x

Harper: We Share the Same Goals - Ipswich Town News

New Blues signing Rekeem Harper says he shares the same goals as the club and manager Paul Cook having joined the Blues from West Brom on a three-year deal with Town having an option for a further season.

TWTD revealed that the move was all but done a fortnight ago with the Baggies finally giving the Blues the go-ahead to announce it today following their appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be here,” the 21-year-old told iFollow Ipswich. "I feel like it’s a perfect opportunity for me to come and settle in an environment and help a team that share the same goal as me to get to the top in football. I feel like it’s perfect timing for me and I’m excited to be here.”

Regarding his conversations with his new boss Cook, he added: "Paul has been a very lively character, he’s very energetic.

"He told me about his passion for me, where he sees me at the club and, most importantly, his goals.

"We share the same goals. I feel like me, the players that they are going to bring in and Paul can achieve the team goal.

"Paul said he likes to play football. He likes young, hungry and energetic players who like to attack, defend and just be aggressive.

"One of the most important things for me is that he likes to give his players confidence. I feel like, to get the best out of myself, confidence is a massive thing so Paul just sounded like the perfect character.”

He says those share goals were what attracted him to the move from the Baggies: "Definitely. I feel like every player loves ambition, whether that’s their own individual goals or the manager’s goals.

"It’s a driving point and a bit of motivation for the players. It’s exciting times ahead and I’m just very happy and grateful to be a part of it.”

Asked how he would describe himself as a player, he said: "I would describe myself as an energetic player. I love to attack and I love to defend.

"I love to be on the ball and obviously I would like to score more goals and create goals. I feel like they are strengths of mine anyway.

"I’m a fearless player who wants to excite people and bring results to the football club and help the team with whatever I can do on the pitch.”

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.