Joe Royle today revealed his delight after completing the signing of towering defender Jason De Vos.
The Ipswich Town boss was speaking after the former Wigan Athletic skipper, 30, agreed a three-year deal at Portman Road.
Royle immediately likened De Vos to one of his favourite former players Andy Holden, who he worked alongside at Oldham Athletic.
And he said: "Andy and I enjoyed a very successful spell together at Oldham and managed to get up into the Premiership.
"He was at the heart of my defence back then and I've got similarly high hopes for Jason. I'm delighted he's agreed to join us.
"He came and had a look round the place earlier in the week and liked what he saw.
"In the end, I don't think it took him long to make his mind up."
De Vos - a 6ft 4ins Canadian international - also discussed possible moves to Cardiff City and Stoke.
Published Thursday May 27, 2004
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