Ibehre: 'I Was Itching To Return'

Having signed a permanent deal with the U's lasting until the end of the season, Jabo Ibehre admits that he's been itching to get back and play for Joe Dunne.

Speaking to BBC Essex after signing, the powerful forward admitted that the main thing was to return from fitness, having sustained an injury in the U's defeat at Walsall.

Ibehre said: 'I've been itching to get back out there and play.

'The move has been mentioned ever since the Walsall game, but I got injured then or else perhaps things would have moved a bit more quickly.

'But the main thing was just to get fit and take it from there.'

Coincidentally, Jabo's first game as a full-time U's player could well be this weekend's fixture against Walsall again, and the front man will be looking to get back into the side to help the team pull clear of the danger that engulfs the U's currently.

Indeed, that game at Walsall saw the end of the Saddlers' sixteen-game run without victory, and all will be hoping that the return fixture has similar fortune for the U's.

'We have shown what we can do on the good run, and it was enjoyable going into games with that level of football,' admitted Jabo, with reference to the good run that the U's went on upon his first arrival, winning five from six.

'We know that we can get there again, especially with the new additions that have been made.

'I had a great time on loan and I'm excited about playing games. We've got a challenge on our hands, but the team feel confident about it.'

Some are questioning whether the U's style of football that Joe Dunne is trying to implement is suitable for a relegation battle, and Dunne himself has admitted that people have given him the advice to abandon it for the time being to pick up points.

Jabo, however, insists that you have to stick to your beliefs.

He said: 'You want to play great football but, at the same time, you just want the wins however they come so you can blossom from there.

'But you want to do what you believe in so you can achieve those wins with purpose.

'The manager believes in it, we all believe in it and we'll get there.'


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