New loan signing Richard Stearman admits he is delighted to have teamed up again with Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor.
All three were previously together at Wolves, which had a huge part to play in the defender’s decision to leave Molineux and join Town on loan in his quest for regular first-team football.
Former England U21 international Stearman revealed: "As soon as the January transfer window opened Mick expressed an interest, I think, which was rebuffed by Wolves and I thought that was it.
"But I finished training on Monday and I was told I was needed at Portman Road — and here I am. Mick was obviously a massive draw in me coming here. He’s certainly a fighter and a winner who knows how to win games in this division
"As I think you have seen since he’s arrived here, he has picked up a lot of points and hopefully that will continue.”
Wolverhampton-born Stearman, 25, is lavish in his praise for McCarthy, who was sacked by Wolves 11 months ago and remained out of work until he was unveiled as Paul Jewell’s successor at Portman Road on November 1st.
He added: "Mick’s record speaks for itself. His man-management is very good, his coaching is very good, he’s got the complete package. He’s been in and around the Championship for a long time, he’s been in the Premiership and he’s been an international manager.
"He brings a great deal of experience to whatever club he’s at and I was delighted to join back up with him. You certainly know where you stand with the gaffer. If you play well you know about it and if you don’t you know about it as well. It definitely didn’t put me off because I like that in a manager.”
Photo: ITFC