Anthony Wordsworth has spoken of his delight at finally signing on the dotted line to become an Ipswich player following an anxious wait of almost three weeks.
Midfielder Wordsworth, whose Colchester contract was due to expire at the end of the season, has been snapped up for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £100,000 rising to £200,000.
The 24-year-old Londoner admitted he was a relieved man when all the signing formalities were eventually completed on Wednesday because he had first been alerted to Town’s interest earlier in the month.
Camden-born Wordsworth explained: "I came here for a couple of days to train. I was suspended for Colchester so it was a brilliant opportunity for me to come down, see the training ground and see what it was all about.
"Ipswich are a big club and this is a big step up for me. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to test myself in this division. Obviously I was at Colchester for a long time and I had some great years there but I think it was the right time to move on.
"Tommy Smith has been on loan at Colchester and Tom Eastman is now there, and they couldn’t speak highly enough of Ipswich. It’s always been a club that Colchester players look up to; it’s where we want to be so I’m really, really happy to be here.”
Wordsworth, who spent seven years with Charlton and a further eight at Colchester, was first alerted to Town’s interest in signing him by boss Mick McCarthy.
He added: "I’d been aware of Ipswich’s interest for a few weeks, since I came to train here. I had a chat with the manager here and he said he liked what he saw and that the club would try to do something.
"Over the last few weeks it developed. But Wednesday, when I actually signed the contract, was a big relief. I had the medical and once it was all confirmed I was very pleased to become an Ipswich player.”
Photo: ITFC