STRIKER Steve Davies has today signed for City on a one-year deal.

Phil Parkinson was thrilled to capture the 27-year-old, who has previously played in the Championship for Derby, Bristol City and Blackpool.

“He has got quality in his all-round game,” said the City boss. “Steve’s a very technical player with a great left foot.

“He has played most of his career in the Championship and is still only 27 so there are a lot of football years ahead of him. We’ve got a very talented player.”

Davies hit double figures in the second tier in back-to-back seasons for Derby and Bristol City and moved to Blackpool for £500,000 two years ago.

His arrival signals the end of City’s bid to re-sign Jon Stead after the parties were unable to reach an agreement over a contract.

Parkinson said: “We’ve been talking to Jon over the summer but couldn’t agree so we have had to move on.

“It gets to a point where you have to make a decision and the weekend was almost like a deadline.

“I’ve got enormous respect for Jon. He’s been outstanding and a different class, both as a person and a player for us.

“But sometimes you’ve just got to make a call and Jon understands that.”

Davies finished last season on loan at Sheffield United and his most recent goal came in the wild 5-5 play-off semi-final against Swindon.

Nigel Clough, who had previously managed the 6ft 1in frontman at Derby, wanted to make the move permanent in the summer but was sacked by the Blades after they missed out on promotion.

Liverpool-born Davies began his career as a winger at Tranmere but switched to a central striking role when Paul Jewell took him to the Rams in 2008.