Andy Marshall today admitted he already has a a couple of irons in the fire after being handed a free transfer by Ipswich Town.

The keeper refused to name clubs but one interested party are thought to be Premiership new-boys Portsmouth.

The other side are believed to be from Division One.

Marshall was given the news yesterday but told the Evening Gazette: "A couple of teams have been interested since the end of last season so it just depends on the right offer coming in.

"The news wasn't really a shock.

"Things didn't work out for me last season and I'd got vibes this might be on the cards.

"I'm obviously disappointed because no-one likes being told they're not wanted anymore.

"But I've just got to take it on the chin and accept it. It's one of those things."

Marshall who still has a year left on his contract is the latest victim of Joe Royle's cost-cutting at Portman Road.

The manager has also indicated that a new keeper is top of his wanted list and Marshall said: "The last thing I need now is to find myself back on the bench."

Marshall, signed on a free transfer from Norwich in 2001, played in all but seven games for Ipswich last season, when he was ousted by loanee Paul Gerrard and James Pullen.

Published Friday, May 16, 2003

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