Ipswich Town: First interview with new signing Liam Delap

The 21-year-old arrived from Manchester City on Saturday, signing a five-year deal worth £15m, which could rise to £20m with add-ons.

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Speaking to TownTV for his first interview, he revealed the keys behind him deciding to head for Suffolk.

“I think there’s many reasons," he explained. "It’s a great bunch of boys and a great manager with great staff and what the club’s done in the last two years is incredible.

“It’s a club on the up and I’ve heard so many good things about the feeling and the fans and how the players and staff work – and that’s what got me excited to come here.”

WATCH: Exclusive insight into what Delap will bring to Town

Boss Kieran McKenna, a man with a reputation for improving his players, is often cited as a big draw for potential new signings, and it's no different for Delap.

"He’s a very, very good manager and I’ve been very impressed on the occasions that I’ve spoken to him," he enthused.

“His type of football and his style of play is something that I think will suit me and something that I’m excited to play.

“100% that’s important – it’s going to bring the best out of you and the best for the team.”

Liam Delap has signed a five-year deal at Town (Image: ITFC/Matchday Images)
Delap got to see McKenna ball up close and personal last season, having faced the Blues twice while out on loan at Hull City.

He bagged eight goals in 32 games for the Tigers, including a strike in that thrilling 3-3 draw between the sides in Hull.

Of those games, he recalled:  “They were really good games. The first one down here, the atmosphere was incredible and we couldn’t get near you (3-0 Town win)."

“That memory has sat in my head – it was such an attacking team, very quick, and with such a great structure and play.

“Then obviously the one at Hull was such a great game, very exciting, and a great game to be a part of.”

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So did he see something in those games which helped him make the decision to sign in Suffolk?

"Yeah, definitely," he said of Town's appeal. "It’s such an exciting way to play, everyone has a role and it was so intense and quick. It’s something that you’d love to play in.”

Asked what he'll bring to the Blues, he replied: “I think I’m quite quick and strong. I love to carry the ball and hopefully I can bring goals and assists and work hard every week to help the team.”

Liam Delap faced Town with Hull City last season - and liked what he saw (Image: PA)
Capped by England from U16 to U21 level, Delap progressed through the youth ranks at Derby County before being snapped up by Manchester City at the age of 16 for a £1m compensation fee.

Aged 17, he scored on his senior debut for City in an FA Cup tie against Bournemouth. A regular goalscorer for the U23s, Pep Guardiola subsequently handed him a taste of the Premier League and Champions League off the bench.

He's since had loan spells at Preston, Stoke and Hull - so does he now feel ready to make the step up and tackle the Premier League with Town?

“100%," he insisted. "I think the last few years I’ve learned so much and I’m still young, so it’s a great time to kickstart my career.

“I think I’ve had enough experience now to go on and hopefully the manager and the boys here can help me improve as a player and do well.”

Asked for his aims with the Blues, Delap said: “I just want to improve as a player and help the team as much as I can.

“It’s such a great club with great players and great staff and I think what we can do is very special.

“I just want to give the fans what they want, keep them happy and be in the Premier League for a long time.”

Liam Delap says he can bring goals and assists to Town (Image: ITFC/Matchday Images)
And that Premier League challenge will start in front of a sold-out Portman Road against mighty Liverpool on August 17.

It's sure to be a special day and a special atmosphere - and Delap is relishing the opportunity of pulling on the blue in Suffolk for the first time in front of his new fans.

He enthused: “I experienced it last season when we came here and it was one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in, so I can’t wait.”