Andy Marshall today put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Portman Road. The former Norwich keeper was flanked by David Sheepshanks and George Burley at a Portman Road press conference this afternoon.

David Sheepshanks welcomed Marshall to Portman Road before George Burley outlined his opinion of Town's new signing: "We're very pleased. He is a player I know very well, he made his debut for Norwich in 1995, a few months before I gave Richard Wright his debut and since then he has made 220 appearances for Norwich.

"He has worked with Malcolm Webster for a long time so, as I say, we know him very well. He is a good shot stopper, is good on crosses and I think he will do well in the Premiership. I am confident he can improve as he has all the attributes to be an international keeper."

Marshall himself said he had little doubt about joining Town when the offer came: "It's a massive club and I'm really looking forward to playing. I'm chuffed to bits and can't wait for the season to start."

George Burley added that Town's goalkeeping coach Webster rates him, but that perhaps his development hadn't been all it should have been over the last few years: "Malcolm speaks very highly of him. His progress has perhaps stagnated a bit and hopefully playing in the Premiership will help improve him."

On the matter of whether supporters would accept an ex-Norwich player David Sheepshanks said: "I think supporters will receive him well. He's not the first. I hope all supporters will join George and myself in offering a special welcome."

On the same subject Marshall urged supporters not to prejudge him: "Judge me on 20 games, judge me over the season. Don't be hasty. I hope supporters will back me as they would any of George Burley's other signings."

Marshall becomes Town's second Bosman signing of the summer, but this is not significant. Both new signings would have been brought in even if there had been a fee involved, George Burley: "Money didn't come into it, the key was quality."

David Sheepshanks added that more buys are likely: "We're still looking and when George finds a player he wants, we will invest."

George Burley was confident that the Richard Wright to Arsenal deal would go through, although if it doesn't he welcomes the competition that Marshall's added presence will give the squad.

Burley has been in contact with Wright: "Richard spoke to me last week, he wants to join Arsenal and he's agreed terms. The deal is subject to a medical."

Marshall added that he sees this move as a big chance: "It's my opportunity to prove myself."

He added that he has already moved away from his Norwich home. No details of his shirt number were given.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls