Reading, he held a key place in the first team playing alongside Ibrahima Sonko. Together they formed one of the best defences in the English Football League. On occasions he came up with the odd goal and proved vital in some games. He helped Reading to promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and played in Reading's first ever game in the top flight of English League football, a 3–2 win at home against Middlesbrough on 19 August 2006. On 13 November 2006, Ívar signed a contract extension to keep him at Reading until June 2009, and on 5 May 2007 it was announced that he had been voted the 2006–07 Player of the Season by Reading fans. On 4 July 2007, Ívar signed an improved three-year contract to keep him at Reading until the end of the 2009–10 season. Following the release of Graeme Murty from Reading, and the arrival of new manager Brendan Rodgers, Ívar was announced as Reading's new club captain on 7 August 2009. Ívar played in all of Reading's FA Cup matches in the 2009/10 campaign including their famous 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield. He asked the new manager, Brian McDermott, to be rested for one game because he had played continuously since returning from injury in September. However, he was rested for two matches which were against Blackpool (which Reading lost 2–0) and for the match against Crystal Palace (which Reading won 3–1). Whilst playing in the 1–1 draw against Middlesbrough in March, Ívar had to come off in injury time at the end of the match due to a hamstring injury. As a result, this injury would keep Ívar out of action for the rest of the season. Ívar was then offered a new one-year contract at the end of the 2009–10 season which he signed on 14 May 2010. It was announced that, after eight years and 282 appearances for the Royals, Ívar had been released from Reading. Former Reading captain Ady Williams stated that "Ivar will go down as a Reading legend". Ipswich Town On 13 June 2011, it was announced that Ívar had joined Ipswich Town on a free transfer, following his release from Reading. Manager Paul Jewell announced the deal, with Ívar handed a one-year contract. Following a disappointing first half to the 2011–12 season, after six starts and two substitute appearances, on 7 January 2012 it was