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Town Confirm Pitman Signing Friday, 26th Jun 2015 16:08
Town have completed the signing of AFC Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman on a three-year deal with an option for a further season. We understand that the 27-year-old has joined on a free transfer.
Last season Pitman scored 14 goals - including a first-half hat-trick against Blackpool in March - in 21 starts and 18 sub appearances as the Cherries topped the Championship and reached the Premier League for the first time in their history.
The striker told Ipswich Player HD that the switch didn't take long to complete: “The move happened fairly quickly, to be honest, but I’d heard of the interest for a couple of days.
“As soon as I heard that Ipswich were interested, it was something that got me really excited straight away.
“I know there’s a good group of lads here and I know Cole Skuse very well, who told me nothing but positive things about the club.
“The lads went close last season, just falling a little short in the play-offs, but with the squad already in place here you’d expect them to be able to go again.
“The manager spoke to me briefly and, as I’ve already said, coming to Ipswich was a move that really appealed to me and got me excited to get the deal done.”
Cherries manager Eddie Howe paid tribute to Pitman for his contribution with the Dorset club.
“Brett had a year left on his contract and I couldn’t make him any promises regarding playing time next season," he told the Bournemouth Echo.
“I really left the decision to him as to what he chose to do with the next step of his career. He wanted the security of a longer contract which we couldn’t offer him so he decided to join Ipswich.
“I want to thank him for everything he has done for me and for this football club. He will be fondly remembered by everyone here and has been instrumental in our past three promotions.”
He added: “Brett has been worth his weight in gold over the past two seasons because he has played his part on and off the pitch. He was a brilliant supporter of the other players when he wasn’t involved and was a real team player.
“That is why, at this stage of his career, I couldn’t stand in his way if there was a move he wanted to pursue. I had to be very honest with him and let him know where he stood and that is why the outcome has ended up how it has.”
The St Helier-born frontman started his career with Bournemouth before joining Bristol City in 2010 for a reported £1 million, after a proposed switch to Blackpool had broken down.
He returned to Dean Court initially on loan in December 2012 before signing a permanent deal the following summer.
Overall Pitman, who won promotion from all three Football League divisions while with the Cherries and is their fourth-highest all-time goalscorer, netted 102 goals in 174 starts and 127 sub appearances for the Dorset club. For Bristol City he scored 20 goals in 36 starts and 45 games from the bench.
Photo: ITFC
Photo: Action Images
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great signing we needed another forward now we have four great strikers and in future months luke varney coming backs got loads going forwards need step left back to come in to replace mings
Welcome to Portman Road, Brett, and we wish you every success. Let's hope you become the same folk hero at Ipswich which you have become at Bournemouth. We know how much affection Cherries will always hold for you.
One consistent theme which cropped up in Cherries' discussions of Brett (and which ITFC fans should be aware of) is his ability as a natural finisher, and especially against lower table opponents. We dropped so many points on the road against the Readings, Birminghams and Rotherhams last season. Brett could be just the person to convert our dominance into points. I really hope so!
Great addition! Hopefully he'll be the fox in the box poacher that Michael Chopra was supposed to be back when he signed. I really do believe we got a great deal for Mings. Parr's a very good defender ready to step in.
If we have in fact signed him on a free that's a terrific signing!
In terms of statistics, Pitman created more chances per game on average (1.09 per game) than Murphy and Sears (1.07 and 0.78 respectively).
Murphy and Sears tend to have more shots than Pitman, and better accuracy on goal, with averages of 49% and 57% respectively compared to Brett's 42%.
However Pitman and Sears match up very similar, so don't expect this to be a replacement for Murphy but back up/competition for Sears, who will benefit from the extra yard of pace over Pitman.
Great signing overall, look forward to seeing him in a town shirt!
Tell me why would Bournemouth sell this this player he is 27 scores goal for fun ,could he be a Taylor don't get me wrong he looks a very good signing quick can score with both feet, I want to be proved wrong
Work with a Bristol City fan who said he was a fan's favourite there but fell out of favour with management. Reckoned he was a great finisher - echoing other comments here
Its a great bit of business especially if he is for free. Who else would you get in the championshipp proven at this level and a great age in fairness.
Great signing at this level with a very good goalscoring record..him,Murphs,Sears & McGoldrick are as good as any strikers outside the prem..let's please keep hold of them all.
Really good signing a proper poaching finisher which will compliment our other 3 forwards . Excellent work on transfers by all at the club over the last few days and money in the bank
This is a good signing for town! Will score 15-20 next season I am sure given the service! Have to say Eddie Howe got on my tits last season but his words about pitman was a nice touch! Shame the departing Mings couldn't say 'I would like to thank Ipswich Town for kick starting my career again' instead he opts to slate our style of play last season! Head was turned in January and was never the same player.. Great bit of business.. All the best Tyrone but sadly I've lost a little bit of respect for you! COYB!
Welcome Brett. A good deal to get him for free. His stats show a consistently good scoring record & was impressive when I saw him last year. Very pleased with our dealings in the last few days and think perhaps with a couple of full backs added we can be competitive next season. It does feel as though MM is finally getting the squad/team he wants
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