Thatcher hopes for Town deal

Experienced defender training with Ipswich

Last updated: 15th July 2008

charlton ben thatcher

Thatcher: Looking for Ipswich deal

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Former Manchester City full-back Ben Thatcher is hoping to be offered a contract by Ipswich Town.

Thatcher is available on a free transfer after leaving Charlton Athletic and is currently training with Championship rivals Ipswich.

He featured in Monday's friendly win over Cliftonville and was happy to accept the chance to link up with Jim Magilton's side.

"I had a phone call from Mr Magilton and I was delighted to jump at the chance," Thatcher told the East Anglian Daily Times. "There are only so many times you can run on the treadmill.

Hoping

"They are looking at me and I'm looking at them. I needed to be playing pre-season games. I was happy to get minutes under my belt and go from there.

"I'm hoping he offers me something."

The 32-year-old also insists he does not hold a grudge about the manner of his departure from Charlton at the end of last season.

He added: "I had an 18-month contract and was offered a new deal towards the end of last season.

"But things changed when I got back and the manager's budget meant some players could not stay.

"I have no grievances with Alan Pardew or Charlton - it is just the way things go in football."