Friday 6 June 2014 16:55, UK
Scott Loach has reluctantly conceded that he needed to leave Ipswich Town for Rotherham United in order to kick-start his career.
The former England U21 international was raised in Ipswich from the age of four and spent time in the club’s academy system after his potential was spotted early by scouts.
It took him until 2012 to work his way back to Portman Road as a professional, and he has spent the last two years in familiar surroundings.
Loach has found first team football hard to come by, though, and has taken the difficult decision to join the ranks at newly-promoted Rotherham.
They are the team I fell in love with as an eight-year-old boy and they will always have a special place in my heart. Hopefully one day I will return in some sort of capacity.
He told the Ipswich Star: “I’m gutted that it didn’t work out at Ipswich, but it’s about time I get my career back on track.
“All I can say to the fans is thank you really. Words will never be able to describe how I felt walking out at Portman Road and making my debut for the club I grew up supporting.
“The reaction I got from the crowd for that game against Blackburn was incredible.
“And saving that penalty at Portman Road, against Huddersfield, was like winning the World Cup for me. That’s what it felt like to play for Ipswich.”
Loach added: “When I played for Watford I was an Ipswich fan and I’m still an Ipswich fan now. I’m a supporter who just happens to play football.
“They are the team I fell in love with as an eight-year-old boy and they will always have a special place in my heart. Hopefully one day I will return in some sort of capacity.
“I wish everyone at the club all the best, but now I have to concentrate on my career and Rotherham.”
