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:

Morsy Targeting Final Day Win For Incredible Fans
Town captain Sam Morsy says the Blues are determined to get one final Premier League victory in front of their home supporters ahead of West Ham United’s visit to Portman Road on Sunday.
Moyes: We're Among Clubs to Have Spoken to Delap
Everton boss David Moyes has revealed that the Toffees are among the clubs to have spoken to Blues striker Liam Delap regarding a potential summer move.
Tuchel: Delap on Radar But Will Need to Compete in the Premier League
England manager Thomas Tuchel says Blues striker Liam Delap is on his radar but feels the 22-year-old needs to find a new club this summer before being considered for selection for the senior squad.
Morsy: My Favourite Midfielder I've Played With
Town captain Sam Morsy has hailed Massimo Luongo as his favourite midfielder he has played with ahead of Luongo’s final game for the club this weekend.
Delap and Hutchinson in England U21s Squad For Training Camp
Blues duo Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson have been named in an England U21s training squad ahead of the European U21 Championship in Slovakia in June.
McKenna: Important to End the Season on a High
Town boss Kieran McKenna says it’s really important for the Blues to finish their season well when they host West Ham United at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon, believing there’s lots to play for in the game.
McKenna: O'Shea's Been Excellent, Ogbene a Big Miss
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Irish international pair Dara O’Shea and Chieo Ogbene thoroughly deserved the awards they received at Monday night’s End-of-Season Dinner.
McKenna: I'm Confident We Can Challenge Next Season
Manager Kieran McKenna is confident Town will challenge for promotion back to the Premier League next season with the Blues stronger for their year in the top flight and with talks with other clubs regarding potential targets having already taken place.
McKenna: Tottenham and Chelsea Wins Standout Moments
Town manager Kieran McKenna says the victories over Tottenham and Chelsea are his standout moments from his side’s season in the Premier League.
McKenna: FFP Limits Promoted Clubs' Ambition
Blues boss Kieran McKenna believes owners being able to put greater equity into clubs without falling foul of Financial Fair Play rules would be a step towards bridging the increasing gap between the Championship and Premier League.