x

Ward: Town My First Choice - Ipswich Town News

New signing Grant Ward says he opted to join Town ahead of interest from other Championship clubs. The 21-year-old signed a three-year deal with an option for a further season earlier this afternoon, the Blues and Tottenham having agreed a fee understood to be in the region of £500,000.

"There was some interest from other clubs but as soon as I knew Ipswich wanted me, they were always going to be my first choice,” the winger or central midfielder told Ipswich Player HD.

"I know about the history of the club. It’s a big club. I know about the manager and he made it clear he was eager for me to come here. That was a big thing in me signing.

"I have been on loan a few times and obviously came through the youth ranks at Tottenham and it’s a big decision for me to leave them but it felt the right time for me to go.

"Looking at the future, it would be nice to have a chance to play in the Premier League one day. Hopefully I can do that with Ipswich.

"We’ve got a good squad here and getting in the play-offs is the target. I’m here to play my part in that.”

Delight to have signed for @Official_ITFC today. Can't wait for the season to get up and running #itfc #18 1/2 pic.twitter.com/fMGj8bqUVm– Grant Ward (@GrantWard_) August 1, 2016

Thanks to everyone @SpursOfficial that helped in my development the 11 years I was there, the time was right for me to move on #newchapter– Grant Ward (@GrantWard_) August 1, 2016

Ward, who will wear the number 18 shirt, confirmed that he played under Bryan Klug during the Town academy director’s time working in the Spurs youth set-up.

"Bryan was my manager at Tottenham at U15 level and gave my scholarship when I was 16,” he recalled.

"He’s a nice guy and always gave good references about Ipswich so it will be good to be working at the same club as him.”

Ward only returned to training after three weeks out with a minor injury last week, but was out on the field with his new team-mates today.

Photo: ITFC

What to read next:

Saudi Club in Cajuste Talks
Former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste’s future could now be in Saudi Arabia with Neom the latest club to show interest in signing the Napoli midfielder on loan.
French Club Eyeing Al-Hamadi
Ligue 1 Toulouse are reportedly showing interest in Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi.
Town Women Re-Sign Doe on Permanent Deal
Ipswich Town Women have re-signed midfielder Ruby Doe for a third spell, this time on a permanent basis.
Town Among Clubs Linked With McBurnie
Town are reported to be among a number of Championship clubs showing interest in free agent Scotland international striker Oli McBurnie.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Still to Accept Broadhead Bid
Town are still to accept a bid from Championship new boys Wrexham for Wales international Nathan Broadhead, TWTD understands.
Academy Scholar Longwe Joins Seasiders on Loan
Academy central midfielder Usisya Longwe has joined Isthmian North Division Felixstowe & Walton on loan.
Pert: Young Will Be a Real Asset
Assistant manager Martyn Pert believes new signing Ashley Young will be a “real asset” for the Blues in the season ahead, the former England international having made his first appearance in a Town shirt in last night’s 2-1 friendly victory over Charlton Athletic at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium.
Mazionis Completes Cheltenham Loan Move
Young Blues central defender Jacob Mazionis has completed his season-long loan switch to League Two Cheltenham Town.
Wrexham Closing in On Broadhead Signing
Town are understood to have agreed a fee from Wrexham for forward Nathan Broadhead.