New signing Nigel Reo-Coker has underlined his ambition to help lead Ipswich away from the Championship drop zone.
Second-bottom Town travel to Hull tomorrow with the 28-year-old midfielder in line for his debut as Paul Jewell’s men seek to tame the Tigers and claim only their second league win of the season.
A free agent after quitting Bolton following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Reo-Coker is looking to call on his previous experience of the Championship to help kick-start Ipswich’s season.
He said: "The most important thing was having the conversation with the manager. I believe in him and I have played in this league before. I said to him I was fortunate enough to have experience in this league from the age of 18 or 19.
"I know what it takes. I was captain of Wimbledon in the Championship at 19. I’ve watched Ipswich, I know what the manager’s about and they have some terrific players here.
"If you get the right mentality in the dressing room and the right run of results you can find yourself from being bottom to being in the top four.”
Reo-Coker, who has also played for West Ham and Aston Villa, admits he still has much to do before he is fully match fit.
He added: "It’s been a long time since I played and match fitness is what I’m lacking. I’m not going to lie about that. My fitness level is quite good but the game has developed so much that there’s certain things you can’t get unless you are playing games.
"In modern-day football it can take two or three games to get your rhythm but I know I haven’t got that time. I know that if I’m involved this week I need to hit the ground running.
"If that means I last for 60, 70, 80 minutes, and I’ve given my all, a team-mate can come on and complete the rest of the game. That’s all that matters.”
Reo-Coker also explained the thinking behind agreeing a three-month deal, admitting: "Basically, it’s a question of seeing how it goes.
"Will I stay longer? That’s still a while away and the main focus has to be on the games we have to play and putting points on the board. It’s about trying to win games and climb up the table.
"For me it’s not a personal thing, it’s about being professional. We’re all hired here to play football and win football matches, and that is my main concern and priority. That is what I’m focusing on.
"You’re only as good as your last performance. I have come here to win games but at the end of the day the manager picks the team and it’s his decision.
"I have come here to be part of a team and not just sit around and use it as a pre-season. I’ve come here to go full throttle.”