New Town striker Kevin Lisbie says a number of clubs were interested in taking him from Colchester United this summer, but he had little hesitation in joining the Blues. Lisbie signed a three-year deal yesterday after completing a £600,000 move.

Lisbie told the club site: "It was getting a bit frustrating waiting for the transfer to happen, so I am just glad it's all done now.

"I had offers from several clubs, but it was always going to be Ipswich for me. They play football the right way and that's not about to change.

"I scored 17 goals in a side that got relegated last season, but there is far more competition here so I know I will have to work even harder and I am ready for that.

"Ipswich only narrowly missed out on promotion last season. The club is set up for the Premier League, with great facilities and a good manager. I can't wait to get going."

Lisbie says he didn't really show his best form during his long spell with Charlton: "I never really played a full season in all my time at Charlton. I also had a series of injuries, so I don't feel I ever really did myself justice there. It was the best thing that ever happened to me going to Colchester.

"I am going to bring goals to the side, that's the plan. I want to get at least as many as last year.

"I'm quick, I'm not bad in the air and I get behind defences and stretch teams out. With the quality midfielders that are at this club, I am hoping to get lots of chances."

Jim Magilton says the deal has been in the offing for some while: "These things never happen overnight, but we were adamant we wanted Kevin and I am delighted he has joined the club.

"We've always been aware of him and of his qualities, he has always done well against us and he scored a lot of goals for Colchester last season.

"Kevin's arrival brings more competition for places for us and that's what you need all over the park. You want your players to be under pressure for their places.”

Photo: Action Images

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