x

McGreal on Burnley Move - Ipswich Town News

Departing central defender John McGreal says that new Burnley manager Steve Cotterill sold him on a switch to Turf Moor. McGreal has opted for a three-year deal with the Clarets rather than the one-year contract on offer at Town.

The 32-year-old says he is chuffed to be joining the Lancastrian club: "I'm most pleased to have signed for Burnley.

"I'm highly delighted with the move and I'm really looking forward to working under Steve.

"It will be a totally different challenge, but one that I'm definitely looking forward to.

"The manager came across very well and he has got an excellent reputation.

"I spoke to him a few weeks ago and they say that first impressions last. When I met him again, he was exactly the same and really sold the club to me.

"He's very enthusiastic about it all and he told me about his plans and who he hopes to bring in, so I'm keen on the challenge.

"I know the club has been in the bottom half of the table over the last two seasons, but there's no reason why we can't push up now."

McGreal will link up with a number of ex-Tranmere team-mates at Turf Moor: "I know the likes of Graham Branch and Ian Moore from my time at Tranmere Rovers, and I also know Tony Grant and Paul Cook, who used to play there. It will be nice to link up with them again."

McGreal admitted that leaving Town was a wrench: "I had a fantastic five years with Ipswich, apart from the relegation.

"But this is a new and different challenge and one I am looking forward to.

"Obviously geography helps and I'll be nearer friends and family in the north-west, but that isn't the reason for the move.

"I'm just looking forward to getting started now."

Ironically, this time last year another central defender, Drissa Diallo, turned down the chance to stay at Burnley to move to Town.

What to read next:

Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.