Town loan signing Richard Stearman is anxious to avoid a nightmare end-of-season scenario that would see him relegated twice.

It may be a long shot, especially with Ipswich climbing the table under Mick McCarthy, but it is not impossible that both parent club Wolves and his temporary employers could take the plunge into League One.

Stearman said: “That’s the last thing I want. I have been relegated twice already in my career — with Leicester and last season with Wolves — and I definitely don’t want another one on my cv.

“I’ve had to face a relegation battle most seasons throughout my career so it’s nothing new to me. The gaffer here has been in a few himself so we’re well prepared.”

Town boosted their survival chances with Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Blackpool and have a quick opportunity to add to their points tally when in-form Watford are at Portman Road tonight.

Stearman added: “Hopefully we can get some more points from the Watford game and carry on pushing up the league. The fact that it has happened to me before makes me determined that it won’t happen again.”

While he admits it is hard seeing Wolves struggle, he stresses his immediate priority is to make sure Town secure their Championship status at the earliest opportunity.

Stearman added: “Obviously I have a big affiliation with Wolves and I’m still contracted to them. I’m looking at them and how they are doing — but first and foremost I’m here to play for Ipswich.

“I haven’t spoken to the management at Molineux as yet but they told me they would be watching my games and we’ll have to wait and see how it develops.

“I still speak to quite a few of the players on a daily basis so I’m still in contact with the club. But I’m here and I’m focusing on Ipswich, trying to get us up the league.”

Photo: Action Images

Len_Brennan added 06:54 - Feb 19 Relegation for Wolves would be the most likely way that we can do a permanent deal for Stearman in the summer; for little or no fee anyway. I can see Saunders wanting him back if they stay up, or demanding a significant fee at any rate. If they go down there could be no pretending they would keep him on his contracted wages, they would have to get rid of him.
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bluemikey100 added 09:10 - Feb 19 town aint goin down no way wolves well lookin bleak with the bottom 3 in good form 3 points tnite and 3 against huddersfield everything rosy in the gardenn for a late promotion push
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lojd added 14:05 - Feb 19 I really hope we sign Stearman, he seems to be very level headed, a great attitude and a solid defender. Also he seems to have spoken to the press more times in the few weeks he's been here than most players have in their careers at ITFC. Speaking on behalf of the players to wish Wordsworth a speedy recovery, sounds more like a captain than a loan signing!
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