Watford's Nathan Ellington seals move to Ipswich Town

Ellington has not played for Watford since December 2009

Ipswich Town have completed a deal for Watford striker Nathan Ellington on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old, who scored two in 18 during a loan spell at Preston last season, has signed a two-year contract that begins on 1 July.

He has played under Ipswich boss Paul Jewell at Wigan and Derby.

"I look back on my career and see my best time was under Paul at Wigan. I think he'll get the best out of me," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"He knows how I tick, some people don't like to be shouted at or dealt with in front of everybody, he just knows how to deal with me.

"Times when I found things hard at Wigan he'd call me into his room and have a chat and tell me what he thought would help me."

Jewell added: "I know his strengths. He has shown he can score goals at this level and will add to the competition for places."

The cash-strapped Hornets had stated they would be releasing the frontman to lighten their playing budget.

Ellington arrived at Vicarage Road in a £3.25m move from West Brom four years ago but went on to make just 20 league starts and score five goals.

Financial problems saw him shipped out to Derby, who were then managed by current Town boss Paul Jewell, for the start of the 2008/09 campaign, where he scored three goals in 27 league appearances, 13 of which were starts.

In December 2009 he joined Greek club Skoda Xanthi on a year-long loan.

Ellington started his career at non-league Walton & Hersham before joining Bristol Rovers in 1999 and went on to accumulate transfer fees of £6.45m as he moved to Wigan, West Brom and finally the Hornets.

He netted 67 times in 145 games for the Latics and notched 20 goals in 82 appearances with Albion.

Ellington's exit comes just as Watford named Sean Dyche as manager.