Conor Chaplin issues cheeky dig at Liam Delap as he leaves Ipswich Town for Chelsea | OneFootball

Liam Delap has officially made the switch from Ipswich Town to Chelsea

Conor Chaplin has issued a joking farewell message to Liam Delap following confirmation of his move from Ipswich Town to Chelsea.

The Blues have confirmed the arrival of the forward, who spent one season at Portman Road before making the switch.

Delap was a key figure in Kieran McKenna’s side last season, contributing 12 goals and two assists in the Premier League as they finished 19th in the table.

It has been reported by the BBC that the Tractor Boys have earned a £30 million fee as part of the deal.

Conor Chaplin’s farewell message to Liam Delap

Delap has posted on social media a farewell message to Ipswich supporters following his move to Stamford Bridge.

The forward has thanked the club and fans for their support over the last 12 months, claiming he is ready for a new challenge.

Thank you for everything, Ipswich Town,” wrote Delap, via Instagram.

“The team, manager, staff & club have been incredible from the moment I arrived.

“To the fans, I appreciate the support you gave me week in week out, from the stands at home and on the road.

“I’m sure this club will be back in the Premier League soon, where it belongs.

“I’ll never forget my time at the Town!

“Now it’s time for a new challenge.”

Chaplin has responded to Delap’s farewell message, joking that he’s got the move to Chelsea despite being unable to win the shooting drill in training.

“Can’t beat me in a shooting drill but can get a move to Chelsea,” replied the forward.

Delap’s importance to Ipswich

Delap made the move to Ipswich last summer, signing from Manchester City after the club gained promotion.

He played in 37 of the team’s 38 league fixtures, scoring more than anyone else in the squad.

However, the Suffolk outfit were unable to avoid relegation as they finished 19th in the table.

Delap will be missed at Ipswich

Chaplin’s joking message is a good sign of the camaraderie within the Ipswich squad.

Delap will be missed next season as Ipswich look to fight for promotion back to the Premier League.

His goal scoring ability earned them wins over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and most would’ve been happy to get 12 goals from him when he joined last summer.

However, the consequences of relegation mean that losing players of Delap’s importance is inevitable, and now Ipswich have to find a way to replace his attacking prowess in the squad.