Town have confirmed that striker Ronan Murray has signed his new one-year deal with the Blues. As reported earlier, the Irish U21 international is set to rejoin Swindon on loan until the end of the season.

Manager Paul Jewell told the club site: "Ronan is going back to Swindon with a new contract and a clear mind. He's done well there. He's been in and around the first-team and scored a couple of goals.

"The loan's been good for him. It's given him a real lift and he's proved he can play at that level.

"He's going to a club that is chasing promotion and has got some big cup games to play and that will be great experience for him.

"Hopefully, he will score a bag full of goals there and then come back to us full of confidence in the summer, ready to stake his claim for a first team place."

The 20-year-old, who is now committed to the Blues until June 2013, says he's chuffed to be extending his time both at Portman Road and the County Ground: "I'm obviously delighted to have been given a new contract here.

"It means I know where my future is beyond the summer when my contract was going to finish, and I can come back here and push hard for a place in the side at the start of next season.

"I really enjoyed my time at Swindon and when the manager here said that they were happy for me to go back there on loan for the rest of the season, I jumped at the opportunity.

"It's been great to be involved down there week after week and that's what I need at this stage of my career.

"Swindon are in a good position in the league and hopefully I can play my part in taking the club up. There are also some big cup games coming up, in the FA Cup and in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, so it's an exciting time."

Murray joined Town’s Academy at 15 from Erris United in County Mayo after being spotted by former Blues striker Robin Turner, who is now a referee in the west of Ireland.

Photo: Action Images

dazz added 17:30 - Jan 19 should have given him a 2 or 3 year deal.. anyhow hopefully he can bang some goals in at swindon and come back next season and be in the money
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arc added 18:03 - Jan 19 Robin Turner is now a referee in the west of Ireland? How odd. I was just thumbing through my Ipswich Town 1978 Album the other day (well, why not?–happier days!) was reading about Robin's transition from midfield to striker. A similar sort of player to Murray, I suppose.
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martleshamitfc added 18:09 - Jan 19 Robin turner will always be remembered for his contribution in the 1978 cup run, his 2 goals saved the day at Bristol Rovers away in the ice and snow, 2.2 draw when we were lucky not to lose and the rest is history!
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clarkey85 added 18:12 - Jan 19 Good news and if he comes good lets hope we keep him longer than others that have come through the system!
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Karlosfandangal added 18:21 - Jan 19 He now has 3 months to improve his game and a season to clam a place in the Ipswich first team. Or this time next year he will be allowed to join Swindon. Good that we have signed the lad, the ball is in his court now
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Mark added 18:36 - Jan 19 Nice to read about a player signing a contract! It sounds a good deal for Ipswich, a good deal for Swindon and a good deal for Murray. Let's hope he continues to progress.
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alfromcol added 19:03 - Jan 19 Couldn't have put it better myself. OOOPs I did: Best for all concerned. Not likely to learn much week in week out while we are trying to get away from the bottom of the league. But will gain more confidence playing in the successful Swindon side. Likely that he is going back on loan on the basis that he signs his contract first. Despite what some on here say PJ, SC and ME aren't completely stupid - even if some on here are!

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VanIsleBlue added 19:08 - Jan 19 I remeber being at the Centre Spot and using the urinal next to Robin Turner, was a little star struck to be honest as an 8 year old
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Suffolk_n_Good added 19:08 - Jan 19 Perfect solution, at least this gives him a chance to prove himself, whilst we're safe in the knowledge if he does do well he's still our player!! This is what should have happened with JR, at least ME & SC have learnt their lesson
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chorltonskylineblue added 20:10 - Jan 19 Glad he's signed. He looked a good prospect to me. Hopefully he'll get promotion chasing experience at Swindon. And good coaching from a class striker like Di Canio. How Ellington got a 2 year contract I'll never know.
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Tractamatt added 20:43 - Jan 19 I wonder if him going back to swindon is some kind of sweetner
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lawshallgirls added 21:38 - Jan 19 Good for him to be given a chance and not offloaded at the first hurdle (aka Rhodes)!!
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saffronblue added 22:43 - Jan 19 To all those earlier posters slating the club and saying Ronan would not sign hope your enjoying that humble pie
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TractorRoyNo1 added 00:22 - Jan 20 good bit of business
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DiamondGezzer added 07:46 - Jan 20 How refreshing to read about a player determind to work hard and carve out a future for himself. Doesn't give the impression of being one bit flash. I wish you every success for a very long career.
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callmeted added 08:08 - Jan 20 i dont see any of the muppets, yesterday telling us he wouldn't sign, now eating humble pie? Wait for the next story to come out and you can jump to your inane conclusions again.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 10:21 - Jan 20 Good. Fair enough - he has time to prove himself and earn a longer stay. But to do that he needs to get a chance in the squad next season.
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Surco72 added 13:29 - Jan 20 Phil .. did you release these statements deliberately behind one another to catch out the usual moaning brigade ? If so well done it proves them wrong again
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