Departing Town skipper Matt Holland says leaving Portman Road after six years was a very big decision for him. The Irish international signed a four-year deal with Alan Curbishley's Charlton Athletic this morning.

Holland told the club site: "It was a big decision for me to make because I have had six great years at Ipswich and love the place.

"I felt part of the furniture at Portman Road but I am 29 now and want to be playing Premiership football.

"Charlton are a family club, like Ipswich and I was impressed with what manager Alan Curbishley had to say about his plans for the future there.

"The fact that I have not got to uproot my family was another big factor in my decision as well.

"I have had fantastic memories from my time at Ipswich and I will be cheering them on to win promotion next season."

Holland will join up with former Blue Hermann Hreidarsson at the Valley. Hreidarsson moved to the Londoners in March.

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