Gold says Blues' fans can expect more new faces at St Andrew's this summer

Birmingham City chairman David Gold is optimistic that the club will be better equipped to ensure they stay in the Premier League next season.

After relegation to the Championship in 2008, Blues bounced back to the top-flight at the first attempt.

"Our board of David Sullivan, Karren Brady and myself has now been together for 16 years," Gold told BBC WM.

"We've got every faith in Alex McLeish, and we have the experience of being promoted three times in seven years."

The board have backed manager McLeish with significant transfer funds already, with Scott Dann and record signing Cristian Benitez being added to the squad during the close season.

The fee for the Ecuador striker could rise to £9m, and Gold has said that his arrival is a sign of their intent in the transfer market.

"There's great reports coming out about this player, he's most unusual in the sense that his nickname is 'El Chunky'," added Gold.

"But then again, great players come in all shapes and sizes. He comes with great recommendations and I think he's going to be quite exciting.

"Dann's an important young player too, and this is an important signing because you're buying young players with great futures."

The Premier League newcomers are expected to make more signings before the squad returns for pre-season, with Cardiff City defender Roger Johnson and Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson being strongly linked with moves to St. Andrew's.

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