Town have confirmed the signing of former Crystal Palace left-back Jonathan Parr on a two-year deal. The 25-year-old was a free agent having been released by the Eagles at the end of last season.
Oslo-born Parr, who is 6ft tall, has won Norwegian caps at U17, U19 and U21 levels and has played for the senior side nine times.
Prior to joining Palace in July 2011, he played for Lyn and then Aalesund, having previously been with youth sides Holmlia, KFUM Oslo and Hauger. He made 82 starts and 19 sub appearances for the South Londoners, scoring two goals.
Speaking last week, Parr's father and advisor Roger revealed that there had also been interest from clubs in Europe, as well as from Bolton, who are managed by his former Palace boss Dougie Freedman. Town fans may remember the new signing best for having been stretchered off with an ankle injury - which saw him miss the first five months of last season - during the Blues' 3-0 victory over the Eagles at Portman Road in April 2013 following a solid but fair Richard Stearman challenge. Parr told Ipswich Player that he's hoping to put that behind him: "I did my ankle at Portman Road, so not the best memory for me! Hopefully, I can create some good memories in my time here. "It’s been a long summer, trying to sort out where I’m going to play my football. I spoke to a number of clubs but I had a good feeling about Ipswich. "I watched Ipswich play last season and they looked a good team. The manager told me what we wants from his team and how he’s looking to be pushing for a place in the top six.
"That’s where I want to be. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and I’ve joined Ipswich to help the club get in the Premier League. "Having been here today and speaking to a lot of people, it looks a club that is all working together and that’s made me feel even better about the decision I have made. "I spoke to Jonny Williams, who was here on loan last season, of course, and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the club. Maybe I can get him to join me. I’ll give it a go. It could be fun!” Parr will join up with the Town squad tomorrow, the rest of the players having flown out for their training camp at Carton House in Co Kildare earlier today. Photo/Clip: ITFCWhat to read next:
Town's U18 side were on the wrong end of an 8-2 scoreline at Playford Road on Saturday morning as they were comprehensively beaten by West Ham United, playing the last quarter of an hour with 10 men.
QPR boss Julien Stephan felt it was difficult for his side after conceding after just over a minute of the second half as they were beaten 4-1 by Town at Loftus Road, having done exactly the same at the beginning of the first.
Town striker George Hirst insists the Blues’ first away victory of the season is not a weight lifted off their shoulders after the 4-1 success against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
Highlights of this afternoon’s 4-1 win at Queens Park Rangers.
Boss Kieran McKenna felt the Blues’ four goals were the highlight of his side’s 4-1 victory at QPR.
George Hirst, Leif Davis and Ivan Azon are doubts ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Watford.
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Town comprehensively ended their wait for an away victory, George Hirst and Marcelino Nunez each scoring twice as the Blues beat QPR 4-1 at Loftus Road. Hirst nodded Town in front after only 68 seconds from a Sindre Walle Egeli cross, before the home side levelled through Rumarn Burrell on 21. Sixty-eight seconds after the restart, Nunez smashed home a brilliant free-kick, his first goal for the club, then Hirst headed his second in the 57th minute, before the Chilean scored his second free-kick of the afternoon on 64 as Town claimed their first win on the road since April.
George Hirst put the Blues in front after 68 seconds but Rumarn Burrell equalised for QPR on 21 to leave the scoreline 1-1 at half-time at Loftus Road.
Town have made one enforced change for this afternoon’s game at QPR with Marcelino Nunez coming in for the injured Sammie Szmodics.