By Kyle Braithwaite
June 16 2003

Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of Ipswich Town captain Matt Holland on a four-year deal, for a fee of around 750,000. Charlton manger Alan Curbishley was a relieved man after beating Portsmouth to the Irish international’s signature.

"I'm delighted to get Matt," said the Charlton boss. "A number of clubs were interested but the fact he did not have move house was a important factor."

Matt said that the lure of Premiership football persuaded him to leave Ipswich. "It was a big decision for me but I"m 29 and want to be playing Premiership football.

"Charlton are a family club, like Ipswich, and I was impressed with what Alan Curbishley had to say to me."

The price of the transfer shows the current financial problems in football, as Matt Holland was close to moving to Aston Villa this time last year for a fee of around £3.4 million.