Munster Express Online

The Waterford contingent at Ipswich Town continues to grow following the decision of Stephen Hunt to join the Suffolk based club last Friday.

Mick McCarthy, the manager of the Tractor Boy’s in East Anglia signed the former Johnville and Carrick United player on an initial deal which will run until the end of January.

McCarthy signed Hunt from Hull City for a fee of £3 million in August, 2010 when he was in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers ad so is aware of Stephen’s capabilities. Stephen, who also played for Crystal Palace, Reading and Brentford, is 32 years old and has won 39 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

He is keen to break back into the international scene and will be hoping to catch the attention of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane in the near future. Keane of course is a former Ipswich Town manager.

Two former Waterford United players are of course on the book of the club at the present time. Daryl Murphy is a first choice striker with the first team and Jack Doherty has broken into the Under 21 team.

Stephen has not played since he suffered relegation with Wolves last season.

He was released by that club but has been working hard since his departure from the midlands and now he is keen to regain full fitness and make an impression on McCarthy who has always been a keen admirer of Stephen. Speaking after signing the short term deal on Friday last, Hunt admitted he was thrilled to have been given the chance to get back into the game once again.

“Obviously I’m delighted because I have seen a few deals fall through during the past couple of months. I know that this is a good club with a great reputation. They are a well run club also and that means a lot so yes I’m happy to be here. I know Mick (McCarthy) very well needless to say and he is a very honest man. If you play well you will keep your place in the team. If you don’t play well you won’t play. He is an honest present day manager and no one can ask for more than that. I suppose the deal suits Ipswich more than me but beggars can’t be choosers so it is up to me to show everyone what I am capable of. I have kept myself fit since leaving Wolves. I have been training with different clubs but I will not know until I play a game or two if I am match fit. It is only when you play that you will know if your lungs are ready for the action.

It’s up to me now to get my head down and crack on and do what I have been brought here for” said Stephen as another chapter in his life begins.