New signing Dean Gerken says he’s at Town to play games, not to be the number two keeper. The 28-year-old free agent has signed a two-year deal having been released by Bristol City at the end of last season.
Gerken, who spent three weeks on trial with the Blues, told the club site: "As soon as I knew Ipswich wanted to have a look at me, my mind was made up that I wanted to come here.
"I know Mally [goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster] well from my Colchester days and I know what the club is all about.
"It’s a massive club. The fans are fantastic. It’s a daunting place to come for away teams and obviously everyone knows what a good manager Mick McCarthy is.
"I knew that if I could get myself in the best shape when I came here, I could give a good account of myself and I’m delighted it’s worked out.”
The one-time Colchester man says Town weren’t the only interested party following his Ashton Gate exit: "I had other options but, as I said, my mind was made up and now I’m really looking forward to working here.
"I needed a new challenge after coming to the end of my contract at Bristol, regardless of whether they offered me a new deal or not.
"I didn’t play as many games as I would have wanted. I didn’t go there to be a number two keeper. I have never worked with anyone who wanted to be a number two.
"I have come here to play games, but if I’m not in the team I’ll be supporting the boys and pushing Loachy all the way for his place.”