Town will have to look elsewhere for their new first-choice keeper with number one target Tomasz Kuszczak completing a Bosman free move to Brighton and Hove Albion this evening, signing a two-year deal. As reported in April, the 30-year-old Pole, who was released by Manchester United at the end of the season, was the man Paul Jewell wanted to see between the Portman Road sticks next season.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet was delighted to win the race for the one-time West Brom man, who was also being chased by sides in Germany: "There were clubs in England and abroad interested in Tomasz, but it says a lot for the ambition of this club that he wanted to sign for Brighton.

"We had been tracking his progress for some time and he will provide real competition to both Casper Ankergren and Peter Brezovan for the goalkeeper’s jersey this coming season — and that can only be a good thing for the team moving forward."

Kuszczak outlined why he chose to join the Seagulls: "I have played Premier League football for eight years, with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, and I believe the structure is in place here to join them.

"The manager and coaching staff, the team, stadium, crowds, through to the plans for the new training ground, everything is geared up for playing at the highest level and I could sense that ambition to be a top club straight away.

"Also when I played against Brighton last season, while on loan at Watford, I was very impressed with the way the team played - it was totally different to the rest of the Championship and more like what I was used to at Manchester United.

"This team likes to pass the ball, they like to create, they are attractive to watch. The way Brighton play is the future of football. I had other clubs who wanted to sign me but my heart told me that this was the right choice."

In addition to their interest in Kuszczak, the Blues sounded out former Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis prior to his move to Cardiff, while QPR’s Paddy Kenny has also been mentioned in connection with Town, however, is expected to be reunited with Neil Warnock at Leeds United.

Watford’s Scott Loach, Manchester United youngster Ben Amos, former Aston Villa man Brad Guzan and Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, who was recently offered new terms by the Midlanders, have all also been linked.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

buryblue77 added 10:24 - Jun 21 MickMillstash, I agree. It seems that either through choice (we wont) or necessity (we can't) pay the going rate for a higher profile player anymore. We don't know if Kuszczak was ever approached by us, but we do know that Ward, Pearce and Henderson all rejected us (why?) we now appear to only be attractive to lower league players as you say, which could turn out to be a good thing in a couple of years time when they have settled in and matured, or they could equally not make the grade and we're left with substandard players which will only mean one thing. The way things are looking at the moment isn't one of this promotion chasing club that we have been lead to believe we are. My own thoughts is that by showing a bit of ambition it keeps the fans happy and believing but it appears that there just isn't the money to be spent, it's not a negative view, it's a realistic view and I can see another tough season ahead.

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Blue041273 added 10:48 - Jun 21 Blues1, I have never criticised the club or it's manager, and importantly I never intentionally set out to criticise any other contibutors to this forum, but like most fans I like to think I have a sense of perspective. I do not continually slag off the club but I do not believe also that everything in the ITFC garden is rosy either. At the end of the day we are all ITFC fans and all want the best for the club. That our different points of view can be debated universally on a site like this is a modern wonder of the world but no-one should expect that all views will be the same on every subject. Finally, Bobblehat, I totally agree that patience is a virtue; after all the transfer window hasn't even opened yet. All good things will come to he who waits. That philosophy is fine when you have faith. It's a bit like a child waiting for Christmas. In the days before Christmas every child has faith and expectation that their wishes will be fulfilled but I'm sure also that many children are left with a sense of disappointment on the day. I have faith that we have a plan; I would be happier if I truly felt that that plan could be implemented.

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alliedaz added 11:32 - Jun 21 im been saying it for months now we are stuck in the championship and struggling every year nobody wants to come,all these players who are linked to us and then go to other smaller clubs coz they play better football and going forward surely we must sort this problem out now,and once again pre season soon and no team and the player we did sign is out for 4 months,i would love to get jewell,clegg and evans together and bang ur heads together and get this club back in the big time coz us fans are had enough

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walberswick added 12:30 - Jun 21 Paul Green joins Leeds United from Derby County, better luck with Davies. That is Paul, if you're trying
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Blue041273 added 12:45 - Jun 21 Just another comment on the 'be patient' theme. When do you believe that patience runs out and panic sets in? I guess most would want to start the new season with the best possible squad but with the caveat that if additional players are required they can be acquired before the transfer window closes or brought in on loans. However, there are three types of target; 1. Players who are free agents, 2. Players contracted to other clubs for whom we would have to pay a fee, and 3. Players who would be prepared to come here on loan. I would imagine that the management team have spent many hours looking at players in the UK and abroad and determining the reality of getting them in. With regard to free agents who,in theory, should be the easiest players to attract, we seem to have failed to date with several 'hot tips', Pearce, Ward, Green & Kusczak going elsewhere. Players under contract cannot be acquired until the transfer window opens next week and many, including myself, feel that the loan market should only be used to plug gaps caused by injuries, not as a means to propping up a failing squad. Given the new FFP rules we are unlikely to be splashing out on huge transfer fees, so at what point will fans start to see that the threadbare squad we have currently is not fit for purpose and that that panic measures will be necessary?

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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 13:05 - Jun 21 I may be wrong but pretty sure PJ came out weeks ago and said Green wasnt a target. Blue041273 - in answer to your question, when do we panic, my answer is not yet. I can see a lot of your points but even the free agents (who i agree in theory should be easier to sign) still hold out to see who comes in for them. blues1 - i think you seem to have the same viewpoint as me, i really dont understand why some posters have to be negative ALL the time. Of course we should voice frustrations and point out short comings of the club , and this is the place , or at least one of them to do that, but a lot of people on here IMO have decided at some point in the past that PJ/SC are not the people to take the club forward (which may turn out to be correct), but they then use every single news story , put negative spin on it and use it to have a go. I dont get it, and im glad i dont. The clue is in the word "supporters", we should support. That doesnt mean we have to praise everything the management does but we certainly shouldnt criticise everything either.

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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 13:06 - Jun 21 By the way wobbleswick, you're looking good, have you done something with your hair?
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buryblue77 added 14:34 - Jun 21 Dozzell, looks like wobbles has had a boob job too!
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 14:42 - Jun 21 buryblue77 -indeed , but u should always compliment the eyes or hair before the chest !!
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buryblue77 added 14:51 - Jun 21 So that's where I keep going wrong....doh!!
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walberswick added 19:16 - Jun 21 I'm gonna be trying out for a cheerleader spot this year. Free season ticket on offer.
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h32 added 19:49 - Jun 21 blues1 - just keep your focus on your EXCUSES - you epitomise 'the person' who will wait forever for the bus that never comes. I'll also return your compliment to me - you haven't a CLUE.
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lilcornishblue added 14:38 - Jun 22 A VERY long shot anyway but still i am a little disapointed as it would have been great to get shame..... i hope we get guzan then and a decent central defender unlike Sonko!!!!
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s6blue added 15:52 - Jun 22 shock
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