Bramble is first Summer Signing

Last updated : 04 June 2007 By Liam Cooper
Despite a reputation for making crucial errors, Portsmouth, Fulham and Birmingham were also among the interested clubs since his release by new Magpies boss Sam Allardyce.

The 25 year old put pen to paper on his three-year contract last week, to the delight of his new manager Chris Hutchings.

Hutchings said to the Official Website: "This is an excellent signing for us. He will add experience to the back four and now we must keep up the chase for further targets. Other clubs were very interested and it speaks volumes for us as a club that he has chosen to come here."

After impressing at his home town club Ipswich, a £5million move to Newcastle followed. Since his move, Bramble has been a regular in the Premiership as well as gaining experience playing in Europe.

Bramble made 157 appearances for Newcastle (eight in the Champions League) and has played for England at under-21 level 12 times.

He also played both games against Wigan last season, the 2-1 opening day victory for Newcastle and the 1-0 victory for Wigan at the JJB Stadium.