Town new boy Kieffer Moore is itching to kick-start his career and make the most of his big chance at Portman Road.

Moore, 24, has joined on an 18-month deal but is not in the squad for tonight’s FA Cup third round replay at Lincoln because he played for former club Forest Green Rovers in an earlier round of the competition.

The 6ft 5in tall striker wants to take full advantage of a second chance to establish himself at Championship level, having joined Yeovil in 2013 when they were in the second tier before leaving two years later, by which time they had dropped down two levels to League Two.

Torquay-born Moore said: “I first heard about Ipswich being interested in me about a week ago. It was a surprise, a really good one.

“Then it really started kicking in about four days ago — that’s when the wheels were being set in motion and the deal got done, which I’m very thankful for.

“I had received a couple of calls from other Football League teams and when I heard Mick had contacted my agency I was buzzing.

“My first thought was ‘What an opportunity for me to get back in the Championship!’ Thankfully, the deal got done and here I am, really excited and ready to get going.”

Town boss Mick McCarthy advised his new signing not to dwell on anything being said about him on social media, fearing that the club’s first deal of the transfer window could trigger some disparaging comments.

But Moore couldn’t resist a brief look at what was being said and added: “I did take on board the gaffer’s advice but you need to have a thick skin.

“To be fair, I’ve had some very nice people message me, saying ‘Well done, looking forward to seeing you play.’ That sort of thing helps to give you confidence.”

McCarthy remembered Moore as a half-time substitute in Town’s 1-0 win at Yeovil in March 2014 when he came close to claiming a late equaliser. The player laughed: “That was definitely a surprise, when I heard that had stuck in the back of the gaffer’s mind.

“I must have done something right in that game. I think the fact that I hit the post in the last few seconds obviously stuck in his mind. It stuck in mine as well because I wanted to score that goal!”

One of his team-mates at Yeovil, albeit briefly, was current Town loanee Tom Lawrence, on loan at the time from Manchester United. Moore added: “I’m looking forward to playing alongside Tom again.

“It’s the way Tom carries himself. You can see how good he is on the ball and that if you give him a yard of space he’ll shoot. He’s got a great ability to shoot and he’s a good crosser of the ball, which will hopefully help me.”

Photo: TWTD

Chondzoresk added 06:12 - Jan 17 and doesn't he just look so, so happy at being part of this club. His smiles were beaming out at the press. What a ray of sunshine.... Come on mate, smile... Be happy.
-5

The_Romford_Blue added 06:17 - Jan 17 In fairness Chondzoresk, I've never heard someone sound so excited to join us before. He sounds genuinely chuffed to be given a shot with us. His hunger stands out a mile. I really hope he does well.
17

osborne added 07:22 - Jan 17 Good luck Kieffer. I'm excited that you are here. Mick has his critics, but he has a good track record of finding and developing players from lower leagues and Terry knows his stuff too. You are joining a great club, albeit that we are going through a sticky patch. Grasp the opportunity and become a Town legend. COYB!!!
15

therein61 added 08:30 - Jan 17 Give it your all big man being here from non league did Tyrone no harm!! good luck to you
5

RomeoZondervan added 08:57 - Jan 17 Murphy didn't exactly pull up trees for us until a few seasons back. The least we can do is give him some support. All anger should be directed at the board and then to MM
3

brittaniaman added 09:13 - Jan 17 Be prepared because I expect Mick to be calling you KIFEY ???
1

Cakeman added 09:14 - Jan 17 Best of luck Kieffer. You have a great opportunity at a great club and we could certainly do with refreshing our attacking options.
2

BanksterDebtSlave added 09:29 - Jan 17 It'll be Kiefsey!
2

WadeyBlue added 10:18 - Jan 17 Nah it will just be ' K '
0

BrettenhamBlue added 10:22 - Jan 17 Chondzoresk - he looks serious and ready for action. Much rather have that than a beaming clown smile!
2

BrettenhamBlue added 10:43 - Jan 17 Easy chant to remember "we're going to score one MOORE, we're going to score one MOORE. one MOORE...". Yeah, it's a bit lame but Kieffer will be happy!
2

RaymondovicBlue added 10:58 - Jan 17 OK so he's lower league and unproven at this level .... but let's not forget that the whole of the Lincoln squad are lower league and unproven at this level too - that didn't stop them playing a blinder at PR.... Come on lad - work hard, and do the "bizniss" for us and your future is bright (and you might just help ours to be so too!!!)
2

planetblue_2011 added 12:43 - Jan 17 This could be a great move for player & club. He sounds hungry & ready to get started. Good luck Kieffer!
1

beornioblue added 15:45 - Jan 17 Welcome Kieffer good luck and get scoring...if anything like your name sake were looking for 24 at least !!
1

whosroundisitanyway added 17:12 - Jan 17 Like what I hear & like what see. Looking forward to this boy smashin the place up!
1

Chondzoresk added 17:50 - Jan 17 My comment was a facetious one, not to upset anyone. I wish him well too, just thought he could have looked happier in the supplied image.
1

jas0999 added 18:08 - Jan 17 I wish him all the very best and will give him a chance. I think any negative comments aren't in. Regards to the player - this is a punt which may or not pay off. It's more the disappointment many fans will have IF Evans fails to spend significantly more than £10 K in the remainder of the window.
0

blueblood_soldier added 19:10 - Jan 17 I'm actually quietly confident about this lad..... I think he realises that this is a bit of a shock move and I think he's the type of bloke that will put everything into every game to prove hes not out of his depth... that as a true town supporter is pretty much all I ask!!
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls