New Town signing Lee Bowyer says he is just as ambitious at 34 as he was earlier in his career and is looking to help the Blues get back into the Premier League. The former Charlton, Leeds, Newcastle, West Ham and Birmingham man finalised his move to Town last night having returned from a holiday abroad, signing a one-year deal with an option for a further season.

Bowyer told the club site: "I met up with the manager on Saturday night and it was clear that I'm joining an ambitious club.

"I have the same ambitions. I'm not looking to join a club that is happy in mid-table. I have always played to win and I'm no different now.

"Ipswich are aiming for promotion and I'm here to play my part in trying to make that happen. I have played most of my football in the Premier League and it would be nice to finish my career at that level - with Ipswich.

"I know I'm 34 but fitness is not a problem for me. My Prozone stats stood up against much younger team-mates of mine at Birmingham last season, and the opposition as well.

"I'll be a week or so behind the other lads in terms of pre-season training but I'm looking forward to getting going now. There were other clubs interested, Premier League clubs, but Ipswich is a good move for me.

"I started my career at a family club in Charlton and perhaps I'll end it at a family club in Ipswich, but it would be nice to go out on a high. That's the aim coming here. I'm still ambitious. I want to win and I want to help Ipswich win."

Elsewhere, former Blues skipper Richard Naylor has signed a short-term deal with Doncaster Rovers having been released by Leeds at the end of the season.

Photo: Action Images

PartyDaz added 12:21 - Jul 11 A very good signing IMO. We need some winners. We need people who are going to inspire and encourage others to perform. People like Lee Bowyer fit that mold. COYB.
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stringtheory added 12:21 - Jul 11 Sounds like a real gent
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BlueVelvet added 12:23 - Jul 11 One strike and he's out - read his contract. Club can't afford to be tainted by his tendencies. LB - just focus on ya football, and I'm sure we'll support you, stray away from this and expect to be dropped as damaged goods.
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DiamondGezzer added 12:24 - Jul 11 This could be the signing of the season. Well said young man, and welcome.
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BlueAlex added 12:25 - Jul 11 Delighted with this signing and very confident that it will be a positive one for our club. Can't wait for the season to start!
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fourpee added 12:27 - Jul 11 Well said Bowyer..Agreed diamond bloke it could well be !!
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La_Paz added 12:29 - Jul 11 Premier League quality on a free!!. Another good bit of business by the club. Might hopefully give one or two of the other squad members a bit of a wake-up call as well. Still feel we might be a bit light at the back at the moment, with another right back/right sided centre-half needed, but things are starting to come together nicely. COYB.
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tractorboybig added 12:30 - Jul 11 Well far more positive comments than the other signings, Probaly the best signing in years if he produces. AND yes we need a hard man in the middle, a few yellow cards can make all the difference when the going gets tough.
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ericgatesrules added 12:30 - Jul 11 Welcome Lee. He is the first to admit he has made mistakes, one or two massive ones but he is exactly what we need away from on home on a dark December Sat. for instance. He played well at Brum. and exactly what we need in midfield. Roll on Bristol City. COYB
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roytheboy added 12:31 - Jul 11 This has the makings of a very successful season, yet another excellent signing.
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GTRKing added 12:31 - Jul 11 5 out of 6-8 is good keep em comming.
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Karlosfandangal added 12:34 - Jul 11 Very good start for the midfield still need one more ie Bullard Coppinger another class striker and a very good CB and we have a chance still have money to spend so we can go for certain players. We can then look at the weak areas in the Jan transfer window
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das_bones added 12:34 - Jul 11 Show us you mean it on the pitch Mr Bowyer, which i think you will, COYB!!!!
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randomblue added 12:35 - Jul 11 I'm really impressed with the impression/ ambition that Jewel is putting across to the players he's talking too. Clearly selling the club well. The players seem to believe it can happen... in fact I'm almost starting to believe it might happen!! Finally turned the corner and now good times ahead. Phil - is it too early for the 'where will town finish' poll. Would be interested as to whether PJ has got the fans believing it will be a good season too!

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essexblues added 12:39 - Jul 11 welcome aboard lee can't wait to see you play also well done Mr.clegg and pj this guy had prem offers but he choose town well done keep up the good work.
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Strider added 13:01 - Jul 11 Despite his history, I think Bowyer is now a decent purchase for Town. He's matured and was arguably B/ham's best player last year in the Prem. We need someone with his passion and desire and i hope that he does a job for us.
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legoman added 13:03 - Jul 11 Where can I get some prozone stat tablets?
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blue_em_away added 13:33 - Jul 11 Where are all the neggies hiding?? Great signing for the club, not just on the pitch, but off it too by attracting other big names. What a fecking difference between Keane and Jewell.
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Lightningboy added 14:11 - Jul 11 An ok signing for nowt I guess and will add some much needed steel to the midfield..now can we go out and sign some flare!?
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Basil_Smallpiece added 14:21 - Jul 11 Great signing. Add some steel to midfield. Rusty steel. Explosive talent. Ticks all the boxes and guarantees us promotion. Don't be negative. He's reformed. Mature now. Very mature. Could be worth a season ticket to watch. Chops gets no service up from wheezing midfield and reaches for his hip flask. Punch up with Lee, maybe. Fun. Great master stroke by PJ and Clegg to land unemployed OAP. Add some steel. Lots of ambition. On the pitch. Excellent signing. COYB!

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petersongoal added 14:44 - Jul 11 one year with an option, premier league or bust! here we go!
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Wickets added 15:46 - Jul 11 Great signing, i think he scored about as many goals in prem, from midfield, than our strikers scored in champs. The next Town skipper?
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robdaful added 16:01 - Jul 11 Jewell seems to be able to sell the club. Good signing.
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jas0999 added 17:38 - Jul 11 A decent signing and presumably the replacement for Norris. Now for the Jimmy Bullard style playmaker.
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h32 added 18:50 - Jul 11 blue em away - don't get too excited just yet 'the proof of the pudding is always in the eating' - assessment time will be after the first 4/5 games. Then after the pitches get heavy, when 30+ year legs get heavy too - we'll see if 'Dad's Army' is up to it all. !!! Genuinely hope they will be - but not so sure. Time will tell.
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