Jims Most Important Signing

Finally, its happened. The most drawn-out transfer saga in Ipswichs recent history has come to an end with the signing of Richard Wright. Could this be the most important signing so far in Jim Magiltons short management career?

Rumours of Richard Wrights availability, and desire to return to Portman Road, first circulated in early 2007. After a failed attempt at bringing him to the club last summer, Jim has patiently waited and finally got his man.

Since Kelvin Davis left the club in the summer of 2005, the club have been in something of a state of flux with regard to their goalkeeping situation. Firstly, Lewis Price was rewarded with his long awaited opportunity. Then Shane Supple managed to force his way into the picture and hold the No. 1 shirt. They alternated for a while without either particularly doing enough to suggest they would make the position their own.

Neil Alexander was a step in the right direction towards providing an experienced No. 1 who could help out the defence in front of him, which had floundered for some time. When he prematurely moved on, we were presented with Stephen Bywater, someone that nobody seemed to believe was a long-term solution, a view shared by the management.

Finally, the returning hero. Everybody connected with Ipswich Town Football Club knows what Richard Wright has to offer. His short run out with Southampton at the end of last season demonstrated that further.

When looking at the goalkeepers available for transfer in the summer, one aspect has been very clear. There are very few, if any, goalkeepers currently employed with Premiership clubs who have been prepared to drop down a division this summer. Ipswichs apparent dalliance with Thomas Sorensen, a player who hasnt featured for Aston Villa in over a year, demonstrates that. Then consider the backup goalkeepers at other clubs and their stature in the game, their achievements, their record. Middlesbroughs No. 2? Wigans No. 2? Sunderlands No.2? Derbys No. 2 in the Premiership last season, one Lewis Price? Richard Wright compares very favourably.

In short, Ipswich have got a real coup.

Despite some who questioned Wrights desire when he signed for West Ham ahead of Ipswich last season, the fact remains that, were it not for his close bonds with his home-town club, we probably wouldnt have stood a chance of signing a goalkeeper of his pedigree.

So, at last, the club have some real quality and stability in one of the most important areas of the team. If Wrights experience and organisational skills rub off on the rest of the defence, as it has in the past, then Jim Magilton may well have solved one of Ipswichs biggest problem areas in recent years.

It could be the key to promotion. And it could be the most important signing in Jim Magiltons managerial career so far.