New defender Christophe Berra says the chance to play under his former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was a factor in his decision to join the Blues. The 28-year-old Scot was confirmed as a Town player over the weekend, having signed two-year deal following his release from Molineux in May.

Speaking in an interview with Ipswich Player, Berra said: “The gaffer signed me for Wolves and I played under him regularly so that was a factor in me coming here.

“I had some good times with him at Wolves. The last season we worked together was obviously disappointing but in the main I learnt a lot from him.”

Berra was also linked with Blackpool and was reportedly close to joining Rangers back in Scotland earlier in the summer and he confirmed he had other options: “I had a few clubs interested, a couple abroad and could have signed for a club three or four weeks ago but I decided not to and to be patient and wait for the right opportunity.

“I wanted a club with a proud history, a club with a good set-up. Ipswich have got that. It’s being called a sleeping giant by some and I can see that.

“The team did very well under the gaffer last season and we’ve got to kick on from there. Although I’ve only been here a day or two you can see everyone is pushing in the same direction.”

Berra has been handed the Town number six shirt, while last week’s other new addition, Frederic Veseli will wear 20.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

RRanger added 11:21 - Jul 23 i would be very happy if Hewitt is given first crack at the right back slot. I remember when we bought him it was from under the noses of the likes of Man U and Chelsea who were pit off by his hip problems. He was being likened to a young Gareth Bale. We (to his credit PJ) took the chance, snapped him up and have eased him into the first team squads. Whenever he came on last season he looked fit,sharp and with a great cross. He deserves the chance to start and I think his shirt number implies that that is MMc's thinking.

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cyprustractorboy added 11:49 - Jul 23 start of a new era really good young signings cant wait to see the swiss roll lol!!
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ArnieMsBigToe added 12:59 - Jul 23 With regards to the problem of Hewitt, Edwards and Chambers no longer being guaranteed a first team place, I have a solution. . . Do you think referees would notice if we snuck an extra player or two on to the pitch. Each player could have a choice of shirts with different numbers on them. As long as we kept the 2 number 6's on opposite sides of the pitch . . .
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RaymondovicBlue added 13:40 - Jul 23 I do not think for one minute that the season will end with the following back four, but I certainly hope and expect it will start with it - leaving all the newcomers to show their pedigree and push on into the team, not for anyone to just assume they can walk into the team after the way we played last year !!! (assuming pre-season training has shown they are all still fit hungry and up for it .... Hewitt, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell As a fan I do not mind how long it takes for a BETTER player to prove it in any or all of these positions so these four can step aside to the bench - WHAT A BACK FOUR WE WILL HAVE if all four of these cannot get into it!!! But they all for deserve to start in my book

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RaymondovicBlue added 13:41 - Jul 23 PS I have already said how happy I am with this signing in another thread ... Welcome aboard the good ship Ipswich, Berra !
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