Mattie thrilled to stay put
Family man Matt Holland has spoken of his delight that his wife and children do not have to uproot from Essex after his £750,000 (€1.06m) switch from Ipswich to Charlton yesterday.
The Ipswich captain, 29, moved on a four-year contract in a deal which could rise to £900,000 (€1.3m) – as Town will get £50,000 (€70,900) a season for the next three years if the Addicks retain their top-flight status.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder’s proposed transfer to Portsmouth broke down last week when Pompey said they could not afford his personal terms.
Charlton leapt in and agreed a deal over the weekend to make him their second recent signing from Ipswich following centre-back Hermann Hreidarsson’s £900,000 (€1.3m) move in March.
Holland revealed the importance of his family’s happiness at their Colchester home had played in his move.
“I felt part of the furniture at Portman Road – but I’m 29 and want to be playing Premiership football,” he told www.itfc.co.uk.
“My family’s happiness is vital to me and it’s been well-documented my family are very settled here. That had a big bearing on my decision.
“My wife Paula loves the area and my children are delighted we don’t have to move. They have friends here and are settled in schools.”
