Boss Kieran McKenna says he believes striker George Hirst has room to improve and the ability to progress to the next level along with Town, the former loanee having completed a permanent move to the Blues from Leicester City yesterday.

The 24-year-old signed a four-year deal at Portman Road, the clubs having agreed an initial fee worth around £1.5 million with further cash due to the Foxes based on Hirst’s performances in the Championship and Premier League should the Blues win a second promotion.

Hirst was a big factor in Town's charge to second in League One last season, netting seven times in all competitions having signed on loan in January, and McKenna believes the one-time Sheffield Wednesday youngster has what it takes to succeed in the Championship.

“George made a really big impact for us in the second half of last season and showed why we were really keen to bring him to the Club over a couple of windows,” McKenna told the club site.

“But it wasn’t just about last season because we think he has room to improve and the ability to go to the next level with the team. That’s the challenge for George and also the challenge for the team now.

“He’s had quite a few loan moves and has done well with us and also with Portsmouth, but it becomes hard when you go on loans twice a season because it’s difficult to really settle.

“For a player to find a home and a base, where they feel like they can show their best football and develop both as a player and a man, is really important.

“He thinks this is the place for him to do that and we match up well, so we’re really pleased to have him here.”

McKenna says the frontman hasn’t joined up with the squad in Austria having picked up a knock in the final match of his loan spell last season.

He added: “He had an injury from the end of the season following the Fleetwood game so he’s not that long been back in training.

“He hasn’t missed too much but we’ll have to build him up because he’s a little bit behind the players who have been working really, really well for a few weeks now.

“But the good thing is he knows the players, knows the staff and understands the way we work, so that should make the integration that little bit quicker.”

Elsewhere, former Blues keeper Lewis Price has joined Oxford United as goalkeeper-coach, having previously been part of manager Liam Manning’s staff at MK Dons.

Another former Portman Road alumnus, James Krause, who was a member of the 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning team, joined the U’s as first-team coach analyst having been working at Arsenal for the previous eight years.

Photo: Matchday Images

Davidwb20 added 16:56 - Jul 14 I think ITFC is definitely the place for GH to do what he does best creating and scoring goals. Bring it on!
0

Linkboy13 added 17:59 - Jul 14 Definitely got the ability to make an impact in the championship. Possibly needs to work on his strength work in the gym then he would be a handful for defenders.
-4

BlueRuin69 added 18:31 - Jul 14 Work on his strength? Tell that to Mads Anderson……..
4

Jugsy added 20:26 - Jul 14 Really didn't see what the fuss was with Mads Andersen, Hirst absolutely bossed him all game and he somehow got in team of the season and now in the Prem with Luton. Reckon will have a field day in the Championship under McKenna.
0

Karlosfandangal added 20:52 - Jul 14 Never understood why Town were so keen to sign Hurst and was underwhelmed when we got him in Jan on loan. I now see why…… that goal against Barnsley was pure class, got a feeling the Blackburn fans will be wishing they had signed him. Might have a flutter on Hurst being top goalscorer this season
1

WilmslowBlue added 23:02 - Jul 14 So many fans of other clubs on Championship chat groups on FB and elsewhere haven't got a good word to say about GH, saying he couldn't score etc. They are thinking about the 2022 GH , not the “new improved” 2023 GH. Clearly haven't seen the away goals at Derby, Bolton and Barnsley, none of which I would say are tropical L1 squads. I can't wait for him to prove them wrong.

0

WilmslowBlue added 23:03 - Jul 14 Typical!
0

troyparrotsleftear added 07:22 - Jul 15 what the hell is going on with the typing on here?
1

ArnieMsBigToe added 12:12 - Jul 15 Troy parrot. I was wondering the same thing. We seem to be getting some very weird characters. Think this maybe an issue for Phil TWTD??
0

ArnieMsBigToe added 13:23 - Jul 15 But maybe not!!
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls