Alex Pritchard's first words at Birmingham City as Sunderland frustration clear

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Alex Pritchard from Sunderland on a permanent transfer.

The attacking midfielder has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract, reuniting with former manager Tony Mowbray at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park. The pair will be keen on achieving further success after working together for 15 months at the Stadium of Light.

An experienced figure in the Sky Bet Championship with 188 second-tier appearances to his name, Pritchard arrives with hunger and determination. The 30-year-old's time at Sunderland came to a controversial end as frustration grew over contract terms offered but he now has a fresh slate.

Pritchard, who made himself unavailable for Black Cats selection to force a transfer, has opened up on his move. "I am happy. My future has been well speculated for a while now and I am just glad to get everything done and just settled," Pritchard told Blues TV.

"Hopefully, I can just crack on with my football," Pritchard added in what appears to be slight dig at the end of his Sunderland career. It was a shame it concluded the way it did as the midfielder was a key man. He helped promotion to the Championship two years ago and a near-miss in the play-off fight last term.

"The gaffer is brilliant. I loved every moment I was with him and played under him. He's a down-to-earth guy – a real family man. They know what I can offer and vice versa, I know what the gaffer can bring to my game. Top-notch, the facilities – it's got everything here. We just need to get together and crack on here," Pritchard continued.