IPSWICH keeper coach Malcolm Webster says the arrival of Andy Marshall from Norwich to replace Richard Wright is for him: "Like losing one son, but gaining another.

By DAVE ALLARD

IPSWICH keeper coach Malcolm Webster said today that the arrival of Andy Marshall from Norwich to replace Richard Wright is for him: "Like losing one son, but gaining another."

The freedom of contract Marshall yesterday signed a contract at Portman Road to replace the 23-year-old England international Wright, who is departing to Arsenal in a £5 million move.

Webster, the Blues full-time coach to the stoppers, says of the new man: "Stepping into Richard's boots is daunting to say the least and it's sad that he's leaving. But I've looked around the goalkeeping scene outside the Premiership and you won't get much better than Andy Marshall.

"I won't be drawn into comparisons, that wouldn't be right. But I've worked with Andy down the years as I have with Richard. Ipswich are losing a terrific keeper but the new man is someone that I think can quickly gather a big reputation in the top sphere of English football.

"Andy can achieve things at the highest level and he'll have me working alongside him and pushing him all the time."

Before he became full-time with Town, former Arsenal, Fulham and Cambridge keeper Webster worked for a number of clubs including Norwich.

The Canaries association, and the relationship with Marshall in particular, began four years ago after a Canaries game against a Cambridge club he was coaching at.

Webster explained: "Andy asked me for some advice and not long after I began working with Norwich as well as Ipswich, Cambridge and Peterborough.

"I went full-time with Ipswich last summer because I wanted to work closer with Richard Wright and I like to think that we've got a great relationship. But one door shuts and another one opens, and with Richard going and Andy coming it's like a son leaving home but another coming home."

Marshall, aged 26, becomes the first player to be recruited by Town from arch rivals Norwich since striker John Deehan came in 1986 in a straight swap with midfield man Trevor Putney.

Webster says of the Norwich situation: "Andy has a great temperament and I'm sure he'll take anything that comes his way in his stride. I'm sure the Ipswich fans will take to him and be pleased to see him develop at Portman Road.

"There may be a little bit of added pressure, but Andy can cope with that." continued Webster who is quick to point out that there are two other goalkeepers at Portman Road who can push Marshall all the way in the shape of the experienced Keith Branagan and Mike Salmon.

"You only have to look at the way Keith played when he came into the side last season to fully appreciate that," says Webster.