David On Darren Move

By Aston
June 30 2007

Town Chairman David Sheepshanks sees Darren Bent's transfer from Charlton to Tottenham as tremendous news for Town.

Town will land at least £2.58 million from the sale as part of the deal struck between Town and Charlton when Bent moved to the Valley two years ago.

Mr Sheepshanks: "Happily, all good things come to those who wait and while it has been a protracted process clearly the news about Darren is tremendous for the Club, we can view this sell on fee as the second instalment of the original sale of Darren to Charlton that, in aggregate, now rises to £5.5 million.

"This windfall enables us to invest further in Jim's team building plans, however fans should be clear that the money is not paid in a lump sum, but over a two year period in proportion to the payment terms agreed between Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur."

Although Town now do have some money to spend Mr Sheepshanks says Town will not be rushing into anything, adding: "We have repeatedly said that we would like to sign Francis Jeffers and nothing has changed in that respect.

"However we will not be held to ransom. We have made a very good offer to Blackburn Rovers that provides them with a major stake in his future career on top of a realistic guaranteed fee.

"I still hope that we can agree terms for Franny to join us permanently but if this doesn't happen Jim Magilton has a number of other players in his sights that he would like to bring to the Club.

"Because the money involved is spread over a period of time it is not burning a hole in our pocket and it is important that we are deliberate and strategic in using it to our best advantage."

Source: Ipswich Town - the official website

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