Mario returns

Last updated : 09 July 2007 By Liam Cooper
The Dutch defender was given an extended break after appearing for his country during the summer, and chose the number 25 shirt, vacated by last seasons hero David Unsworth, for the new season.

As well as meeting his new team-mates, Super Mario found friendly faces in his former Birmingham team-mate Emile Heskey and fellow Dutch International Denny Landzaat.

Mario said: "I know Hesk well from Birmingham, and Denny Landzaat know each other from the national team and way back to the Ajax team."

"I know a lot of the other lads from being in the game, but it will still take me a few days to learn all the names!.

"I'm just happy to be here, to get back to playing and get ready for the new season."