Toto Nsiala thanks Shrewsbury Town fans as he and Jon Nolan seal Ipswich moves
Toto Nsiala has thanked Shrewsbury Town fans for their support as the defender and Jon Nolan completed moves to Ipswich Town.
The pair agreed three-year deals at Portman Road, re-uniting with former boss Paul Hurst, in a double swoop understood to be worth in the region of £1.75million - £2million with add-ons.
Nsiala spent 18 months with Town after he became Hurst's first Salop signing. Nolan – who like the defender played with Hurst at Grimsby – shone in his one campaign with Shrewsbury.
The Congolese defender said: “It’s a great move for me, an exciting move and I can’t wait to get started now.
“I had a great time at Shrewsbury and I want to thank the club and especially the fans for the support they gave me.
“It has always been in my thinking that when you get a chance to play at a higher level, you have to take it because it may never come around again.
“It’s worked out perfectly with the gaffer here and now I’m looking forward to testing myself in the Championship to see how far I have come as a player and a person.
“I’ve got to knuckle down and work hard and show everyone what I can do. I’m looking forward to that challenge.”
Nolan, who scored 10 times from midfield for Town last season including a stunner in the play-off semi-final win at Charlton, said following Hurst, assistant Chris Doig and physio Chris Skitt made the dcision an easier one.
But he is aware of the step-up in challenge that lies ahead with the Tractor Boys.
“Obviously having the gaffer here, Doigy, and Skitty makes the process of settling in easier," said the midfielder.
“I loved working with the manager last year and I’m looking forward to getting going at Ipswich now. It’s an exciting opportunity for me.
“I know about the Championship from watching on TV and generally being involved in football and I had a quick look at the fixtures and it’s a really tough league.
“The players will be better, they will be fitter so I’ve got to match that and work hard and show my quality on game day.
“I know it’s a step up for me and I’ve got something to prove to everyone. I had to do that in League One last season and I felt I did well. Now I’ve got to do it in the Championship but I’m confident I can do that. I just want to get going now and do my best for Ipswich Town.”
Town chief John Askey has already brought in defender Luke Waterfall as Nsiala's replacement while Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty is expected to join on loan to boost the midfield ranks.
It is believed Shrews remain keen on Tranmere midfielder Oliver Norburn.
