DARREN Currie last night spoke of his mixed feelings at leaving Ipswich Town for a loan spell at Coventry knowing he may not be back.The 31-year-old winger, who was the EADT-Powergen sponsored Blues Player of the Year last season is saddened at leaving but excited about the new challenge ahead.

By Derek Davis

DARREN Currie last night spoke of his mixed feelings at leaving Ipswich Town for a loan spell at Coventry knowing he may not be back.

The 31-year-old winger, who was the EADT-Powergen sponsored Blues Player of the Year last season is saddened at leaving but excited about the new challenge ahead.

Currie is expected to make his Coventry debut against QPR on Saturday; the team he scored against on his bow for the Blues almost two years ago.

Although Currie did not want to leave Portman Road the lack of playing time meant he had to go.

Currie said: “I want to play football. Even if I won £10m on the lottery I would want to play in the next game.

“It came to a time where I had to make the decision of sitting on Ipswich's bench or playing in someone else's first team, and I want to be playing.

“I was banging on the manager's door asking to play in his team and when that was not going to happen It took some time but he eventually allowed me to go which I'm grateful for, although I wanted to stay.

“That doesn't change how I feel about Ipswich Town and the affection I have for this club and the fun I have had.

“I love the place and it is easily the best club I have had. I can never speak highly enough about the club and the time I have had here.”

The move is initially until January with a view to a permanent switch. Whatever happens Currie will leave the Blues on good terms and with happy memories.

He said “This is the nearest I have come to fulfilling my dream of playing in the Premiership. I was 90 minutes away from playing there and in 20 years' time I will be able to say my proudest moments in football came playing for Ipswich.

“I have great memories but things move on in football and

this is a new chapter for me.

“I'm leaving one terrific club and going to another great club.

“They play at a marvellous stadium and from what I hear from the lads at Brighton and other players Micky Adams is a tremendous coach and manager.

“I'm looking forward to working with him, Alan Cork and Adrian Heath, who all have top reputations.”

The former Brighton, Wycombe and Shrewsbury player joins City in the week that his former West Ham team-mate Don Hutchinson is ruled out for the rest of the year with a broken ankle and ligament damage.

Currie said: “I'm upset for Don as I was really looking to playing alongside him.”

Currie revealed to the EADT earlier this week that he had carried on playing for the Blues despite being deeply concerned about his mum Rosalind, who has been suffering from lung cancer.

That did not stop him being the club's leading assist-maker for goals, and leading crosser in open play and from set pieces.

In his 87 appearances Currie also weighed in with nine goals.

Currie could play against his old team-mates on Boxing Day when City and Town clash at the Ricoh Stadium, although it is likely that the Blues will insert a clause preventing him from playing.

His new manager, Adams, was delighted with the signing. Adams said: “We have been after Darren for quite a while so I was very pleased to get him. He can play either on the right or the left and he is an outstanding crosser of the ball.”