New midfielder Jonathan Douglas is delighted to finally get the chance to play for manager Mick McCarthy and revealed that the Blues boss tried to sign him earlier in his career.

The 33-year-old joined Town on a free transfer from Brentford earlier today having signed a one-year deal with an option for a further season.

“When a club like Ipswich comes in for you then you have to take notice and the gaffer didn’t really have to persuade me to come, it was a no-brainer,” Douglas told Ipswich Player HD.

“I’ve known the gaffer for a few years, from speaking to him on and off and playing against his sides over the years.

“I think he actually tried to sign me before when I was at Leeds so I’m delighted to finally get the chance to play under him and I can’t wait to get started.

“Ipswich is a huge club and there’s a good squad here. The boys went close last season by getting to the play-offs and hopefully we can go one better this time around.”

Former Bees skipper Douglas could make his Blues debut against his old club on Saturday when Town start their Championship season at Griffin Park.

Meanwhile, we understand former Town midfielder Owen Garvan is training with League One Southend following his release by Crystal Palace at the end of last season. The 27-year-old was recently on trial with the MK Dons.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

Green_Army added 17:06 - Aug 4 Personally can't see him starting against Brentford but likely to be a regular this season with Skuse!
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jas0999 added 17:11 - Aug 4 Good addition. Welcome and good luck!
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hoppy added 17:18 - Aug 4 I disagree Green Army... Perfect game for him to start in against us... he'd be wanting to show what he can do and maybe make a point after being told he wasn't in the new manager's plans. He could do an Ian Marshall and score in a 3-0 a few days after joining us from Oldham.
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hoppy added 17:19 - Aug 4 "start in against us" should've been "start in for us", obviously.
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muccletonjoe added 17:27 - Aug 4 I think he should start, along with 4 or 5 other new signings
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PJH added 17:30 - Aug 4 I do not know what his pre-season has been like but if he is fully fit I think he should certainly start on Saturday. Not long to go now! COYB
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itfctim added 18:00 - Aug 4 Welcome to ITFC Jonathan, and what better way to kick start this new chapter in your career by showing what the manager who has deemed you surplus to requirements what he has foolishly lost. COYB
3

Mark added 18:03 - Aug 4 It's superb to sign the captain of a fellow Play-Off side, and for a free transfer! Mick really does manage to find some excellent signings. I know Douglas turns 34 in November, but I think I read he played every match for Brentford last season so no concerns there. Getting him as a free transfer on a one year deal is very low risk.
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BlueSwede added 18:25 - Aug 4 Brilliant signing. And age is just a number. There are those 40 year olds who are fitter than some 20 year olds. Experience counts for a lot as well and getting Douglas in for free is a superb deal.
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oldbri added 18:26 - Aug 4 Welcome Jonathan, I think you will be a vey good addition to our squad . Well done Mick.The Captain of the team that finished above us for a free. You are a wizard.
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tractorboybig added 18:44 - Aug 4 mark is it that these old has beens are all mm can get, rather than excellent signings???
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Garv added 19:30 - Aug 4 Also scored against us last season.
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billyblowers added 22:16 - Aug 4 Essential to mix experience with youth JR fits the bill. Give MM credit with every player we let go a better prospect comes in. If he can secure McGee that may be the final piece in the jigsaw until the window closes, although there's still plenty of that 8 million left burning a hole in the pocket.
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Seasider added 22:33 - Aug 4 WOW!!! Goodnight
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Pettitt10 added 08:41 - Aug 5 Great signing! Gives MM a lovely selection headache in that midfield now. Really want us to play a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 this season with McGoldrick, Murph and Sears all involved, if we really do have the best 4-man strike force in the league, lets use a system that lets us play 3 out of the 4! Thats 40 goals at least if those three stay fit. COYB
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SamWhiteUK added 08:43 - Aug 5 How can Owen Garvan still only be 27?
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spanishblue added 09:34 - Aug 5 How old was Johnny Wark when he came back could,nt run but how good was he for us again third time around,as the saying goes don,t matter how old as long as do the business,wear the shirt with pride
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ThatMuhrenCross added 09:58 - Aug 5 Southend beginning to put together quite a side for that level!
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Bergholtblue added 13:53 - Aug 5 I think for the first game of the season and it being against a side expecting to be competing for the honours at the end of the season, MM will stick to who he knows and it will be a similar starting 11 to those who played v Nor#*#*. I also think he will stick with 2 up front. Probably start with Murphs and McGoldrick and then change them for Pitman and Sears for the last 25 minutes, keeping the front to as a striking partnership as opposed to mix and match all the time. Like he used to do when we had Nouble. My God! How much have we improved since then!

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