New signing Harry Clarke has no doubt about this season's target having rejoined the Blues from Arsenal - promotion to the Championship.

TWTD exclusively revealed that the 21-year-old was back at Town this afternoon, the Ipswich-born defender having left the club for the Gunners in August 2015.

“I’ve already had family and friends who have had an inkling,” Clarke, who joined Town the first time around from his local side Brantham Athletic, told iFollow Ipswich.

“When it's out, it’s going to be nice to officially be back home, but there are a lot of reasons for my decision.

“Part of it was obviously coming home. The manager mentioned that in recent history there's not been many promotions so to be a homegrown player at my boyhood club and potentially get one was a big part of it.

“Also, there’s the trajectory of the club with the new owners and the manager. The style of play has been amazing this year so to come and be part of that is another main reason.

“Speaking to the manager a few times swayed my decision. It is my home team but it was also a tough decision, leaving a club like Arsenal behind. After speaking to him, it's solidified that decision and I'm glad I made it.”

Quizzed on what supporters might hope to see from him, he added: ”The fans can expect passion. That’s a given even if I wasn’t at Ipswich.

“No matter what club I’m at, I give everything on the pitch. I’m good on the ball, I’m quick and powerful. I’m good at defending and I’ll hopefully get the odd goal as well.”

Clarke, who was on loan with Stoke City prior to his move to the Blues, has no doubt about the aim for the season: “Promotion.”

Photo: ITFC

freddo78 added 23:47 - Jan 19 Welcome home. Have a good un!
0

Positive_Vibes added 00:16 - Jan 20 Welcome Harry. This transfer caught me by surprise. 5'11” central defender, when the rest of our boys are 6'3” and above. From his bio looks more of a right wing back and looking at the clips has played on the left. If he left Ipswich at 15 in 2015 and it's now 2023, how is he 21 and not 22? The maths don't add up in my head.. might be my age. Haha Regardless of his age, he does look like an exciting prospect.

0

pennblue added 07:46 - Jan 20 HARRY CLARKE - HE'S ONE OF OUR OWN!!!!!!!! COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0

tivo added 07:46 - Jan 20 PV … because he hasn't had his birthday yet this year...
0

1981eufacup added 09:31 - Jan 20 tivo ... you might want to rethink your age comment. The clue is there 15 in 2015.
0

1981eufacup added 09:38 - Jan 20 tivo ... my apologies, I've looked him up. DOB March 2001 so info wrong all round!
0

Gforce added 10:25 - Jan 20 Great signing this,the club now showing real ambition. I also noticed this morning,that Swansea have rejected a bid for Whittaker, from an unnamed club,could it be us I wonder??
0

ArnieM added 10:39 - Jan 20 They want their £2m for him don't they . Is he worth that though?
0

Linkboy13 added 12:18 - Jan 20 Sounds like a good signing with a good CV has played regularly in the championship for Stoke not just the odd game like some of our signings. Being an ex Brantham player myself i mustn't be to biased and will Judge him on what he does on the pitch. Im not one of those fans who has a favourite player who can't do a thing wrong and should always play no matter what.
0

Maltster added 15:38 - Jan 20 It's great news. We need someone to push or replace Janoi Donacien whoes form has deteriated over the last couple of months. He nolonger works well with Wes Burns and several goals against us were due to his poor marking
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls