Ipswich Wanderers defender Shane Wardley is loving life at Humber Doucy Lane.

Wardley joined the newly-promoted Thurlow Nunn Premier Division side, who host Godmanchester Rovers this afternoon, from league champions Hadleigh United in the summer.

“I am really enjoying it here,” declared the experienced left-back, who has enjoyed vast success at Leiston and AFC Sudbury.

“I met Glenn (Read, the Wanderers boss) in the summer and straightaway I wanted to sign for him.

“There were no negotiations; my mind was mind up. I knew a few of the lads like Ready (Luke Read, Glenn’s son) and Jack Severy, so that helped.

“The atmosphere here is really good, everyone has a laugh before and after the game, and in training, and team spirit makes a big difference.”

Wanderers sit 10th before today’s game, and have generally adapted well to Step Five after winning promotion last term.

However, in their last five games, Wanderers have won just once – a 7-0 triumph over Ely.

“We have hit a little sticky spell,” admitted Wardley.

“I think because we started so well that’s getting noticed, but Glenn always said that the aim was to stay in the division.

“We’re on course to do that, and if we can stay around mid-table that’d be great.

“The squad is certainly capable enough of doing that, it’s just about adding a bit more consistency to our game.”

Read’s men have won seven, drawn four and lost five of their 16 league fixtures before today’s game which is likely to be one of their toughest of the season so far.

Elsewhere in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division this afternoon, Hadleigh United travel to Haverhill Rovers, Mildenhall host Fakenham, Newmarket visit Thetford and Whitton welcome Kirkley & Pakefield.

Leaders Norwich United are on the road at strugglers Diss, Brantham travel to Ely, Clacton host Stanway in an Essex derby, and Gorleston visit Wivenhoe.

Last night, Wanderers announced the signing of former Football League striker Tes Bramble. The experienced forward, 34, joins having spent the first part of the season at Hadleigh United.