By Aston
November 11 2004

Canadian midfielder Sandro Grande will not be joining Town after being played on the wing not in central midfield, where he feels he is better.

Grande Wont Be Joining

Canadian midfielder Sandro Grande will not be joining Town after being played on the wing not in central midfield, where he feels he is better.

The 27 year old midfielder played in a behind closed doors friendly for the Town second string against Colchester United at Portman Road and had done enough during his trial to be offered a contract but because of transfer rules he would be unable to play until January.

Grande has confirmed he wont be joining town, saying: “Considering I have not played in a month, I felt it went well but I was not at my sharpest and when you are trying to impress you need to be at your best.

“I'm happy that Joe Royle has said that I could easily play in this division. That is what going on trial is all about.

“You need to be fit, you need to be 100%, but unfortunately, as I had been off for three weeks before I got here, I wasn't at 100%.

“The first week was tough but, considering all that, I'm satisfied with how it went. The lads were fantastic with me and I enjoyed it.

“Mind you, I did wonder why I was always playing out wide in practice games and training and I don't think I'm really quick enough on the wings.

“Ipswich is an awesome club and I hope I can find another club that is equipped like Ipswich is and has aspirations to at least not be among the relegation zones.

“Even if I can find a club that is in the middle of the pack looking to make the play-offs that would suit me at the moment.

“I'm disappointed not be joining a club that is second in the table. It would have been a great joy to play in a team like this, especially the way Ipswich play, but maybe I can find another squad that play in a similar way.

“On the other hand, I'm happy with my first time in England. To get such positive feedback off someone as respected and experienced as Joe Royle, who is ready to recommend me and has said good things about me, then hopefully it will only be a matter of time to find the right club and I will be back.

“Maybe I will get the chance to play against Ipswich later in the season.”

Strangely though Grande has had contact from clubs in Italy saying he could play right away, Grande added: “It is strange because I have been given calls from Italian clubs saying I could play straight away.

“The Championship in North America is finished. We don't have six-month contracts so my contract is up and won't resume again until May. Montreal have said there is no problem in releasing my forms so that I could play.”

Grande ruled out joining a club below championship level, adding: “At this stage it is not what I'm looking for. If I was younger then I would be prepared to start lower and work my way up but that is not really an option financially for me now.

“I could easily go back to Italy and earn more and make an impact but that is not what I want. Right now I'm looking for the right English club or, perhaps, even to try in Germany.”

Source: EADT

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