Ipswich new boy Bradley Orr has revealed it was a case of second time lucky when manager Mick McCarthy signed him on loan from Blackburn this week.
Orr, 30, is at Portman Road until at least January 26th but has admitted he would be open to making the move permanent if things go well over the next few weeks.
In January 2009 he was close to teaming up with McCarthy, who was in charge of a Wolves side several points clear at the top of the Championship and ultimately won the title.
Orr said: "Coming here to play for the gaffer was a big factor. There was an opportunity earlier on in my career, which didn’t quite materialise, and I was gutted at the time about that.
"Second time around it’s happened and I’m delighted. I’m very grateful that he has put his faith in me and wants me to be a part of what will hopefully be a resurgent time as we climb up the league. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Orr has only been with Town for a few days but has already formed an opinion of McCarthy, himself a recent arrival who has achieved six points from his three games in charge.
He added: "The thing with the gaffer is that he seems to be the type of man where you know exactly where you stand. There’s no grey area — you’re either doing well or you’re not.
"As a player all you can ask for is fairness and honesty. The ultimate thing in this game is that if you’re doing well you usually play. If not you’re out of the team.”
Orr did his homework on the club once he heard the move was on and he was particularly surprised to learn that Ipswich had been in the Championship for 11 seasons, longer than any of the other 23 clubs.
He said: "I couldn’t believe that stat when I heard it the other day. In my mind I always class Ipswich as a Premier League club.
"I know a lot about the club anyway just through being a football fan and playing here. I know how big the club is and what it means to the area
"The gaffer has told me about what a good club it is, with a good set-up that is geared to progress. I don’t think the club needs much selling. There’s an awful lot of potential so I’m just delighted to be here.”
Photo: ITFC