Town chairman David Sheepshanks has hailed the role of fans in the permanent signing of striker Shefki Kuqi. The Finnish international agreed to remain with Town until June 2005 on Wednesday.

Sheepshanks says that the continued high attendances at Portman Road enabled the deal to take place: “Being able to take Shefki on a long-term deal shows how far we have come since the dark days of last season.

“That is thanks to the perseverance of the players and staff at the club and most of all the wonderful support from the fans. They have played their part in being able to afford this move by attending our games in the sort of numbers they have.

“The progress is indicative of a huge team effort on and off the field."

Manager Joe Royle is keen to get permanent moves for Chris Bart-Williams and Alan Mahon sorted soon but Sheepshanks says this is dependent on developments over the next few months : “The future in that respect depends on a number of factors, including form on the pitch, attendance levels, cup draws and progress and existing outward loans being extended.”

Bart-Williams, out of contract at the end of the season, looks likely to be the next target, with a framework for a move already agreed with Charlton.

Mahon, with another year left on his Blackburn deal, appears the more difficult player to land due to wages and Blackburn perhaps looking for a fee for him during the January transfer window.

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