Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy says he was “amazed” when Bournemouth sanctioned the sale of Matt Ritchie to Newcastle United in the summer.
The 27 year old signed for the Magpies at the start of July for £12million, replacing the outgoing Andros Townsend who joined Crystal Palace for a similar transfer fee.
McCarthy’s Ipswich face Newcastle at St James’ Park tomorrow afternoon and when asked to highlight the most important of the club’s twelve signings, he is quoted by the Chronicle as saying:
“Matt Ritchie was the one for me. I was amazed that Bournemouth let him go because I think he’s a terrific player.”
The winger has made a good impact since his arrival on Tyneside with four assists and one goal in 12 league games so far. He returned to the starting lineup for the mid week match against Barnsley after missing last weekend’s victory against Brentford with an illness, and he will surely want to prove McCarthy correct in his praise by putting in a stand out performance against the Tractor Boys tomorrow.
