Departing hero Marcus Stewart praised just about everyone as he made his Portman Road exit to return to the Premiership with Sunderland for what we believe was a knock-down £650,000 fee.

Stewart told the club site: "It was a hard decision for me to make, leaving Ipswich because there is no doubt the two years and more that I spent there were the best and most enjoyable in my career.

"Playing at Wembley in the play-offs, finishing fifth in the Premiership and those great nights in Europe last season, all wonderful memories.

"But everyone knows that the club need to generate money by selling players and I was keen to return to the Premiership so all parties gain out of my move to Sunderland.

"I can't speak highly enough of everything to do with Ipswich Town, the chairman, the manager, the players and the supporters.

"The chairman was easily the best I have ever worked with, and one of the best in football.

"The manager was also brilliant for me. He signed me from Huddersfield and gave me a chance to play Premiership football and I will always be grateful to him for that.

"And the supporters. What can I say about them? Just the best fans any club could wish for and certainly the best I have played in front of.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to them for the support they gave me while I was at Portman Road.

"Like I say everything about the club is fantastic and I just hope that my time at Sunderland is as enjoyable as it was with Ipswich Town."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls