Midfielder Jay Tabb says he never considered moving anywhere but Town after enjoying his two-month loan spell at Portman Road towards the end of the season. Earlier today, the Blues confirmed that the 29-year-old had agreed to sign the deal which was offered to him at the end of the season.

The released Reading man had been linked with Middlesbrough and Birmingham, but told the club site that there was only one option for him: “I really enjoyed my time at Ipswich when I was on loan and moving here permanently was always my first choice.

“In fact I never really considered signing for anyone else and now I’m delighted it all’s done and made official.

“There is a good feeling about the place with a top manager in charge in Mick McCarthy and I’m looking forward to going back for pre-season and taking on the next challenge for me.

“It’s a tough league to compete in, the Championship, but the manager has a proven track record and there is a lot of optimism around the club. I can’t wait to get going.”

Tabb has also sent a message of thanks to his old supporters: "I'd like to thank all of the fans, players and staff at Reading for a fantastic four and a half years.

"I'll always look back on my time at the club with fond memories and I've made some good friends along the way. Winning the league in 2011/12 has to be the highlight of my career.

"I'm already looking forward to playing at Madejski Stadium next season and I'm sure the club has a great chance of bouncing straight back up. Wishing you all a good summer and all of the best for the future."

Another former loanee, Daryl Murphy, looks set to be the next permanent addition to McCarthy’s squad. As TWTD reported on Saturday, the Irishman’s two-year deal is close to being confirmed.

Photo: Action Images

shefkuqi32 added 21:04 - Jun 5 Great signing, always thought he was nice little player since Brentford days, welcome to Town permanently Jay
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bluemikey100 added 21:11 - Jun 5 good on u not all bout the money ,awesome boss and ipswich name more important
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arc added 21:13 - Jun 5 Good news. Quality player. And it is so nice to have a little bit of continuity around the place.
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ian_marshall added 21:21 - Jun 5 Really optimistic for season 13/14😄
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theobald1985 added 21:25 - Jun 5 shows we can get decent players without paying the earth.
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runaround added 21:26 - Jun 5 Excellent news, welcome back Jay, a welcome boost after the recent annoying rumours surrounding the club
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Vic added 21:29 - Jun 5 He forgot to mention the training facilities though.
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daniel9624 added 21:35 - Jun 5 Perhaps since MM took charge they've gone to wrack and ruin, shame Mick Out!!
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Michael11 added 21:54 - Jun 5 It's really refreshing to see us sign a player who really wants to be here. Plenty of times in the past i've had the feeling players have come for the money. Hopefully a new era for us!
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WaffleMan added 22:08 - Jun 5 exactly the type of play we need around the pitch, someone who will give everything not like some overpaid players at the club.
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tractorfromongar added 22:46 - Jun 5 For too long ITFC has endured a string of loan players, many just happy to be getting a game, and not about winning for Ipswich. Finally a solid team is being built consisting of regular "want to be here" players, and its great. Roll on Murfs signature, with Stearman next? Onwards and upwards.
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budgieplucker added 22:47 - Jun 5 A player in the Sticky Mockwell mould, small, tireless, honest, tenacious, versatile (can play a number of positions on either side) and a great ambassador to be wearing the Ipswich shirt. I mentioned in an earlier posting shortly after he first arrived when it was suggested that he looked a very ordinary player that having watched him carefully off the ball he works tirelessly to close down, never stops and makes some exceptional forward runs if not always spotted by his team mates. Matched with his experience this is an excellent signing. A right back come centre half, back-up goalie and the two Forrester boys and we will be well sorted.

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iamipswich added 23:13 - Jun 5 Potential Squad: Loach Hewitt Chambers Smith Cresswell Edwards Hyam Wordsworth Tabb Mcgoldrick Nouble Other members to be used: Murphy Taylor Marriott Mings (JET /Chops?) Would probably say we need a slightly more experienced right back like Stearman, Centre back competiton (like Stearman) and a fast out and out winger.
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Len_Brennan added 06:50 - Jun 6 We are signing the right players on permanent deals. Skuse and Tabb 100% confirmed now with McGoldrick & Murphy 99.9% there from what we gather, and not a penny paid in transfer fees between them - it's a very positive start. Each one of them are not just good players at this level, but hard working committed types who we know will give their all for the club. Add in the return to fitness of Taylor (assuming) & the development of young players such as Hewitt, Marriot & Mings and all of a sudden we have the signs of a strong match day squad of permanent signings together, which compares very well against where we were 12 months ago, while also being better off in terms of FFP.

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lonelyblue added 07:09 - Jun 6 I am delighted because I think any team at championship level should be happy to have him. He's proper. And I couldn't help but fear, on past experience, that this would mean that he would go to any other club. Maybe we needn't all be so doomy. I also like the way this squad is coming together in terms of continuity. Please note all loan-moaners, the loan system can work pretty well if managed properly. Didsy, Murphy, Tabbsy....Now all we need is for Reo-Cokery and Tony Dinning to sign permanent deals and we'll be sorted.

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whittonite added 07:24 - Jun 6 now lets get stearman!!!
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Stato added 07:52 - Jun 6 now west ham have signed lad from real betis I guess that means henderson is surplus to requirements. No doubt we need another keeper and i'd be delighted if that was henderson
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hampstead_blue added 08:36 - Jun 6 It does show how much speculation is utter tripe. Further proof that MM is a manager whom players want to work with.
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PremierBlue added 09:13 - Jun 6 Alt + Tabb will certainly give us more options in midfield... His work ethics and moral is tops.
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mattb97 added 10:24 - Jun 6 "never thought about going anywhere else"bollox no club was stupid enough to offer this shocking hobbit a contract
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JewellintheTown added 12:01 - Jun 6 @mattb97 -""never thought about going anywhere else"bollox no club was stupid enough to offer this shocking hobbit a contract " Sad little man. I'm not talking about Tabb either.
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Keaneish added 12:32 - Jun 6 Iamipswich - you forgot Cole Skuse who'll be sure to be a regular alongside Hyam I expect.
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paulcooperisgod added 13:41 - Jun 6 @matt97 stick to your mums-your-sister naarwich forum you inbred sado COYB
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bluemikey100 added 14:26 - Jun 6 the championship there for the takin than last season the teams comin up and down from premiership hardly top teams and we should have loads more points after 15 games this season
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dirtydingusmagee added 15:57 - Jun 6 pleased with this signing, he did well on his loan spell.Unlike some loan players he looked like he wanted to impress, [and did ].After a few crap seasons i honestly think Town are beginning to look like a team capable of achieving something .COYB
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