Keeper Scott Loach says he’s had a “brilliant time” back at Portman Road, despite his lack of first-team opportunities and the likelihood that he’ll move on this summer. The 25-year-old former Watford man, who has two years left on his contract, has been made available for transfer.

Loach, a Town fan as a youngster, rejoined the Blues from the Hornets for £150,000 in the summer of 2012, having been in the academy at Playford Road as a schoolboy before his family moved back to Nottingham, his home town.

The former England U21 international, who says he may have to drop into League One to play regularly, has made 32 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues, but only seven of those starts came this season.

“Although the gaffer has said I can move on, nothing is set in stone just yet,” he told the club website.

“I won’t write off playing for Ipswich again just yet because you never know what happens in football, but it looks as if my time here is coming to an end.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club, the gaffer, the players and all the fans who have been absolutely superb with me.

“I’ve had a brilliant time at Ipswich Town. I remember sitting in the stands as a kid dreaming of playing for the club and I’ve been fortunate to have fulfilled that dream.

“Whether that has been successful or not, that’s up to people to make their own minds up. All I know is that I’ve lived my dream and it’s been an honour to play for Ipswich Town.

"The club is heading in the right direction and everybody connected to Ipswich is a credit to the club. They all deserve a big future ahead."

Video: ITFC YouTube channel

Photo: Action Images

essextractorboy93 added 18:09 - May 7 As usual here there are a few idiots who like to look for something negative. Loachy seems like a top bloke and he will always be welcomed by our supporters. I agree there is not too much between Gerken and Loach but for Loach's career he needs first team football. He should easily find a League One club. A great guy and a model pro in the way he has handled his expected departure. Good luck Loachy!

3

Jimmy86 added 18:17 - May 7 Luka Stockdale has already been quoted as saying he wants to stay at fulham to help get them promoted back to the premier league
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el_nino added 18:23 - May 7 He's still relatively young in goalkeeping terms, so with a bit of luck he will join a club where he will get games, continue to improve and may yet live up to his early career promise. Good luck to him.
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bluelady added 18:30 - May 7 ITFC ESSEX - i happen to know his family and i can assure you he is and has been for many years a big town fan so please stop making it up as you go along....... I support Liverpool, but my first team are Ipswich and im sure many others support other teams as well, whilst keeping blue in their blood.
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bluelady added 18:32 - May 7 Luka nice idea but i honestly think we will be looking for a bench keeper to support Gerkin. I suspect Loach is moving on not because we are getting a better keeper, but one who is happy to sit on the bench week in week out. I would love to be proved wrong.
2

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 18:55 - May 7 Nice guy and clearly loves the club but have to agree that he's not good enough . Great shot stopper but not commanding enough and makes too many errors. Unfortunately Gerken is only slightly better, both very similar in their assets and weaknesses IMO.
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blueblood66 added 19:38 - May 7 One of our own. All the best mate.
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blueboy1981 added 20:08 - May 7 Unfortunately Scott you have been playing for a Manager who has his favourites, and he will play them regardless. In my opinion, you have deserved far more of a chance to prove yourself than you have been given at this Club - that's pretty disgusting really for the genuine affection you have for this your 'home' Club. You are not the finished article but you have MUCH potential - most, if not all keepers need good coaching to iron out a few faults with their game - not sure you have had everything you would have benefited from in this respect either. If not, shame on the system. Sorry to see you go - but you appear to be on the proverbial list of less favourables of MM. Good Coaching and Good Luck - is all you need - I sincerely hope you get both.

1

bluemagic74 added 20:38 - May 7 Where ever u end up im shore your do well you've been unlucky with your time here, good luck mate wish u all the best.
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BroskiBeen added 22:11 - May 7 Could do a swap deal with Colchester, Scott Loach for Sam Walker, Considering we are interested in him and he is decent, plus Loach admits going to League 1 to get regular games is probably what he'll need to do and both players won't really need to move house or area as both clubs are fairly close also im sure Colchester would want Loach, he would be good in League 1

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bluemagic74 added 23:59 - May 7 BroskiBeen think u could well end up well being right.
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BlueSwede added 07:41 - May 8 BronskiBeen: You beat me too it. Was just logging in to suggest that it might be the perfect deal for all involved. Totally agree with you and hope it comes off.
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WeWereZombies added 07:42 - May 8 I think if he wants to join a League One club he should take his time, hang on for a season and then he can skip the need to move house and join Norwich in 2015/16
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Sindre94 added 16:04 - May 8 Paul Taylor doesnt talk.
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TimmyH added 16:54 - May 8 We've had some quite good goalkeepers ON LOAN over the last 6/7 years or so but unfortunately average one's on contract. Gerken marginally better than Loach but now we need a keeper better than Gerken ON CONTRACT!!
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