Brighton & Hove Albion’s David Stockdale impressed under Steve Bruce while the Aston Villa boss was manager of Hull City, but his loan deal never became permanent.
Brighton’s David Stockdale
This time in 2013, Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper David Stockdale was helping loan club Hull City into the Premier League.
Such was his impact at the KCOM Stadium, Stockdale’s then temporary boss admitted a desire to tie up a permanent deal for the Yorkshireman upon the Tigers’ arrival in the top flight – describing his displays as “very influential” (Hull Daily Mail).
For whatever reason, Stockdale never did return to Hull, remaining at Fulham for another season as Steve Bruce signed Allan McGregor instead.
Fast forward four years and Bruce is again on the lookout for a new number 1 as he looks to mastermind another Championship escape – this time at Aston Villa. And Stockdale could well feature on his list of targets.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
The recent divisional team of the year inductee is out of contract at Brighton, and is being linked with moves to West Ham and Leeds, his boyhood club, among others.
And although latest reports suggest he is likely to extend his stay the Amex Stadium, a move to Aston Villa could tempt the 31-year-old, with their ambition to return to English football’s elite and the presence of a manager – and assistant, Colin Calderwood – under whom he’s enjoyed success before.
Former Brighton assistant manager Colin Calderwood
Should Aston Villa try to sign Stockdale this summer?
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