New recruit Nigel Reo-Coker does not believe the fact that Ipswich currently have eight loan players in their squad will have a detrimental effect on team spirit at Portman Road.

The experienced midfielder has been signed on a three-month deal after becoming a free agent at the end of last season when he decided to quit Bolton.

He said: “It can be very hard but if you have the right characters and everyone is on the same page, and everyone wants to do and achieve the same things, it can be easy.

“It’s about pride in wearing the shirt and what football means to you, like representing a club, and if you’ve got all that it can be done quite easily and quickly.

“It’s not always the case with loan players but if you have the right characters, and some people are giving out a rollicking now and then when needed, and you have the right attitude, I don’t see it being a problem.”

Reo-Coker was without a club for several months but insists he does not regret his decision to leave the Reebok Stadium in May.

He added: “Like I said a while ago it was never anything personal to leave Bolton. They are a terrific club, the set-up is fantastic and the fans were great to me. I still think I made the right decision.

“You live life — it’s about life — and the type of character I am, it’s not just about football experiences but life experiences too. There are things you learn in football that you have to take into life.

“I had two or three options. I could have said ‘My career’s over’ and gone here, there and everywhere. Or I could say ‘I’m in this situation and it’s a new challenge, something fresh and something I’m looking forward to’.

“I still think I can play in the Premier League. If you are ambitious as a player you want to play at the highest level possible. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, but you have to believe in your ability and I still believe I can play at the highest level.

“It hasn’t worked out at the moment but it’s about playing football and I’m very happy to be here. I know why I’m here and I know what I’m looking to achieve while I’m here.”

Photo: Action Images

BuckieBlue added 17:59 - Oct 19 Not sure about loanees in general. Apart from CB I think we should have made do with what we've got. I am confident, with or without loanees, we can move up table but at least if we were using more of our own players then we would be building them up and not have to partially start from scratch when loanees leave.
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Metcalfe added 22:36 - Oct 19 No they cant!!!!!
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