Anthony Wordsworth has thanked Colchester — and in particular boss Joe Dunne — for their part in his progress.
Ipswich’s new signing, who cost an initial £100,000 rising to £200,000, admitted it was a wrench to quit the Essex club that played such a big part in his life and career.
Wordsworth, who made a total of 199 appearances and scored 35 goals for the U’s, said: "I’d been there since I was 16 years old. I love the club and I’m grateful for everything they have done for me in the past. But I’m an individual and when this opportunity came along, obviously I had to take it.
"I remember making my debut at Shrewsbury in a Carling Cup tie in August 2007 when I was 18 and then playing my first Championship match, when Colchester were in that division, against Cardiff.
"That’s pretty much it but I scored some good goals along the way and I had a good relationship with the fans. They were the highlights, plus scoring many goals against Southend in the Essex derby games.”
Wordsworth had an eight-year association with manager Dunne, who succeeded John Ward earlier this season and has a battle on his hands to prevent the club being relegated to League Two.
He added: "Joe’s the one who signed me when I was in the youth team and I was with him since I was 16. He’s the one who’s coached me until now. I think I owe Joe a lot, even for him to let me come here. He knew it was a big opportunity for me so I have to thank him for that.
"With the group of lads they have at Colchester — they are a hard-working bunch — although results haven’t gone too well they will be doing everything they can to put that right.
"They just need a goalscorer and they’ve got that now with Jabo Ibehre coming back, so I think they’ll be fine. They’ve definitely got the right man in charge.”