Ex-Blues skipper Grant Leadbitter’s move to Middlesbrough on a Bosman free transfer has been confirmed by the North-East club. The 26-year-old, who had been expected to join the Teessiders since March, has signed a three-year deal.

Leadbitter, who told Town he wouldn’t be accepting the new deal on offer at Portman Road just before the end of the season, said: "I'm pretty excited. I wanted a fresh challenge and when the opportunity to join Middlesbrough came in, I just couldn't turn it down.

"I just want to play well for Middlesbrough and get the club in the Premier League."

Boro boss and former Blues skipper and coach Tony Mowbray added: "I am delighted we have managed to sign a player of Grant's quality, tenacity and competitive edge.

"In my mind, we are signing a player who has matured to have a good understanding of the game.

"Following the loss of Barry Robson, he will ensure that we will retain the competitive experience that we need in midfield.”

Photo: Action Images

Special_A added 18:55 - May 29 I think Boro have done picking him up on a free. Wouldn't bet against him being MOM against us next season!
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gazzmac4 added 19:07 - May 29 I for one will be a little dissapointed to see him go but im not saying i liked him or his style this year. I know he never really performed for us and he cost us a lot of money all told but hes the kind of player we cant afford to lose to rivals in our own division for free. I feel we should have tried to shift him last summer or failing that in january for some return. The same happened with Norris and we got lucky that it ididnt back fire IMO, its a shame we didnt learn from that. However to think he kept Drury and Martin out of the side for so long this year is mental! Id like to see a combination of Drury, Martin, Hyam and Stevenson moving forward although id like to see an established championship defensive mid come in with Hyam as backup. 3 out of that 5 in the middle would give us an excellent platform going forward and defending.

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bluearmy4life added 19:33 - May 29 All the best Grant. Needed a fresh new challenge is fair enough. Boro just missed out on a play-off place, have a good manager and i'm sure they will be back in the premiership soon. Where did we finish again? Oh yes 15th. Are league position doesn't help each season we keep under achieving. I'm sorry folks but at this moment in time we are not the Ipswich Town we all know and love from years gone by but lets be hopeful for the new season that this changes.

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TimmyH added 19:40 - May 29 aurevoir Grant, you won't be remembered in the annals of top Ipswich midfielders.
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alfromcol added 19:52 - May 29 Hope he has a season as good as Norris!
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blueflo1 added 23:04 - May 29 leadbitter your like any other player you will go where the money is, good job your gone,you didnt have the passion or pride for our club hope you come down with a bang greedy sod
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Tractorog added 01:47 - May 30 Not sure that the phrase "a good honest pro" fits Leadbitter... one of those words does, but I'm less confident about the others.
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DiamondGezzer added 07:32 - May 30 Sods law he'll come to Portman Road and play a blinder. I suppose the law of averages says he's got to play well for one game.
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itfc1981 added 07:35 - May 30 Cant be Clegg's fault, can it?
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are_these_the_days added 08:19 - May 30 jas - your opinion is clouded I'm afraid by the fact that Leadbitter was signed by your darling 'Roy'. One of the worse players ever to wear an Ipswich shirt.
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dirtydingusmagee added 10:31 - May 30 bovveeeerd, at least we may fill the gap with someone who can kick a dead ball.He has had his moments sure enough,but to many were poor.
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Surco72 added 12:23 - May 30 Agree with most apart from obvious Keane fans was a truly awful expensive signing . If Boro think they are replacing Robson with Leadboots they have taken a large step backwards or sideways !!
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walberswick added 12:31 - May 30 probably do well in a TEAM that almost got into the playoffs as opposed to our building site of squad
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itfc4eva added 15:19 - May 30 Shame. I honestly really liked Leadbitter and his style of playing but his performances were not as good as 2010/11 season and he did miss a few penalties this season which cost us at least 3 points. Wish him the best but hope we prevail better than boro next season.
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