Jordan Spence admitted it was an easy decision to commit his future to Ipswich Town after signing a two-year deal.
The right-back impressed last season after signing for the Blues in January — four months after he initially failed to impress on trial.
Spence wasted little time in showing what he could do, making 15 starts and wrestling the right-back spot from Josh Emmanuel and allowing Luke Chambers to move inside.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Spence said he had no doubt his future remained at Portman Road after manager Mick McCarthy made his intentions clear.
He told Ipswich Town’s You Tube channel: "It was an easy decision as soon as the manager made it clear he wanted me to stay.
"He showed a lot of faith in me by putting me almost straight into the side and then sticking with me — that gave me a lot of confidence.
"I had the confidence in myself that I could perform at this level, there is no doubt of that. But it was nice having it from such a well-established manager in the game.”
Spence previously spent time at West Ham, Bristol City and MK Dons and despite reported interest from other Championship clubs, the 27-year-old admitted he never entertained any other offers.
Talking to the ITFC official website, he added: "Obviously last season didn’t go as well as everyone would have hoped for here but I never thought we were in a relegation fight. We were always five or six points clear.
"The game at home against Newcastle showed what we are capable of. We coupled the work-rate and the tactical nous with the quality we have and it all came together.
"The place was rocking that day and we have to look to do that more often next season and compete at the top end of the Championship. It won’t be easy because it’s a tough league but we will be ready for the challenge.”