IPSWICH SEAL STEWART SWITCH
The 27-year-old striker has hit the net 15 times this season and is added to an already impressive Ipswich strikeforce that boasts David Johnson, Jamie Scowcroft and Richard Naylor.
Town Chairman David Sheepshanks is delighted with the signing, saying: "We have been looking since before Christmas to strengthen the squad for the promotion run-in during which time the scouting network has been working overtime to assess every option.
"Manager George Burley has been entirely right to take his time in making the right selection for the club.
"Timing is of the essence at this crucial stage of the season but so, of course, is availability and the preparedness of the other club to sell.
"The negotiations with Huddersfield began two weeks ago and I am delighted that we have now secured such a highly prized player to join Ipswich Town."
Huddersfield boss Steve Bruce, talking at the press conference announcing the signing of replacement striker Martin Smith, was phlegmatic about the loss of his star striker, saying: "We all know Marcus is a quality player but we had an offer we couldn`t refuse.
"It is my job to get us into the Premiership and the reality is we need two or three new players and the only way to do that was to sacrifice Marcus Stewart.
"We did not want to lose Marcus but every player has their price. Unfortunately we have sold to a First Division rival but that is the nature of the beast. It remains to be seen whether that is a right or wrong decision."
George Burley will be hoping Stewart can shoot Ipswich to promotion, after three years of losing out in the play-offs, as may Huddersfield as it will net them an extra £250,000.
Smith has also netted 15 times this season and cost £300,000 from Sheffield United who were looking to cash in on the player before his contract ran out in the summer.
The 25-year-old striker said about his transfer: "In the end it was not a difficult decision to make. Huddersfield are going for promotion and Steve Bruce persuaded me that the club was going places."
The former Sunderland frontman was unperturbed by David Platt`s criticism of him for rejecting a move to Nottingham Forest at the eleventh hour.
"I know David Platt was upset but I made a decision and I have to do what`s best for me.``
Will Smith be a good replacement for Stewart?
Click here for an opta stats story on the two strikers
Ciaran Baynes
