Dean Gerken says he has come to Portman Road to play games and will be pushing Scott Loach all the way for a first-team place. 

The 28-year-old ‘keeper has joined Blues as a free agent, signing a two year deal this afternoon after impressing while on trial at the Club. 

“As soon as I knew Ipswich wanted to have a look at me, my mind was made up that I wanted to come here,” Dean told the Club website. 

“I know Mally [Malcolm Webster, goalkeeping coach] well from my Colchester days and I know what the Club is all about. 

“It’s a massive club. The fans are fantastic. It’s a daunting place to come for away teams and obviously everyone knows what a good manager Mick McCarthy is. 

“I knew that if I could get myself in the best shape when I came here, I could give a good account of myself and I’m delighted it’s worked out. 

“I had other options but as I said, my mind was made up and now I’m really looking forward to working here.”

Dean has joined Town after a four year spell at Bristol City and has his eyes on that number one shirt. 

“I needed a new challenge after coming to the end of my contract at Bristol, regardless of whether they offered me a new deal or not,” added the former Colchester ‘keeper. 

“I didn’t play as many games as I would have wanted. I didn’t go there to be a number two ‘keeper. I have never worked with anyone who wanted to be a number two. 

“I have come here to play games but if I’m not in the team, I’ll be supporting the boys and pushing Loachy all the way for his place.”