Introducing... Campo and Volzy

The first in a series of catch-up posts. Since I last posted anything of note, we've brought in more players - Ben Thatcher, Iván Campo and Moritz Volz. I'll gloss over the former, as I don't like the idea of cheerimg anyone with that surname. Campo was a cult hero at Bolton, for his hairstyle as much as his ability. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he can also play in defence. I'm guessing that's where Jim Magilton will deploy him, as we already have a surfeit of midfielders. But then, that was the case before we signed David Norris...

And today, the club announced the loan signing of West London-based German cycling legend Moritz Volz. Also, a cult hero at Fulham, Volzy is a right back, who can play elsewhere in defence and also in midfield. David Wright with a personality then. Volzy's signing, and Ben Thatcher being given the 33 shirt, suggest that Thatcher is cover, and is aware of it. Not a bad thing. As long as Volzy and Campo can adjust to the quieter Suffolk life, I think they'll both be successes. And Volzy has already suggested swapping his folding pushbike for a tractor. He might be better off swapping his website's theme tune.

One In, Aul In

And the headings get worse. Both a statement of fact and a promise for the future. The Gareth McAuley saga is finally over, and hopefully this means that now he and David Norris are on board, and given the 'no comment' about Shola Ameobi, maybe our attempts at conducting transfer business via the press are over.

Well. Almost.

“We have made an enquiry about Shola [Ameobi] but not a bid." - Jim Magilton, 14th June
“If I could get [José Emilio] Guerra I would. We have made an enquiry to Barcelona about him and we will see what happens." - Magilton, 14th June

Magilton has almost stated that he's still after "back four players" - likely to be another centre half and a left back, with maybe more cover at full back, "strengthening the midfield" - rumoured to be after a left midfielder, although a right midfielder seems more urgent, given we don't have a natural one, and a striker. No mention of a keeper, so either Nick Colgan's staying as backup to Shane Supple, or he's staying open-minded about the level of keeper he's looking for. All of which leaves next season's team looking like this.

GK: Shane Supple or New signing
RB: David Wright or Alex Bruce
CB: Gareth McAuley
CB: New signing or Richard Naylor or Alex Bruce
LB: New signing or David Wright
RM: Square peg. Probably David Norris or Jon Walters or Danny Haynes
CM: Owen Garvan
CM: Velice Sumulikoski or Tommy Miller
LM: New signing or Alan Quinn
CF: New signing
CF: Jon Walters or Danny Haynes or Alan Lee or Pablo Couñago

Clear as crystal then.

Anyone for Pim?

And the first new signing of the year is in. Pim Balkestein arrives from SC Heerenveen on a Bosman. Only as he's 21, we have to pay a tribunal fee. Balkestein hasn't set the Eredivisie alight, given that he's yet to make his debut. He was also so desperate to sign for Ipswich/leave the Friesland club* that he paid his own air fare for his trial towards the end of last season. Certain fans of The Veen think he deserved a chance and that it's another lost opportunity for their youngsters. Wonder if he met Billy Clarke, Michael Synnott or Sammy Moore during his trial.

Suggestions that this was a Jordan Rhodes style signing were later quashed when it was Simon Hunt, rather than Balkestein's father who was appointed Town's new European Scout. Hunt was European scout when we signed Ulrich Le Pen, Amir Karic, Nabil Abidallah and Guillermo Graaven. £2.5million and nine games between them. I say games, I mean substitute appearances. They probably didn't play 90 minutes between them. Whoo-hoo.

*Delete as appropriate