Cool customer who seems unfazed by the big occasion and appears set for a promising future after looking very much the part when he broke into the side during the 1998/99 season.

Made his debut in a 2-1 win at Sheffield United in December 1998, before being loaned out to Colchester United for a month a year later.

Impressive form at the start of the 2000/01 season led to a call up into the England Under-21 squad. He helped Ipswich to a place in the UEFA Cup as they made a startling return to the Premiership.

He also netted his first ever League goal when striding forward from the back to slot home the winner at home to Sunderland in late-August.

However, as Ipswich's form slumped at the start of the next campaign, so did that of Bramble. He had a less than impressive 2001/02 as Ipswich went from Premiership challengers one season to relegation the next.

It was always clear that Town would have to sell some of their stars, and in July 2002 Bramble moved to Champions League qualifiers Newcastle United. The transfer was delayed for a few weeks as the defender had undergone an ankle operation. The Magpies wanted to make sure that had cleared up.

Bramble, who had played 61 times for the Tractor Boys, signed for an undisclosed fee which was believed to be in the region of £5million. He penned a five-year contract.

Bramble told the Magpies official website: 'Whilst I am sad to be leaving Ipswich Town, I am thrilled to be joining such a massive club as Newcastle United. There are some terrific players here, a tremendous manager and I cannot wait for the new season to start.