Town boss Paul Jewell says new left-back Aaron Cresswell has been brought in from Tranmere because of his potential. The out-of-contract 21-year-old signed a three-year deal with Town this morning and joined his new team-mates for the first day of pre-season training at Playford Road.
Jewell says he’s a player who caught the eye of the club’s management team last season: "We watched a lot of games and he was one that came up. He’s not the biggest in the world, but he’s got a really good left foot. He’s got a lot to improve on but coming here we think we can improve him.
"He’s terrific on set plays. He’s got a lot to learn stepping up a level, but sometimes if you don’t take a chance, no one ever steps up.
"He’s a player that Ipswich fans won’t know a lot about. He has potential, we’ve brought in potential, and we’ve also got Joe Whight and Mark Kennedy at left-back.
"He’s a player that might not get people off their seat, but I think he’s going to be a decent player.”
Jewell, who spoke to former Town striker and ex-Tranmere coach David Lowe before making the signing, says even he has trouble understanding his fellow Liverpudlian’s accent: "I think it’s the first time the kid’s been out of Liverpool. He looks like someone out of Grange Hill!
"I spoke to him on the phone last night and I couldn’t understand him! I told him to slow down. I don’t know what I must sound like!”
The Blues boss expects talks to continue with Tranmere regarding the compensation due because the full-back is under 24 years of age, two offers having been rejected by the League One club: "We’re still talking to Tranmere trying to negotiate something for him, but he’s signed for us today and he’ll be our player from today.
"If we can’t agree a fee with Tranmere that will go to a tribunal, but hopefully the clubs can come to an agreement.”
Jewell says he feels he now has his left-back options sorted: "We’ve got Joe Whight, We’ve got Mark Kennedy and we’ve got Aaron Cresswell for left-back. Although two of them are young and one of them is experienced, I think between them they will do all right.”
Cresswell himself says he had no hesitation in joining the Blues: "It was the easiest decision ever to come here. I enjoyed my time at Tranmere and it will be hard to leave home but joining Ipswich is something else.
"It's a big club and it's a big step up for me but I'm delighted to have the opportunity to take it. It's the next stage in my career and I'm ready for the challenge."
the 5ft 7in tall full-back says he spoke to one-time Town loanee Alan Mahon, who played alongside him at Prenton Park, before making his decision: "He couldn't speak highly enough about the club.
"We had a good chat and he told me what a great club Ipswich is and that I should go for it.
"It's a Premier League set-up, when you look around the training ground and the stadium. It's massive, certainly bigger than what I've been used to with Tranmere! I can't wait to get going."
Jewell says that while the situation could change depending on possible exits — although none are currently imminent - he’s looking to bring in at least another three or four players before the start of the season with further deals expected to be completed next week.