England, June 18: Charlton have completed the £750,000 signing of midfielder Matt Holland from First Division Ipswich Town Republic of Ireland international Holland has signed a four-year deal with the Addicks and the fee could rise to £900,000 - with an extra £50,000 due in each of the next three years if Charlton stay in the Premiership. "I felt part of the furniture at Portman Road - but I'm 29 and want to be playing Premiership football", said Holland. "My family's happiness is vital to me and it's been well-documented my family are very settled here. That had a big bearing on my decision. "My wife Paula loves the area and my children are delighted we don't have to move. They have friends here and are settled in schools".

Holland was close to a move to Premiership newcomers Portsmouth but could not agree terms. "People have said I wouldn't have gone to Portsmouth because I'd have had to uproot my family - but that's not the case", he told the official Ipswich website.

"Paula had checked out the schools down there and was looking at property. But there were a couple of things not quite right with the deal. "Then Charlton came in with similar terms and the advantages location-wise".

Charlton boss Alan Curbishely also signed Hermann Hreidarsson from Ipswich last season. He 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 a important factor in his decision to choose Charlton ahead of other clubs".

Bureau Report