DEPARTED Iceman Hermann Hreidarsson has left his heart with Ipswich Town.The big central defender or full back left for Premiership Charlton in a £900,000 deal last week as the cash-crisis stricken Blues pulled in much-needed revenue.

By Dave Allard

DEPARTED Iceman Hermann Hreidarsson has left his heart with Ipswich Town.

The big central defender or full back left for Premiership Charlton in a £900,000 deal last week as the cash-crisis stricken Blues pulled in much-needed revenue.

Hreidarsson, who is still receiving treatment for a severely gashed thigh, cannot play for Charlton until next season even if he regains fitness.

And today he admitted: "I think about Ipswich much of the time and speak to many of the lads when I can. I've still got my season ticket and will watch them when I can.

"Of course, Charlton Athletic are my club now and I have to watch their games, but I shall see as many Ipswich matches as possible. Hopefully three of them will come in the play-offs."

One remaining Blues league fixture that Hreidarsson has earmarked will come on Friday, April 18, when Nationwide League First Division leaders Portsmouth are the visitors to Portman Road.

It will be doubly special for him too as Pompey tried to sign the Icelandic international before he opted to switch to The Valley.

Hreidarsson, who went to Fratton Park for talks with manager Harry Redknapp before moving on for negotiations in south London, said: "That will be a particularly interesting game for me."

Hreidarsson added: "I had more than two great years at Ipswich and my heart is still there. I can't wait to find out how they have got on and that will continue.

"It was sad that I had to leave in the situation that I did, but the club are in a difficult position and I had to look at the bigger picture.

"As I say, I've spoken to many of the Ipswich players individually since I left. But I've not been back as yet to see them all together at the training ground. I hope to do that soon."

The Icelandic international is working hard with the Charlton fitness coach as he battles back to fitness following the horrific gash sustained early in the Town home game with Stoke on March 8.

"In two weeks time I hope to start a bit of training and that is something to really look forward to," he said.

"Had I been fit I couldn't have played any games anyway. So it's a situation that I've just got to accept."

At the moment Hreidarsson drives up and down from his Ipswich home to the capital, but planning will soon begin for a move to the south London area.

"My family are happy in Ipswich. But situations change in football and sometimes you just have to move on," he said.