David Norris admitted the decision to leave Plymouth Argyle to join Championship rivals Ipswich left him with a heavy heart.The midfielder left Home Park on transfer deadline day to link up with the Tractor Boys in a deal thought to be around £2.5million.

Norris, who made 243 appearances for the club, stressed his decision to move was for personal rather than professional reasons, and he said: "It's a great club from top to bottom, and I have nothing but admiration for the way it's run. The board and the manager did everything they could to persuade me to stay but in the end I feel I have to leave.

"However, I am leaving with a tear in my eye and I think part of me will always be a Pilgrim. Argyle and their tremendous Green Army will always hold special memories and be close to my heart. It has been a pleasure to represent Argyle and to be part of a fantastic club."

Argyle parted company with defender Scott Laird, who has joined Stevenage on a permanent deal after previously being on loan at Broadhall Way, and moved late to secure the signing of Motherwell full-back Jim Paterson.

Paterson, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, is Paul Sturrock's seventh signing of the transfer window.

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