Boss Joe Royle has thanked departing goalkeeper Kelvin Davis for his two years at Portman Road and wished him well for the future. The 28-year-old completed his move to the Black Cats earlier this afternoon.

Royle told the club site that he is sad to see both Davis and Darren Bent leave the club but that the moves are a consequence of the Blues failing to win promotion: "I'm obviously disappointed to lose Kelvin but, just as with Darren Bent going, it's a repercussion of not winning promotion.

"Kelvin only had a year to go on his contract and we would have risked losing him for nothing if we kept him and there is also the fact that we need the money at the club.

"Kelvin wanted to play Premiership football as well, so it was a move that we couldn't resist for a number of reasons.

"I would like to put on record my thanks to him for his two years' service at Portman Road.

"He has been magnificent for us since he first arrived and proved himself as the best keeper in the Championship last season, something that was recognised by his peers.

"His challenge now is to go on and prove himself at the highest level and I wish him all the best in that."

The introduction of transfer windows into the Football League next season means that Royle looks certain to add another keeper to Town's ranks, with Lewis Price the only stopper with senior experience.

However, the Town manager's thoughts are currently on other areas, presumably persuading the out-of-contract players to stay and the move for Reading striker Nicky Forster: "I've got other priorities at the moment. We'll have to wait and see how things develop."

The Blues are likely to go for an experienced keeper available on a free transfer.

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