Walters planning a warm welcome

Stuart Watson

JON Walters will make sure Ipswich Town's new trio of signings get a better welcome than he did when he first arrived at Portman Road.

The wideman laughs when he thinks back to his arrival at Portman Road from Chester City in 2007.

“I was undertaking my medical and Gary Roberts (now at Huddersfield) came in and said, 'Eh lad, I thought we were signing some good players!'”

Of course it was just a moment of light-hearted banter between fellow Liverpudlians and one that taught Walters the importance of breaking the ice for potentially intrepid newcomers.

The 25-year-old will therefore be doing all he can to make transfer deadline day signings Grant Leadbitter, Carlos Edwards and Liam Rosenior all feeling like one of the Ipswich family as quickly as possible.

“I've been around a few clubs now and I know that a good welcome makes a massive difference,” said Walters.

“Even if it's just a case of getting them round to one of the players' houses for something to eat, it helps. We've done it with the likes of Tamas (Priskin) and Lee Martin and we'll do it again for the three new lads.

“A couple of the younger lads have come in and been a little bit quiet and a little bit nervous, but we've got a good bunch here that gets everyone involved in things off the pitch.”

Walters is excited about the new additions and, although Edwards will provide competition for him on the right of midfield, says is he ready to play a more versatile role if required.

He said: “I know about Carlos because he was at Wrexham a couple of years before me. I know what he's all about and have watched him over the years.

“If I'm moved somewhere else in the team then that's fine. I'll be happy wherever I play.

“I said a couple of weeks ago after the West Brom game that we needed a few to come in to the squad.

“But those players needed to be of the right quality and it looks like we've done that.”