Holland accepts Charlton challenge
Monday, June 16, 2003
Article summary
Republic of Ireland midfield player Matt Holland has completed a €1m move to Charlton Athletic FC.
Article body
Republic of Ireland midfield player Matt Holland has completed a €1m move to English Premiership club Charlton Athletic FC.
Four-year contract
Holland, 29, has joined the London club on a four-year contract after six years with Ipswich Town FC. The fee could rise by three further installments of €71,000 over the next three seasons, provided Charlton retain their top-flight status.
Valuable addition
Speaking to the club's official website, Charlon manager Alan Curbishley said: "I'm delighted to get Matt. He is a quality international player and will be a valuable addition to the first-team squad. A number of clubs were interested in signing Matt, but the fact he did not have to move house was an important factor in his decision to choose Charlton ahead of other clubs."
Family club
Holland, a key member of Ireland's 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, made more than 250 appearances for Ipswich after joining them from AFC Bournemouth in 1997. "It was a big decision for me to make but I'm 29 now and want to be playing Premiership football," Holland said. "Charlton are a family club, like Ipswich, and I was impressed with what Alan Curbishley had to say about his plans for the future."
