Richard can Stear Blues in right direction
Richard Stearman - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images
RICHARD Stearman will bring a competitiveness and much-needed versatility to the Ipswich Town defence, according to the Wolves correspondent for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, Tim Nash.
Stearman, 25, is poised to complete a loan deal which will see him remain at Portman Road for the remainder of the season, having fallen down the pecking order at Molineux.
The former England under-21 international was signed by Blues boss Mick McCarthy, for Wolves, in 2008 and has gone on to make almost 150 appearances for the Black Country club.
The defender, who has 18 months to run on his deal in the West Midlands, is likely to make his debut in Town’s must-win home game against Middlesbrough, on Saturday, and will probably replace Bradley Orr at right-back, following his return to parent club, Blackburn Rovers.
Nash, who saw Stearman become a vital component in Wolves Championship-winning team of 2009, said: “The two main things that Richard will bring to Ipswich are competitiveness and versatility.
“He was a mainstay as a centre-back as Wolves won the Championship title in 2009 and played virtually every game there.
“Since then he has been used at right-back and, on a couple of occasions, at left-back.
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“He is versatile, fairly quick, likes to rampage down the right-hand side and is not frightened of a tackle.
“He is also dangerous at set-pieces, although goalscoring is an area he has often talked about improving, while at the club.”
Stearman ended last season as a centre-back as Wolves lost their Premier League status under caretaker boss Terry Connor, McCarthy’s assistant at both Town and at Molineux.
Despite relegation, Stearman was one of the bright spots in the run-in.
“He really responded to Terry Connor who made a big call in dropping captain, Roger Johnson, and bringing Richard in,” said Nash.
“Richard gave his all, was a solid performer and probably played some of his best football for the club at that time.
“I am sure he will be a good signing. He knows the Championship and has been a success in the division.”
