New keeper Brian Murphy says Town are the right club for him at the right time, having turned down the chance to move back to England on a couple of previous occasions. The 26-year-old, who has signed an 18-month contract after leaving League of Ireland champions Bohemians, was with Manchester City and Swansea and had loans at Peterborough and Oldham during his previous spell in English football.
Murphy told the club site: "It was a pretty easy decision to come back once I knew Ipswich were interested. It was the right club at the right time, what with the size of the club and the manager that is here as well. Once I was told there was firm interest from Ipswich, it was an exciting thought.
"I had one or two chances to come back to England over the last couple of years but I didn't think it was right for me at that time. I didn't enjoy the last six to eight months of my time playing in the English league with Swansea. I probably lost a bit of love for the game and it was best that I went back home to Ireland.
"I enjoyed my three years with Bohemians and did quite well. I think I rebuilt my career there and hopefully I can push on from here and win the respect of everyone at Ipswich."
Murphy started his first career in England with Manchester City’s youth set-up as a 16-year-old, during which time he spent spells on loan at Oldham and Peterborough. While at London Road, he made his first senior appearance in his only game for the Posh.
In 2003, after three years with City, Murphy moved on to Swansea, where he made 18 appearances before returning to Ireland and Bohemians in 2007.
Capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19, U20 and U21 levels, the 6ft 1in tall keeper received his first senior call into the squad for the World Cup play-off games with France but is yet to win a full cap. The call-up came on the same day as his move to Town was confirmed and Bohemians secured their second successive League of Ireland title.
In 2008 the Waterford-born glovesman was named the FAI League of Ireland Player of the Year.
You can hear an extensive interview with Murphy on Waterford's WLRFM carried out shortly after news of his move to the Blues was confirmed here.
Photo: ITFC