New boy Jack Taylor says he is ready to make his mark for Ipswich Town.
The Blues have finally landed their long-term target from Peterborough United for a fee believed to be close to £1.5m.
After penning a three-year deal at Portman Road, becoming Kieran McKenna’s first signing of the summer ahead of a step up to the Championship, the midfielder said: “I’m over the moon.
“There was interest, especially from the gaffer, for quite a while and that played a massive part in me wanting to be here.
“Ipswich were outstanding when they came to us towards the end of the season (winning 3-0 at London Road) - we couldn’t lay a glove on them if I’m honest.
“In my opinion they were definitely the best side we played last year by a mile.
"This was the club I wanted to go to and I’m delighted to call this my home now.”
Released by Chelsea at the age of 14, Taylor started his senior career at Barnet where he played two seasons in League Two and two more in the National League.
Impressive form at the start of the 2019/20 season saw him snapped up by League One club Peterborough in the January window for an initial £500k.
He helped Posh gain automatic promotion in his first full season at London Road, struggled with injuries as they came straight back down, but was then one of their best players last season as Darren Ferguson’s men finished sixth before losing to Sheffield Wednesday in a thrilling two-legged play-off semi-final.
“I feel like this is my level and I need to kick on now. This is the perfect opportunity for me,” said the former Republic of Ireland U21 international.
“The way this team plays hopefully suits my style of play.
“I’m probably a traditional box-to-box midfielder I would say. I can play in numerous positions to be fair.
“I do like getting a goal if I’m honest. I got 10 in the end last season, which was my target. Hopefully I end up with another 10 this year. That’s optimistic, but I think I can do it.
“To be successful you need the whole team to chip in with goals, so hopefully I can get enough to help the team be successful.”
The ball is rolling! 👊#itfc pic.twitter.com/aqmTvK4DWN
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) June 26, 2023
Taylor, who turned 25 last week, continued: “The manager says it’s going to be hard work and I’m ready for it. I’m ready to make an impact for this club.
“I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve got to make my mark. I’m very excited to meet all the lads.
“This is probably the fittest I’ve been. I didn’t really get any injuries last year. I had a couple of little ankle knocks, but nothing muscular which is really good from my point of view because the year before I was struggling with hamstrings and things like that.
MORE: 10 wingers Town could target this summer
“Playing at Portman Road is going to be special. Hopefully I’ll be playing the first game and my family will be here watching. Everything is just so exciting and I can’t wait to get going.
“Every time I’ve played here the atmosphere has been incredible. I’m delighted to be one of their own now and, as I say, am excited to make my mark.”
🎥 “I’m over the moon."
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) June 26, 2023
Our newest recruit on joining Town.#itfc pic.twitter.com/gZEA9Tn6IJ
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