McAuley Move Confirmed - Ipswich Town News
Departing defender Gareth McAuley’s free Bosman move to West Brom has been confirmed. The Northern Irishman has signed a three-year-deal with the Baggies which starts on July 1st.
The 31-year-old, whose Town terms are up this summer, has passed a medical having been at the Hawthorns to sign his deal at the end of last week.
Baggies boss Roy Hodgson said he was delighted to add the former Lincoln and Leicester man to his squad: "I would like to welcome Gareth to the club and I am very pleased we have added a player of his quality and experience to our team.
"We believe it is the right moment for Gareth to embark on a Barclays Premier League career after doing so well for so long in the Championship and for his national team.
"We are also very happy that amid lots of competition for his services, we have managed to persuade him to join us."
McAuley, who is currently away on international duty with Northern Ireland, added: "I’m delighted to get it sorted out. It’s been going on for a couple of weeks and that’s it done. It’s another step up, another progression in the journey of my career. It’s a challenge to get into the team first and foremost.
"They have good players there but I back myself all the way as I always have done. I’ve worked hard and sometimes you get the rewards. I’ve now got to get into the team and prove I can play there.”
McAuley cost the Blues £1.1 million when he joined from Leicester in the summer of 2008.
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