By Site Staff
October 16 2012

Town have confirmed the signing of West Ham United goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on a three month long loan spell.

Henderson becomes the eighth loan signing in the squad at Portman Road and will provide additional competition for places for first choice goalkeeper Scott Loach and Arran Lee-Barrett.

Of the move for a new glovesman, Town boss Paul Jewell told the Official Club Website: “We’re delighted to have Stephen here and he will add to the competition we have in the goalkeeping areas.”  

“Scott’s confidence has taken a little knock just lately – that happens to every player at some stage. He’ll get through it and be better for it but bringing Stephen in gives us other options, along with Arran as well.  

“It’s been well documented that we tried to bring Stephen to the Club last season but Portsmouth did not accept our offer. 

“We weren’t the only club after him and obviously he’s a West Ham player now and playing at a Premier League club. He’s been on the bench for them this season but when the opportunity came up to bring him here on loan, it’s one we wanted to take because he’s a very good goalkeeper and can only benefit the squad.” 

Henderson, a former Republic of Ireland under 21 international who joined the Hammers from Portsmouth last term following a successful loan spell, also says he's not prepared to simply warm the bench at the club.

“Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m not the type of player who wants to sit on the bench and pick up his wages. So when I got told I could go out on loan and I knew Ipswich were keen, it was an easy decision for me. I spoke to the manager on Saturday and was here for training on Monday morning.

"It’s a fantastic club, Ipswich and I’m really looking forward to showing people what I can do. I know the results have not gone as well as the Club would have hoped but seeing the players work on the training ground and the squad that is here, I’m sure things will turn around very quickly. 

“With the squad here, on paper, I could see Ipswich competing in the top six and hopefully I can play my part in helping the Club move up the table.

“I need to play games. That’s why I’m here and if the opportunity is there to stay beyond January and everyone is happy with that, I’d definitely want to do it.”