Striker Luke Varney is joining Burton Albion with his short-term Town contract not being renewed. The veteran frontman has signed an 18-month deal with the Brewers, having trained with them for the last couple of days.

Varney, 34, rejoined the Blues for a third spell in August as cover for the injured David McGoldrick and has made four starts and 11 sub appearances this season, scoring three goals. His contract was due to end on January 12th.

Overall, having initially joined Town on loan from Blackburn Rovers for the final three months of 2014/15, the much-travelled frontman made 14 starts and 32 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring five times.

Burton boss Nigel Clough told their official site: “He’s a good, experienced Championship player who we hope will help us out in the second half of the season.

"He plays a few different positions, wide midfield or up front and we know Luke from our time at Derby.

“He’s featured for Ipswich this season and got a couple of goals as well but wanted to come back to the area and he will be a good addition to our squad.

“He gives us something different to what we have got and is a good signing for us at this stage. He only signed a six-month deal at Ipswich which is why he is available in January.”

Varney, known as Reg during his time with the Blues, says he'll look back fondly on his time at Town.

“I have finished on a good note at all my clubs but Ipswich will always stay close to my heart," he told the club site.

"They looked after me after a serious injury, the fans have been great with me and there's a great group of lads there as well. It was difficult to leave but a new challenge will keep me hungry going forward.

“Once I made it aware that I wasn’t going to be staying at Ipswich it was a bit of a risk me playing in the cup for them this weekend, with my contract ending a couple of days later, so I’m thankful to the club and the manager, Mick McCarthy, in letting me come out of it a bit early so I could get this move sorted.

"It's a deal that allows me to move back home closer to my family, although I do so with a heavy heart.

“I have nothing but good things to say about the club and all the people at Ipswich. I loved my time there and I wish them all the best for the future."

Photo: TWTD

happybeingblue added 17:12 - Jan 4 good luck a good pro, with a good attitude, hope you can keep them up , not at our expense though ;)
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planetblue_2011 added 17:27 - Jan 4 Well done Luke you have been good for us when played. Good luck at Burton, just don't score past us when we play you next. 👍🏻
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Fatboy added 17:42 - Jan 4 Best of luck, Reg. You always gave your all for the club. PS "It's a deal that allows me to move back home closer to my family, although I do so with a heavy heart." - you might want to rephrase that!
7

prebsa added 17:49 - Jan 4 Good passion and sounds like a great Lad, will never forget all the effort he gave! Not a promotion player anymore but gave 100% all the time!!!
4

blueboy1981 added 18:03 - Jan 4 A very good squad player - always knew what you would get from him - never less than 100 per cent. Best of luck Reg - a good move, and decent contract at this stage of your career. Wish you well.
10

blueboy1981 added 18:09 - Jan 4 ...... the squads somewhat weaker with this - lets hope someone is on the way in that will enhance it. Don't take anything for granted tho' - there will be people involved in such decisions that probably care much less about such things, than many of us. Hope - but don't hold your breath.... !!!
6

jas0999 added 18:11 - Jan 4 I'd like to wish Luke all the very best. This is a fantastic move for him and indeed us. Frees up wages, but also he gets an 18 month contract. Fantastic.
12

coolcat added 18:21 - Jan 4 Wish him all the best for the future. Was great having him here. Think he really liked it here. but is a great move for him.
4

Tractorboy1985 added 19:18 - Jan 4 Met him on the golf day in October and I can say what a super chap he was.. took time to speak to the fans and was full of banter which can't be said for many! A proper down to earth player who always gave his all even though not the most gifted.. all the best Reg.. top bloke! Reckon you will have success at burton!
7

Pilgrimblue added 19:21 - Jan 4 Very pleased for Reg. We've given him an opportunity and he's repaid us with 100% commitment and energy. Hope he does well with Buxton .
7

martyjg added 19:40 - Jan 4 This may sound crazy but now boro have signed gestede how about getting mr nugent in, would be a good signing imo
2

Dissboyitfc added 19:45 - Jan 4 Seems a top guy who always gave 100%, i liked him and i hope he has a great 18 month at Burton. But that said he is not the future!
6

TimmyH added 19:47 - Jan 4 Have to say a little surprised Mick didn't extend his contract until the end of the season...but wish him all the best at Burton!
5

woohoo added 20:55 - Jan 4 Good luck Reg and thanks for your efforts.
2

heathen66 added 22:16 - Jan 4 I for one am sad to see him go Always gave 100% and never ever let us down Never had a real run in the side although his 4 starts this season saw him score 2 goals. Strangely enough in each of these games was substituted around the 60 -70 minutes even though he scored which sums up the ranking within the Town Squad. Always had energy and gave us an option (a bit like Richard Naylor) that is different to anything else we have. Good luck in the future Luke, your efforts were appreciated

6

neil1968 added 22:19 - Jan 4 Barney was as good as at least 3/4 of the crap we have and now one at all that can win the ball in the air
2

BrettenhamBlue added 22:44 - Jan 4 TimmyH - good point, especially as we haven't brought anyone in yet. Usually clubs sign a player and then someone leaves. We have no target man at all now so hope we sign someone soon.
2

ronnyd added 23:33 - Jan 4 Trouble is, if we do get a big target man will it then be hoofball all the way.
0

harlingblue added 01:47 - Jan 5 Good luck Reg, wishing you all the best, and thank you for your always wholehearted performances for ITFC.
3

StavangerBlue added 05:10 - Jan 5 Thanks for your service Reg. Good luck. Wish you all the best.
2

KiwiBlue2 added 10:23 - Jan 5 In his time here he has been good for the club (useful goals and very professional attitude) and the club has been good to him (help with serious rehab and contract extensions when others may not have). I think it is a pity that he was not around 6 or 7 years younger. I wish him the very best of luck and also hope that he doesn't add to his goal tally at our expense when we next meet Burton. ........

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pedlimblue added 10:28 - Jan 5 Reg was never going to set the world alight but he clearly was beneficial to the squad and helping with younger players. The way the club helped him after that Achilles injury should also be commended. He cost us next to nothing, delivered a few goals (the QPR one will live in the memory) and was prepared to be a supporting role in the squad, and for those reasons he should be remembered fondly by town fans

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