Stevenson Had Other Options
Monday, 30th Jan 2012 16:16

Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed new signing Ryan Stevenson chose the Blues ahead of a number of other clubs - including Championship sides - some offering longer term deals prior to agreeing to an initial 18-month contract at Portman Road on Saturday. The Blues agreed a £50,000 fee with Hearts on Friday with the 27-year-old’s contract including an option to extend his deal in the summer.

Jewell said: “We’ve been aware of him for quite a while and we thought this might be a situation to get him away from Hearts.

“I know [former Hearts manager] Jim Jefferies well and I spoke to him and one or two other people in Scotland, including the Scotland manager Craig Levein, and they speak highly of him, so we’re happy to have him.

“He could have gone to a couple of other clubs on longer contracts but he was keen to come here and prove himself.”

The Blues boss says the one-time Ayr United and St Johnstone man will add goals to the Blues’ midfield: “He’s got a goal in him, he’s an attacking midfield player.

“He can play in a number of positions and played up front for Hearts on a couple of occasions we saw him, but primarily we see him as a midfield player.”

Stevenson himself added: "The move was a no-brainer for me really. When a club the size of Ipswich shows interest in you then you don't really need to think twice and I was keen to come down here.

"There are some really good players in the squad here, some who have played in the Premier League, and I want to come in, play my part and try and help the side push up the table."

The paperwork is complete on the deal with international clearance received and Stevenson, who will wear the number 16 shirt, could face West Ham tomorrow, although having been out of action due to a wage dispute with Hearts since December is short on match fitness and may not be considered quite yet.

Photo: Action Images

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tractorlads added 18:57 - Jan 30 must have been clegg's well known pusuasive skills...
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Talbs77 added 20:05 - Jan 30 Good luck,could prove to be a good signng.
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itfcporter added 20:08 - Jan 30 solid goalscorer in midfield !! young bowyer ?? lookin forward to seeing him play good luck fella
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cornishnick added 20:20 - Jan 30 He chose us even above other Championship sides? Wow!
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Millsey added 20:30 - Jan 30 Good luck from the Nigerian supporters club
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StochesStotasBlewe added 20:37 - Jan 30 Good luck. You can,t do any worse than some of our other so called midfielders have done this season. We are,however, going to beat the hammers tomorrow evening, i have a feeling in my water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
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DikkieCOYB added 21:47 - Jan 30

Well in my opinion this is a great signing, also it will freshen up the dressing room. Also i researched this Steveson and he was in the Chelsea Academy, and as Chelsea have one of the best academys around this means he cant be too bad. And to those who stipulate about the price, if Hearts werent in their current position we would have surely paid more. It was only because he was a player they couldnt afford to pay his wages, so look into the situation before typing random things.

DikkieCOYB added 21:51 - Jan 30 Also, i doubt he will solve the Andrews void as he is more of an attacking player, so at least some creativity in the midfield; which may spark Chopra into some form. Optimism can only lead to disappointment, lets hope i'm very wrong indeed.
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