THOMAS Gaardsoe will complete his move to West Bromwich Albion today after agreeing personal terms last night.The popular Dane will return to the Midlands today to finalise details on his contract and take a medical before signing for Ipswich Town's First Division rivals.

THOMAS Gaardsoe will complete his move to West Bromwich Albion today after agreeing personal terms last night, writes Derek Davis.

The popular Dane will return to the Midlands today to finalise details on his contract and take a medical before signing for Ipswich Town's First Division rivals.

Speaking exclusively to the EADT last night Gaardsoe expressed his sadness at having to leave Ipswich Town but felt he had little choice but to go.

He said: "This has been a very difficult decision but one I feel I could not do much about. The club have made it clear they wanted me to go because they still have some financial problems. I have done what is best for all parties concerned but I have to say I never really wanted to leave Ipswich."

Gaardsoe talked to Blues boss Joe Royle before making his decision to talk to the Baggies.

He said: "The manager was straight with me and told me he could not guarantee me a first-team place. He said he wanted to give the two new signings a fair chance."

He has also been overwhelmed by the reaction of Blues supporters and added: "Please thank all the supporters for me. I can't believe how they have been since they have heard and I have been humbled by their reaction.

"They have been very good to me ever since I came to Ipswich and I have a really special feeling for them."

Town will receive an initial £500,000 for Gaardsoe, plus bonuses, which could take the fee up to £600,000 plus a sell-on percentage.

Although Albion were relegated last season, and have suffered a poor pre-season, Gaardsoe is confident they deserve their label as one of the favourites to bounce straight back into the Premiership.

He said: "They have got every chance of going up and I'm looking forward to being back playing in the Premiership, maybe against Ipswich, you never know. It will be a fresh challenge for me and I know I will have to work hard to get into the team, just as I would have had to at Ipswich."

Meanwhile, Dagenham & Redbridge have been given permission to talk to transfer-listed keeper James Pullen with a view to taking him on a permanent basis.

Royle said last night: "Dagenham are keen to take him and it is now up to James to decide if he wants to join them."