New signing Dean Gerken says he’s at Town to play games, not to be the number two keeper. The 28-year-old free agent has signed a two-year deal having been released by Bristol City at the end of last season.

Gerken, who spent three weeks on trial with the Blues, told the club site: “As soon as I knew Ipswich wanted to have a look at me, my mind was made up that I wanted to come here.

“I know Mally [goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster] well from my Colchester days and I know what the club is all about.

“It’s a massive club. The fans are fantastic. It’s a daunting place to come for away teams and obviously everyone knows what a good manager Mick McCarthy is.

“I knew that if I could get myself in the best shape when I came here, I could give a good account of myself and I’m delighted it’s worked out.”

The one-time Colchester man says Town weren’t the only interested party following his Ashton Gate exit: “I had other options but, as I said, my mind was made up and now I’m really looking forward to working here.

“I needed a new challenge after coming to the end of my contract at Bristol, regardless of whether they offered me a new deal or not.

“I didn’t play as many games as I would have wanted. I didn’t go there to be a number two keeper. I have never worked with anyone who wanted to be a number two.

“I have come here to play games, but if I’m not in the team I’ll be supporting the boys and pushing Loachy all the way for his place.”

Photo: Action Images

warwickblue added 18:17 - Jul 12 “I have come here to play games, but if I'm not in the team I'll be supporting the boys and pushing Loachy all the way for his place.” Brilliant! Welcome aboard!
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Metcalfe added 18:19 - Jul 12 scott loach is our number 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! scott needs games this season and we have to stay with him to help him improve.
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kuyski added 18:32 - Jul 12 good to see your AMBITION ，welcome aboard！
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taylor15 added 18:32 - Jul 12 loach is the man for me, and he's still young! gerken will help loach with his experience hopefully, but i really hope loachy gets a chance this season, he is a very good keeper in my opinion! well done MM, now i reckon, another winger, right back, and a good playmaker! however, mick showed last season, that with good manager (himself) the results will still come, they just have to believe in their own ability! IN MICK WE TRUST, COME ON YOU BLUESSSSS! we deserve to be in the premiership!

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Mark added 18:36 - Jul 12 I do with him the best of luck, and it's good to have competition for the number one shirt. It's also nice to have two goalkeepers we own rather than loans. I would be surprised if Gerken walks straight into the number one shirt though. He didn't play for Bristol after two errors in this game: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20919094 Loach has made mistakes too of course, but I expect Scott will be ahead of Gerken in McCarthy's thinking at the moment.

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WickedBlue added 18:39 - Jul 12 Who ever it is I don't think in terms of number 1 or 2. Both will get their chances during the season and it is up to them to keep their place. Who ever is playing best will get the games. Welcome to the club!
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bluemikey100 added 18:41 - Jul 12 2 goalkeepers in goal then sounds awesome lol ipswich unbeatable we got 2 good keepers loach wont let us down ipswich thru and thru and gerken pretty impressive
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martleshamitfc added 18:55 - Jul 12 metcalfe - grow up and welcome the new keeper!
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jas0999 added 18:58 - Jul 12 As I said on another thread, regardless of opinion on here, I really do not think that MM has any faith in Loach. the decision not to change his keeper on Wednesday, is surely an indication. I really don't think Loach will start the season as No. 1 and frankly, I hope that's the case. Loach can't control his area or hold on to a football. His aerial ability is also very poor. Sorry, I know it's unpopular, but head has to rule heart on this - an Ipswich fan yes, but a very good keeper, no.

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Robbie12345 added 19:05 - Jul 12 Sounds like he will be a great contender for loach! Personally, I don't think we need any more signings now, apart from maybe a CB cover. We need to keep the wages down! Mick should get in a few young and promising players in the prem for first team places and or to keep presure up to get the players performing to their potential - strengthening the squad. This season is looking very promising (quietly confidant). MIcks building a solid squad, and definitely knows what he's doing!

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Michael11 added 19:19 - Jul 12 I love Scott Loach as much as anyone but just because he's a Town fan doesn't give him an automatic right to play. He ended the season well but he was very suspect to begin with. Think Gerken is a good enough 'keeper to push him but think Loach will be number 1 unless Hendo comes back.
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Mark added 19:24 - Jul 12 I presumed that McCarthy gave Gerken a full game Wednesday as he was deciding whether to offer him a contract so wanted a proper look at him. If McCarthy doesn't think Loach is good enough, I wonder if he would have brought in someone who would be a clear number one. I am not convinced Gerken fits that category. Of course, there could be a third goalkeeper join?
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cooper4england added 19:48 - Jul 12 Great point Mark. Of course gerken only played 90 mins because MM wanted to see him play. You don't take a new car for half a test drive. Think poeple think!!
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ThatMuhrenCross added 21:18 - Jul 12 Loach is our number one, but Gerken is a good number two. I have every faith that he can do a good job if called upon.
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HarryfromBath added 22:27 - Jul 12 Gerkin's attitude will improve the performance of both keepers, and Mick will be delighted about this as much as anything.
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Leithblue added 22:43 - Jul 12 I'd be disappointed if we brought in a 3rd keeper now - 2 promising youngish players with a lot to prove
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bigolconnor added 22:54 - Jul 12 Don't see how you could be disappointed if we brought in a third keeper.
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ArnieMsBigToe added 23:21 - Jul 12 Whoa Whoa Whoa!! I have a cunning plan. Why not play Loach in the first half and Gerken in the second (or vice versa). That way, both goalies are happy and if either of them make a boo boo, they've only got themselves to blame!!
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runningout added 13:59 - Jul 13 oh dear! 'Mally' 'Loachy'.. Aw, isnt life sweet for Mr Gerken, guess he must be Deany.. I'm cringing again Sorry..
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