OFFICIAL: Loach returns to Ipswich Town

Goalkeeper Scott Loach has this afternoon returned to Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.

The Hornet's No.1 returns to the club where he was an academy player as a youngster for a fee believed to be in the region of £150,000 on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year.

Loach, 24, joined the Hornet's from League Two Lincoln City in 2006 after trialling under Aidy Boothroyd.

After serving in the club's second-string, Loach made a memorable debut for the first-team in a 2-2 draw with Reading in 2008, a game famed for Stuart Atwell's 'Ghost Goal'.

From then on the Nottingham-born gloveman was the Hornet's established first-choice stopper until last season when Rene Gilmartin had a two-game stint between the sticks.

Loach returned and held onto the number one jersey until the Spring arrival of Manchester United goalkeeper, Tomasz Kuszczack.

With the Kuszczak's having a child on the final day of the 2011/12 season, Loach returned to the side for the first time since the Polish international's arrival and played superbly in a Watford win over Middlesbrough.

However, with criticism of Loach's performances at an all-time high during the season just gone, it always looked like it would be a make-or-break season for the former England U21 international.

Loach returns to Portman Road, home of the club he supports after 153 first-team starts and one substitute appearance as a Goldenboy.

Good luck in the future Scott & many thanks.

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