New midfielder Jon Nolan is confident he can make the step up to Championship level following his move from League One Shrewsbury along with central defender Toto Nsiala. The pair, both 26, have signed three-year deals, with the club having an option for a further season, for a joint-fee approaching the £2 million mark plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.
"Obviously having the gaffer here, Doigy [assistant manager Chris Doig] and Skitty [physio Chris Skitt] makes the process of settling in easier,” Nolan told iFollow Ipswich.
"I loved working with the manager last year and I’m looking forward to getting going at Ipswich now. It’s an exciting opportunity for me.
"I know about the Championship from watching on TV and generally being involved in football and I had a quick look at the fixtures and it’s a really tough league.
"The players will be better, they will be fitter so I’ve got to match that and work hard and show my quality on game day.
"I know it’s a step up for me and I’ve got something to prove to everyone. I had to do that in League One last season and I felt I did well.
"Now I’ve got to do it in the Championship but I’m confident I can do that. I just want to get going now and do my best for Ipswich Town.”
Having been with Everton’s academy as a youngster, Huyton-born Nolan spent time with Stockport County, Lincoln City and Wrexham (loan) before joining Hurst's Grimsby in January 2016 prior to moving on to Chesterfield that summer.
A year later Hurst took him to Shrewsbury where Nolan scored nine times in 55 starts last season.