Alex Cochrane reveals driving force behind Birmingham City transfer

Alex Cochrane says Birmingham City’s big ambitions convinced him to join the club from Hearts.

Left-back Cochrane has become the Blues’ fifth summer signing after penning a four-year deal from St Andrew’s. The 24-year-old returns to English football after three years in Scotland, having had his dream sold by Chris Davies and Craig Gardner.

“The ambition of the club and, speaking to people involved, what they want to achieve this season and where they see the club going,” Cochrane said when asked why he joined the Blues. “For a player like me, I’m young and I want to go as far as I can in football.”

READ: Hearts expert reveals what Birmingham City can expect from Alex Cochrane

READ: Managing the Blues – Two players have been asked to follow Bielik as Davies plans defensive rebuild

Cochrane first became aware of the Blues’ interest when he was at Hearts’ pre-season base in Spain last week, before things progressed over the weekend.

“I was away on pre-season in Tenerife and I got a message from my agent,” Cochrane added. “It was a case of speaking to my partner and once we were happy with everything, and I had a little chat with the manager and Craig Gardner, it was sold very easily.

“The chats were honest about where they see the club going and I wanted to be part of that straight away. It’s an ambitious club and it has support.”