‘To say I am disappointed with how it ended is an understatement’ – those are the words of Jonathan Douglas after he completed a free transfer switch from Brentford to Ipswich Town just four days before the two teams go head-to-head at Griffin Park in a season-opener.
The 33-year-old captained the Bees last season, scoring eight goals in 46 appearances as the west London side finished fifth before losing to Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-finals.
Manager Mark Warburton left the club after a disagreement over a heavily statistics-based recruitment process though and new head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen quickly made it clear that Douglas – who still had a year left on his deal – was not part of his plans.
After signing a one-year deal at Portman Road, the Irishman wrote on Twitter: “Delighted with my move to a club like Ipswich Town. Really looking forward to having a successful season with them and hopefully gaining promotion. I cannot wait to start working with the staff and players here.
“Leaving Brentford is hard because I had some great times there and met some wonderful people. The support I received was fantastic, so thank you, but to say I’m disappointed in how it ended is an understatement.
“That’s all in the past now so good luck for the season (after Saturday) and I wish you all the best.”
Speaking to Ipswich Player, he added: “It was an easy decision – I just looked at the squad that’s here and the fact that the gaffer’s still adding to it.
“He didn’t have to say much to me. When a club like Ipswich comes in for you then you have to take notice.
“We have a forward line as good that’s probably one of the best in the division so it’s up for the midfield to give them supply and hopefully we can go one step better than last season.
“I think the manager tried to sign me once when I was at Leeds and now finally I get to play under him. I’m looking forward to that.”
On the prospect of facing his former club at the weekend, he said: “I’ll see how it goes. I haven’t played too many games over pre-season with the way it went there (at Brentford). I’ll be involved hopefully and we’ll take it from there.”
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