Town have confirmed the signing of former Colchester United and Bristol City goalkeeper Dean Gerken on a two-year deal. A fortnight ago, TWTD was first to reveal that the 28-year-old would join the Blues for their training camp in Ireland and last week reported that Gerken was close to joining Mick McCarthy's squad.
Gerken, from Rochford in Essex, began his career as a youth player with Southend before moving on to the U’s in 2002.
After seven years with Colchester — during which time he spent a short spell on loan with Darlington — the 6ft 4in tall keeper moved on to Bristol City for an undisclosed fee in June 2009.
While at Ashton Gate he made 60 appearances, having been former England keeper David James’s deputy for much of the time.
Blues fans will recall his outstanding performance to earn his side a 0-0 draw at Portman Road in February 2010.
Gerken, who played alongside Anthony Wordsworth at Colchester and Cole Skuse and Paul Anderson at Bristol City, was in goal for 45 minutes of Town's pre-season game at Shelbourne and then the full 90 minutes at Crawley on Wednesday.
Photo: ITFC