Joe swoops for Premier midfielder

By Dave Allard

IPSWICH Town have signed experienced central midfielder Chris Bart-Williams from Charlton Athletic on loan.

The former England B and Under-21 international comes initially for a month and will make his debut in Saturday's Nationwide Division One clash against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

He will join Alan Mahon, the wide left midfielder signed on loan for three months from Blackburn late last week.

Town manager Joe Royle and his assistant Willie Donachie watched the 29-year-old Bart-Williams play well for Charlton reserves in a 4-0 eclipse of Fulham at The Valley last night.

Afterwards he spoke to the player and terms were agreed.

Bart-Williams began his career at Leyton Orient before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.

His biggest success story came at Nottingham Forest where his character as well as skill helped him become club captain.

Royle said: "I'm delighted to have signed Chris.

"He is an accomplished central midfield player who can defend well and pass the ball well.

"He has played for three top division clubs and has vast experience.

"Chris can do a good midfield holding job for us and also get forward. I think he can become a good addition to our squad.

"Charlton manager Alan Curbishley only wants the move to be for a month initially and we'll take it from there."

Ironically, Bart-Williams has been in the shadows at Charlton partly due to the arrival of Matt Holland from Ipswich in the summer for £750,000.

On the injury front at Portman Road, midfielder Tommy Miller has had a scan on his ankle.

Deep bruising has been revealed and he will certainly not be in contention for the visit to the Hawthorns at the weekend.

Full-back Chris Makin is ruled out with a hip injury.

Dutch midfield player Martijn Reuser remains under treatment for a groin problem.