Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that centre-back Christophe Berra has signed a two-year deal with the club, with the Blues ending their interest in Titus Bramble as a result.
Although Bramble came on as a second half sub in today’s 1-0 win at Barnet, Berra – a free agent after being released by Wolves – watched from the stands, with the EADT reporting this morning that he was set to sign.
“He’s signed a two-year deal,” said McCarthy. “I’m delighted, it’s a fantastic signing, he helped us get promoted at Wolves and keep us in the (Premier) league for two seasons.
“I’m surprised he hasn’t got a club sooner and delighted we’ve got him. It’s terrific for us.”
Asked about Bramble – who has been on trial at his boyhood club over the last week – the Blues boss said: “We won’t be pursuing that. Titus had other options. Like all of us we’re all spinning plates a little bit. He’s doing it himself.
“I explained to him the other week I can’t wait indefinitely to sign him and he understood that. I also understood his position.
“It’s fairly uncomplicated, I’ve signed Christophe so that (Bramble) is not happening.”
The Blues boss also confirmed he will not be signing former South Africa captain Bongani Khumalo on loan from Tottenham following his trial at the club.
He said: “I’ve signed what I’d call a top Championship centre-half (in Berra) and he’s our player for two years.
“It was a no-brainer to do that instead of having a player on loan. I was really sorry for Bongani, to have to let him down, but if Stoke or West Brom had come in for him he’d have gone there to get a better deal. It works both ways.
“It’s about doing what’s best for the club. Tottenham wanted a call-back clause in January and that’s not for me.”
Reflecting on his side’s unspectacular win at Barnet, McCarthy – whose side required a penalty save from Scott Loach before David McGoldrick’s headed winner – said: “It wasn’t our best performance of pre-season, far from it. I’m not going to stand here and tell lies about that.
“I thought they played very well, they passed it well and Loachy has had to pull off a good save – and it was a good save – so that’s good for his confidence.
“All in all it’s another little bit in the bank for the third (of August, Championship opener at Reading).
“Throughout the season we will play badly and win, and we’ll play exceptionally well and get beat. Today we didn’t play well, but we’ve won the game.
“I know we’re playing against a Conference side but I’m pragmatic about that. Just win the game. Whatever you do, win the game.”
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