WANDERERS have signed Birmingham City full-back Jonathan Grounds on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old left-sided defender has been a regular at St Andrew’s in the last four seasons, playing 170 games for the Blues at Championship level.

But with financial issues at the fore in Garry Monk’s squad the decision was taken not to grant Grounds a squad number – which left scope for Phil Parkinson to make his move.

The Wanderers boss has been seeking experienced competition for Andy Taylor and has now finally landed his man.

Grounds has 374 career appearances and began his career at Middlesbrough and game through the Teesside youth system alongside the likes of Taylor and David Wheater.

He had loan spells with Norwich, Hibs, Chesterfield and Yeovil and moved on to play two seasons at Oldham Athletic in League One.

Grounds was taken to Birmingham in the 2014/15 season by Lee Clark and was first-choice for three full campaigns. He goes straight into the Bolton squad to face Leeds United at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking to the club about his move, Grounds said: "I’m really excited to get going.

"I’m really pleased that I’m at Bolton Wanderers and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.

"Speaking to the manager was definitely one of the things that helped me make my decision, as well as how much he wanted to get me up here.

"It’s going to be a good place for me to come and play football and I’m ready for the challenge."