New first-team coach Gary Roberts admits his new role came sooner than he anticipated it would with the winger still a player with Accrington Stanley until earlier this week when he got the call to Portman Road with his former gaffer Paul Cook.

Liverpool-born Roberts joined the Blues as a player from Stanley initially on loan in October 2006 and went on to make 45 starts and 14 sub appearances for Town, scoring four times before departing for Huddersfield in July 2008. He subsequently played for Cook at Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan.

The 36-year-old left the Latics last summer and joined Welsh side Bala Town before returning to Accrington for what proved to be a brief spell in January.

“I was obviously playing at the time and I spoke to the gaffer,” Roberts told iFollow Ipswich.

“He said 'how do you fancy getting down here to your old club?' The opportunity had come up and as I was coming to the end of my career, so I thought there’s not a better time to come and help.

“It makes it easier that I’ve played for the club and know a few faces so I jumped at the chance.

“It’s quite difficult, playing football for so many years and then stopping. It’s quite hard but this was my plan. It’s come a bit sooner than I thought but I’m ready to do it.

“I’m ready to help the gaffer, help the lads, and hopefully get up that league.

"We’ve worked together for a number of years now. I played with him a long time ago and then he was my manager for a good few years.

“We had success together and we’ve always got on. He trusts me and he must think there’s something in me to help him, help the squad get better and push up that league.”

Photo: Matchday Images

midastouch added 16:48 - Mar 5 Good luck Gary. I thought he was a decent player but we didn't quite see the best of him. I think he played some of his best stuff after he left us (sadly that seems to happen a lot with players we let go). I remember one game in particular when Gary played very well for us. It was when we beat Norwich either 3-1 or 3-2. I think it might have been the game when Luke Chadwick put them 1 up but I can't remember exactly. Think Gary might have even scored. Does anybody remember that game?

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ParisBlue added 17:05 - Mar 5 The game you mention we won 3-1 and Sir Bobby Robson named him as his 'Man of the Match'. Some accolade that... Robson on Roberts 20th Nov 2006 18:16 Loanee winger Gary Roberts was the man who most impressed the watching Sir Bobby Robson during the Blues' 3-1 derby victory over Norwich City on Sunday. The club president was back at Portman Road for the first time since his recent cancer operation. 0

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Suffolkboy added 17:07 - Mar 5 The fact is GR has enthusiastically leapt at making a total and relatively dramatic career path change ,to join PC at ITFC : a tremendous recommendation for the values and ethics which GR knew all about from his days with us as a player . The evidence is that M E has chosen exceedingly well and brought in a Management team who will bring vitality , openness , knowledge and experience to enhance ITFC all round ,AND recharge our playing squad with confidence and determination . It seems likely this will benefit us all , and the whole Staff team with an injection of humour , articulate communication and above all optimistic outlook : whoopee ! More of the same , please ! COYB

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midastouch added 17:09 - Mar 5 Cheers for sharing that ParisBlue, much appreciated.
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Chaz26 added 18:29 - Mar 5 Paris Blue - I remember that Bobby Robson quote and like you have never forgotten it. WEell done in finding it.
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BeattiesBackPocket added 18:49 - Mar 5 Good luck Gary and Paul let's hope they get the backing of not just the fans but owner as well
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norfolkbluey added 18:59 - Mar 5 I suspect he might even play on the wing again. I also remember that match. Delirious feeling having beaten Norwich that day. If we get injuries in his chosen position I suspect he wouldn't look out of place. He was a tough player in his day.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 19:05 - Mar 5 Id forgot how good Danny Haynes goals were. Looked like heir apparent to D Bents crown for a while. How we desperately need to start producing proper goalscorers from the academy now.
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Cakeman added 19:25 - Mar 5 Gary was one of the last players we had who could regularly deliver good balls in from the wings. He wasn't with us long but I thought he did well for us. I'm sure he will do well at coaching too.
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JewellintheTown added 19:29 - Mar 5 First there was Barry & Paul! They made us chuckle & entertained us all for years on screen. Hopefully Gary & Paul can do the same on the pitch and become legends too! To me, to you, Gary & Paul!
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dirtydingusmagee added 20:06 - Mar 5 he will be new to that role ,but obviously PC thinks he's up to it. Plus they know they get along which helps .Good Luck .
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Dockerblue added 20:29 - Mar 5 Be good if he can coach Bennetts into a proper winger & teach him how and when to deliver a cross.
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