Town manager Joe Royle has revealed that he first tried to bring new signing David Unsworth to Portman Road last summer, however at the time there was not the cash to finance the deal. Unsworth will sign on loan next week ahead of the Sheffield United match.
Royle says that Unsworth's agent called him last summer and he was keen to be reunited with one of the members of his 1995 FA Cup-winning Everton side. However, finances at Town were too tight and Unsworth joined Portsmouth instead.
But when Royle discovered via chairman David Sheepshanks that the one-time England international was available again, he didn't hesitate to move for him: "Portsmouth made it known they were having a bit of a change-around down there and that David might be available.
"When the chairman told me, I said 'yes' straight away. Apart from knowing what he can give us as a player, he's a solid citizen.
"He gives us extra cover in two positions, we've got Drissa Diallo on the way back, Daniel Karbassiyoon and Jimmy Juan have come in and we've got a lot more strength around us."
Royle says that Unsworth is the final addition to his squad for this season: "That's it now, we have our squad in place for the final 16 games. We are no longer lightweight in terms of numbers.
"There was a certain amount in the kitty and it has been spent. In fact, with the increased optimism around the club, we have pushed it to the absolute limit. Nobody can say we're not having a go."
The Town squad are back from their break in Tenerife on Friday.