However, despite being forced to leave the club, Thomas told the East Anglian Daily Times he has no hard feelings towards manager Joe Royle : "I have no bad feelings towards Joe Royle. He was under pressure to sell me and I know in a different situation he would have loved to have kept me but due to the financial problems he had to try and push me out.
"There are no hard feelings at all. It will be emotional, and I'm especially looking forward to thanking the Ipswich fans for being supportive all the time I was at Portman Road. There will be a lot of talking before and after the match but I'm focusing 100% on the game.
"Everyone knows I did not want to leave Ipswich and how strong my feelings for the club are. But my thoughts are now completely for West Bromwich Albion. I have to do what I have to do. I will do my absolute best for them for 90 minutes and then go and enjoy a beer with the Ipswich lads afterwards."
Gaardsoe also revealed he wanted Ipswich to do well, despite leaving the club, but at the same time expressed his concerns at the small size of the squad and the exit of Marcus Bent : "I still want Ipswich to do well but it will be difficult for them. I see Marcus Bent has gone out on loan and they do not have the biggest of squads anyway but I would still love for them to climb the table."