’s had a really good season, four clean sheets in his last four games and he comes here ready to be part of it next season. We’re really excited to have him on board.”
On Sunday, Alnwick was between the sticks against Aberdeen and kept his fourth successive clean sheet for St Mirren, no mean feat indeed. He was awarded the man of the match gong, posting the highest score (8.3/10) of anyone on football metrics site WhoScored. Not a bad way to bow out.
Following that game, Alnwick posted a classy message to signal the end of his two-year stay at the Scottish club. "St Mirren, what can I say, two years have gone already and that today will be my last game for the club.
"What a way to finish, four clean sheets in a row and to captain the club. Thank you to everyone associated with the club you’ve made the last two seasons unforgettable for me. I wish the club the best of luck in the future."
Alnwick becomes the second player to join the Bluebirds this summer as the club braces itself for a huge rebuild. It was announced on Friday that midfielder Ebou Adams, 26, joined the club on a three-year deal. You can read more about Adams' style of play here.
The Englishman started his career at Newcastle before moving on to Port Vale, Rangers and St Mirren. He has also enjoyed loan spells with Gateshead, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United and Blackpool. He represented England at under-17 and under-18 level earlier in his career.
