By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions. We in turn value your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Town Confirm Varney Loan Friday, 20th Feb 2015 11:11
Town have confirmed the signing of Blackburn striker Luke Varney on a one-month loan with an agreement in place for him to remain at Portman Road for the remainder of the season. Paperwork permitting, the 32-year-old is set to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Reading.
Varney, who has been handed the number 15 shirt, comes in as a direct replacement for Noel Hunt, who has now been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury, while David McGoldrick has missed the last two matches with a thigh problem.
“It’s a big blow for us and obviously a big disappointment for Noel as well,” manager Mick McCarthy told the club site.
“He’s been great around the place and he’s made his mark on the pitch as well. We’ll look after him and we wish him a quick recovery.
“Luke is an experienced striker who knows what the Championship is all about, as well as playing in the Premier League and he fits in with what we are looking for in a player. We’re delighted to have him here.”
The striker, who if the loan is extended will be available to the Blues in the play-offs if required, was close to a move to Millwall prior to the transfer window closing, while Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday also understood to have shown interest.
"I’d had a couple of clubs interested in me but to be honest, once I’d heard of Ipswich’s interest there was only one place I wanted to go to,” he told the club site.
“The lads are flying right now and to be involved with a club that’s right in the mix with a manager such as Mick McCarthy at the helm, it was something that really interested me.
“I had a good chat with the gaffer who has told me I’ll be given the chance to play and help the strikers we already have at the club.
“The boys have been fantastic so far this season and if I can use my experience and help in any way, then brilliant.
“The gaffer has made me feel wanted and that’s all I’ve wanted. I had a difficult spell at Blackburn but I’m looking forward to this challenge.
“Already the lads have made me feel part of it and that’s all I’ve wanted really. I’m excited to pull on the Ipswich shirt and help the lads continue to push for promotion.”
Varney started his career with Crewe and has subsequently had spells with Charlton, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Portsmouth and Leeds before joining Rovers on a one-year deal in the summer following a loan at the end of last season.
The Leicester-born 5ft 11in tall striker has made only one start - in the Capital One Cup in August - and 13 sub appearances during 2014/15.
Photo: ITFC
Photo: Action Images
Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
I live with a Blackburn and Leeds fan and I'm getting laughed at because they say he is the worst player to grace their shirts. Of course, I hope he proves them/me wrong and does really well for us but players should not be coming in trying to prove people wrong. Poor Jack Marriott!
Pretty identical player to N. Hunt. The signing makes sense - I'm not going to even bother listening to my Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday friends who seem to find this mildly amusing. In Mick we trust.
Just a short term back up so no point in slagging the guy off - can't see him getting much of a look in ahead of Murphy,Sears or McGoldrick tbh - at least we managed to get shot of Sammon who was and always has been useless.
what a shame we are still lumbered with paying Taylor's wages , otherwise we might have been able to be more ambitious in our signings . but we are what we are , so good luck to LV , with the injury news on Hunt , we needed some cover .
I do think a top 2 finish is going to be very hard for us to achieve without the real push of a class player like Derby have signed
I don't understand why people waste time complaining about this type of deal.
Obviously, it's not that easy to attract players who will always be low down in the pecking order behind Murphy, Sears, McGoldrick. It's not an alternative to Bent, who wouldn't have come anyway, for precisely the same reason. It's not about "Evans putting his hand in his pocket to get a better player".
Potentially, with Noel Hunt out, and McGoldrick showing signs of an extended time out, plus Murphy with a patched up nose, we might suddenly be very short of cover. In the worst case, it's Sears and ..er.......
If you cannot attract better players when you are three points from the top at this stage of the season then something is wrong.ME must invest if he wants to see a return the only way you will reduce the debt is promotion if you drop the next season you still have the parachute money for five years.
If he does as well as Hunt then all moans will drift away but....... MM seems pleased so hope TC works his magic. I expect he'll get on as sub tomorrow then we'll see. It would be great help if midfield carry on from Fulham and maybe score a couple of goals as they'll be sitting tight on Murphs for sure. Hope Stewart gets a chance.
Sears , Murph and Dids are starters or first three strikers Anyone coming in has to accept that What some on here seem to 'overlook' ego's and big money of the so called 'better players' would disrupt the team that MM has built - This is a fourth striker position . If you can accept that great - welcome aboard - we were never gonna sign a £40k a week loanee - never , nadda we are on a shoestring and doing rather well Get behind him and the exciting youngsters we have coming thru - glass half full boys remember that !
Another journeyman who will do a job for Mick and the hard working team ethic!
Not sure if anyone has seen the free sports app 'My Sports Diary' but you can download the Ipswich fixtures to your mobile for free! I recently found it and its handy to track the last games of the season to clinch 2nd place. COYB!
My son was at Crewe Academy for eight years at the same time Varney was playing for the first team . Saw alot of him. He was excellent at that level and scored a lot of goals which obviously lead moves to Portsmouth (in Prem) , etc. I know he is older now (maybe wiser ?) but with what we are going to get and what is needed he may do ok . Lets hope !!!!!
Given our usual tactics (hoofball) he could be an ideal signing. He has pace, harasses defenders, wins penalties and is (reasonably) good in the air. It could be that he flourishes at Ipswich. Leeds/Sheffield Wednesday etc play the game on the deck and MM may well have uncovered a gem. He may well enjoy getting on the end of those 70/80 yard hoofballs from Chambers. Welcome to ITFC Varney. Let the aerial bombardment commence.
You really can't judge players on how they do at other clubs. Forest laughed at us when we signed McGoldrick and Leeds when we signed Hunt. McCormick hasn't made double figures for Fulham which isn't exactly a great return for what was considered last seasons hot property at Leeds. Best of luck and welcome to Ipswich Luke.
Did well for Blackpool & scored one down here in last seasons defeat by Leeds. Can't say I am excited by this signing, especially in our league position but let's back him & Mick & see where it takes us. Shame about Hunt, I like him.
Forest also laughed when we signed Chambers, they couldn't stand him. That hasn't worked out too badly has it. Put any player in an environment where he feels wanted and trusts the manager and he will do better. Look at Murphy.
Wouldn't have been my choice. I'd have gone for a striker with a decent goal scoring record. Varney doesn't offer goals. We need options on the bench who can get a goal if the game isn't going our way. However, mick has signed him so I wish him well. He has a point to prove.
He will get up the nose of the opposition, thats why he's here, he might when a pen or 2 (have we had one this season? and will generally act as wind up merchant and casue distraction when opposing teams are tired and tetchy. kinda El Hadj Diouf like.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
