Former Wimbledon, West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has signed a three-month deal with the Blues. The 28-year-old has been a free agent since leaving the Trotters at the end of last season.

Reo-Coker told the club site: “Ipswich is a sleeping giant in the Championship. It’s a massive club with a great history and tradition. The facilities are first class and there is a terrific fanbase. It’s the right club at the right time for me and everything has just fallen into place.

“I had a good conversation with the manager. He’s highly respected in the game for what he has achieved and I know what he’s trying to do at the club.

“Ipswich may be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but it’s still early in the season and I’m sure with the manager and players the club have, it’s only a matter of time before things turn around.”

Former England U21 international Reo-Coker is with the Blues until January 12th and says he is open to where things might progress from there: “I’ve no plans after that. I’m here for three months and am looking forward to it.

“I want to do the best I can for Ipswich in that time and we will see where it goes after that.”

Describing Town as having a "fantastic club, very well structured", Reo-Coker wasn't put off by the Blues' current lowly position: "We're on the same page. So it all fell into place and I just need to get some games under my belt.

"I don't think you can look at the table after 10 games and think that's how it's going to be. About the same time last year Reading were in the relegation zone and they got promoted."

He says long-term he hasn't given up on playing at a much higher level having been on standby for the 2006 England squad: "I believe I still have the quality to be an international player."

Blues boss Paul Jewell says he's delighted to add Reo-Coker to his squad: “There were a few clubs after Nigel so we are delighted to have him here.

“He’s played a lot of football in the Premier League and has a wealth of experience, even though he’s only 28.

“He will give us a lot of drive and energy in midfield. I think we have lacked that player to go and win the ball back for us and Nigel will do that.

“He has leadership qualities and has skippered teams wherever he has played. He’s also a strong character and that is what we need at the moment.”

Photo: Action Images

Big_Foot_Blue added 01:34 - Oct 14 Phil, any news or rumour about whether he's using us for a bigger move or more likely us wanting to see him in a trial like 3 month contract before a multi year deal?
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urbanpenguin added 01:40 - Oct 14 Why did they confirm this at 1.16am on a Sunday?
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Garv added 01:46 - Oct 14 Hopefully it will lead to a long term deal, but that seems unlikely in my opinion. Good signing though. Some actual depth to our squad now, even if many are short term deals. Hopefully we can extend and in some cases make permanent such deals.
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TractorBoy666 added 01:48 - Oct 14 Great signing! It always seems as when we're struggling we go and bring in players we've heard of. No complaints over this though, well done for all involved with the deal.
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whiskey added 02:14 - Oct 14 booyah
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harlingblue added 02:37 - Oct 14 Now that is a real plus signing! Could be better times ahead?
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mike5ta added 03:02 - Oct 14 Great signing strange contract tho 3 months we surely offered a longer deal ! But as long as Paul jewell in charge we have nothing to look forward to ! Jewell out
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Sindre94 added 03:21 - Oct 14 Great player. Very good signing, I think N'daws town days are over now
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singtown added 03:49 - Oct 14 Bye wellens. Massimo & Ndaw on season long loan. PJ would like to see how Nigel fits into the squad and if things don't pick up 3 mths later it's bye bye too
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nerdys added 03:55 - Oct 14 Another Loan Player !!!! Do We Not Have Any Of Our Own Players To Play For Us. I Can See Us Changing Our Name To Loan FC..
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delias_cheesy_flaps added 04:13 - Oct 14 singtown Jewell hopefully won't be around when the 3 month deal comes to an end!
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harlingblue added 04:25 - Oct 14 Reo-coka, Hyam in centre of midfield, Jet playing at the tip of a diamond, Martin sold, Higginbothom given a contract, Dj bought, Chopra sold, Luogho played wide right or returned, Wellens back home when Hyam is fit. Smith to play left back if Cresswell is not living up to last year or swap with Higgingbotham?
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riley26 added 04:48 - Oct 14 Martin the only creative player we've got, Luongo a winger, Smith a left back (if playing at all)?I assume this is all a joke I have misread.
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debenturedave added 05:48 - Oct 14 Great signing pity all these signings didn't happen in July. We now need to win at Hull and not lose the next two home games or Jewell will have to go !
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howdonblue added 06:47 - Oct 14 Nerdys reo Coker released was by Bolton at the end of last season... How is this a loan ....
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howdonblue added 06:48 - Oct 14 And well done by the way pj good signing ... Will be an excellent addition
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hairbear added 06:59 - Oct 14 This smacks of Andrews last season. Do well for us then get a move to a lower prem team. Good player but papering over the cracks I'm afraid. JEWELL OUT!!!
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WarkyWonderLand added 07:14 - Oct 14 Why the panic signing if wellens. But this is another short term loan. If the results don't come in the next 3 games pressure still on PJ cos nearly every player playing is those he brought in. Next news will be ndaw goes back to France. 2 points from last 18 so next 3 games are huge.
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PeekFreans added 07:42 - Oct 14 A good player with the right attitude. I think he will do well here. Welcome Nigel!
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clivewoodsleftpeg added 08:17 - Oct 14 good player, will strengthen the team without doubt, hopefully the 3 month deal has an option for us to extend if we want rather than Reo Coker just using us as a springboard to get fit and get some game time then join a bigger club, cynical I know but when you sign a player who is a free agent you usually give them a reasonable length of contract rather than just 3 months, we need continuity and stability

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Keaneish added 08:20 - Oct 14 Agree - why the hell is this a 3 month deal if he's a free agent? Who imposed the three months? Him to see if he likes it or Jewell to see if he's good enough? Weird no?
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mawwam added 08:21 - Oct 14 Why are people saying this is a loan? Free agent!! If things go well for us and him we can extend his contract as and when we/he want to!
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TractorRoyNo1 added 08:30 - Oct 14 that'll be Martin on his way then
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TractorRoyNo1 added 08:32 - Oct 14 not a loan it's a short contract
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bedsitfc added 08:37 - Oct 14 At 28 he will still think he should be in the premier league, a 3 month deal suits him and us he can put himself in the shop window remain match fit plus his wage demands will be above what we can offer but a 3 month deal we can stretch our budget just to try and kick start our season.
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