Shay Given has disclosed that working with Mark Hughes played a big part in his decision to sign for Stoke City.
The 39-year-old left Aston Villa at the end of the season, and was reportedly on the verge of moving to Middlesbrough before the Potters swooped in at the 11th hour.
Given has revealed that he opted to sign a two-year deal with Stoke due to his desire to play under Hughes after previously working with the Welshman during his time at Manchester City.
He told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to have joined Stoke City - they're a big Premier League club who are doing incredibly well. It's also an opportunity for me to stay in the Premier League and to come to a football club that is doing well and has a passionate support base.
"Mark Hughes was a big pull for me to join the club. I've worked with him and his staff before and it will be fantastic to work with everybody again. Mark was a really big factor in me coming to the Club, he's done a magnificent job and I have a lot of respect for him.
"He's a man who instantly gets the respect from his players, not just as a manager but from his playing days as well. He's someone I really want to work for and the job he has done in the last couple of years has been fantastic."
Given made 53 appearances in four seasons at Villa.
Simon Sinclair
