Departing central defender John McGreal says that new Burnley manager Steve Cotterill sold him on a switch to Turf Moor. McGreal has opted for a three-year deal with the Clarets rather than the one-year contract on offer at Town.

The 32-year-old says he is chuffed to be joining the Lancastrian club: "I'm most pleased to have signed for Burnley.

"I'm highly delighted with the move and I'm really looking forward to working under Steve.

"It will be a totally different challenge, but one that I'm definitely looking forward to.

"The manager came across very well and he has got an excellent reputation.

"I spoke to him a few weeks ago and they say that first impressions last. When I met him again, he was exactly the same and really sold the club to me.

"He's very enthusiastic about it all and he told me about his plans and who he hopes to bring in, so I'm keen on the challenge.

"I know the club has been in the bottom half of the table over the last two seasons, but there's no reason why we can't push up now."

McGreal will link up with a number of ex-Tranmere team-mates at Turf Moor: "I know the likes of Graham Branch and Ian Moore from my time at Tranmere Rovers, and I also know Tony Grant and Paul Cook, who used to play there. It will be nice to link up with them again."

McGreal admitted that leaving Town was a wrench: "I had a fantastic five years with Ipswich, apart from the relegation.

"But this is a new and different challenge and one I am looking forward to.

"Obviously geography helps and I'll be nearer friends and family in the north-west, but that isn't the reason for the move.

"I'm just looking forward to getting started now."

Ironically, this time last year another central defender, Drissa Diallo, turned down the chance to stay at Burnley to move to Town.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls