New left-back Stephen Ward hopes his experience can help the Blues' younger players, the Dubliner having signed a one-year deal at Portman Road with the club having an option for a further season.

The Republic of Ireland international was a free agent having left Stoke City at the end of last season.

“Hopefully, first and foremost, I can help on the pitch,” the 34-year-old told the club website.

“I've seen the ups and downs in football throughout my career. I know what it takes to get out of leagues, but I also know that it's tough for a club when you go down and you're expected to bounce straight back up.

“I want to use that experience and help the young lads in any way I can. From what I've seen in training there are some very talented youngsters here.

“There seems to be a good togetherness here as well. I've only been down here a week or so but I can tell that the squad and staff are focused and the main aim will be promotion.”

Ward has good memories of playing at Portman Road having scored his first away goal in English football in a 1-0 victory over the Blues when a Wolves player in February 2007.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing here, there’s always a really good atmosphere, the town really gets behind the club and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about this year.

“It’s going to be a different season in terms of how it might start with no fans, so it’s up to us on the pitch to deliver results and hopefully from afar they can see the team is moving in the right direction and before long hopefully we can get some of them inside Portman Road.”

Photo: ITFC

Suffolkboy added 14:33 - Aug 17 Might well prove exactly what we need in more ways than one : obviously a keen and good communicator ,his reading of the game and situations will be instructive and positive ! We must all wish him well and look forward to seeing him and expressing our support at Portman Rd . COYB
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ArnieM added 15:26 - Aug 17 Could be a pivotal signing for this Club. Age and experience isn't always a bad thing !
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jas0999 added 15:59 - Aug 17 A leader on the pitch has been very much missing. Could be a good influence on and off the pitch.
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ringwoodblue added 16:14 - Aug 17 Your experience is most welcome Stephen. Please take over the captaincy from Capt Calamity and help get the most out of our young players. We desperately need a leader as we don't have one either on or off the pitch.
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runningout added 17:11 - Aug 17 Could be??? The powers that be must understand that many of us struggle to be content with much “These days.” We ARE League 2 bound if players think they're Comfortable. We can't and won't forget how Poo we have been for ages. Players shouldn't forget it either. Time to be bloody ruthless every week, stop talking usual drab football speak. Be different! Don't think we can live off two or three good shows and one thrashing of an opponent per season. Nuff said

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therein61 added 17:13 - Aug 17 Welcome to the Town Stephen i am sure you will be an asset in helping the younger players within the club your experience will command respect enjoy your stay.
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IPSWICHMOUSE added 18:22 - Aug 17 Decent signing this......COYB..ITID...
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therein61 added 18:36 - Aug 17 Just luv it if P.L had the balls or permission to make him skipper.
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brian_a_mul added 22:59 - Aug 17 Im delighted with Wardy, good player and always gives 100%. What you dont realise is that his workrate and commitment make other players around him better too. He could form a good partnership with Judgy
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KiwiBlue2 added 01:37 - Aug 18 therein61 - agree entirely with your comment.... could we be so lucky.....?
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JewellintheTown added 07:13 - Aug 18 "I've always enjoyed playing here, there's always a really good atmosphere ..." = As an opposition player the Ipswich fans never gave me hell and I didn't feel intimidated by them. We as fans failed. He goes on to compliment us as loyal to the club, but I think the first part already says it all. About time us fans really made the opposition teams not want to enjoy playing here but our own team feel welcome, no matter what the selection. Our part as fans is more crucial than many understand.

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senduntd added 09:00 - Aug 18 runningout the last 2 words of your piece summed you up nicely.
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Razor added 13:48 - Aug 18 Good pedigree signing and still got it in him to make a big difference
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