x

Downes: Style of Play Appealed Massively - Ipswich Town News

Departed Blues midfielder Flynn Downes says manager Russell Martin’s preferred style of play and former Town first-team coach Matt Gill being a member of his staff at Swansea were reasons behind his move to the Liberty Stadium, which was confirmed yesterday.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Swans, the clubs having agreed a fee reported to be an initial £1.5 million rising to a potential £2 million.

"It’s a massive club and I cannot wait to get going,” Downes told the Championship side’s official website.

"I spoke to the gaffer and I just liked the way he came across, the players they have got and it all just added up for me.

"The style of play massively appeals to me, I played against the gaffer’s side [MK Dons] with Ipswich last year and I think we only touched the ball about four times during the entire game.

"So, when this came up, and I knew he was going to be here it was a dream move. The way he wants to play football appeals to me massively.

"I also know Gilly [now Swansea’s technical development coach] from my time at Ipswich, I loved working with him at Ipswich. He is a top man, and that was also a part of my decision because he is a familiar face, but it was also down to speaking to the gaffer.”

Downes has fond memories of the Liberty Stadium having come on as a sub in Town’s 2018 3-2 victory there, Paul Hurst’s only win in charge of the Blues.

"It left an impression on me, big time. It’s one of those stadiums where the fans are quite close to the pitch, it’s lovely,” Downes added.

"You can really hear the fans and I remember that clearly. I cannot wait to step out there with all the fans in, it will be a special day I am sure because fans haven’t really been able to attend and that’s been such a weird thing for players.

"It was weird for us at Ipswich, and I am really looking forward to getting out there with the Swansea fans cheering the team on.”

What to read next:

Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.
Stanislas Appointed First-Team Coach as Town Add Set-Piece Analyst
The Blues have appointed former AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and West Ham winger Junior Stanislas as a first-team coach.
U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
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.