Stead's goal pledge

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town new signing Jon Stead today promised Blues fans the goals to help move them up the Coca-Cola Championship table.

On loan from Sheffield United until January, Stead is set to make his debut in tomorrow's match against Reading at Portman Road (kick off 3pm).

Stead has trained with his team mates this week and cannot wait to get on the field.

He said: “I know my job is to score the goals and from what I have seen of Ipswich on the training ground this week chances will be created.

“And if so it will be my job to put them away. I was well aware that my chances at Sheffield United were limited and that it was time to play somewhere else and to be part of a team rather than a squad.

“I am delighted to be here and the dream would be topped off with a goal tomorrow.

“I know that I will be judged on my goal output, but the main thing for the team against Reading is to collect three points.”

Stead is not committing himself to a Portman Road home beyond January, but he said: “We will see how things go and then make a decision when the loan period is up.

“I really enjoyed this week with a great bunch of lads and I knew Tommy Miller from our days at Sunderland together.

“The team might not be in the position where they would like to be but there is a long way to go this season and I'm sure Ipswich will be up challenging for promotion next April.

“I am happy with my decision to come here and happy that Jim Magilton has faith in me and as I said I cannot wait to get started.”

Stead's other concern is to find a house to rent for his partner and his boxer dog Bella with the former Huddersfield man who made his name scoring goals for them, adding: “Living in a hotel is ok to start with, but after a while it is much better to have your own place and this is what I want to do as soon as I can.”