The Barclays Premier League newcomers have already made six new signings before the end of June.

Cardiff City's Roger Johnson became the latest addition on Thursday when he made a £5m switch - Blues' club-record fee to purchase a defender.

Manager Alex McLeish will return from holiday next week with Gold stressing all the summer captures were on his wish list following promotion from the Championship.

excellent signings

Gold said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have confirmed our sixth signing this summer with the addition of Roger Johnson for a club-record fee for a defender.

"But most of all I want to convey how grateful I am to David Sullivan and other staff at the club for all their hard work and commitment in bringing in and securing some excellent signings to make sure we retain our Premier League status next season.

"David should be very proud and pleased of all the hard work and effort that he has put in to bring such fantastic signings to the club, record signings at that.

"He has worked tirelessly to bring in players to bolster our defence with a record signing for a defender and two more centre-halves in Scott Dann and Giovanny Espinoza plus a new contract for Stephen Carr.

"We have a fantastic addition on loan in Joe Hart, one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country, and also not to forget the club-record fee was smashed this summer with the capture of Christian Benitez."

key additions

Gold added: "All these players were on Alex's wish list and we are pleased that David has been able to deliver them.

"It's fantastic how Alex has been able to get a break away but still be able to return next week with key additions to the team ready for the Premier League season.

"It really does whet my appetite ready for the new season and I'm sure it does to our many fans as well."

Sullivan hinted strongly there are likely to be more summer departures, to follow the arrivals, as Birmingham prepare for success in the top flight.

He said: "Some of the players who have come up with us this time, in our opinion, are not good enough for the Premier League.

"They are top Championship players, so it might be better for them if they move on to ambitious Championship clubs hoping for promotion this year."