Stone moves to Portsmouth

Last updated : 20 December 2002 By VillaMAD
Stone, 31, has made 86 starts for Villa since his arrival from Nottingham Forest three-and-a-half years ago, and scored seven goals.

He recently had a loan spell at Fratton Park cut short through injury but has now made a permanent move to Pompey.

Villa boss Graham Taylor told www.avfc.co.uk: “He goes, and he knows this, with my good wishes. Steve found himself in a position where he wasn’t getting regular first-team football.

“He was one of our high earners, there’s no doubt about that. He had to make a decision as to where he was going to get his first-team football from.

“He obviously wanted to play and so he’s moved on to Portsmouth.

"Good luck to him.”