Keeper Richard Wright’s third spell with the Blues has come to an end after the 34-year-old was told he would not be offered a new contract for next season. The former England keeper signed a short-term deal in November having spent the early part of the season training with the Town squad, but made only one appearance, the 3-2 home defeat to Reading.

Wright, who spoke with manager Paul Jewell this afternoon, told the club site that he intends to keep playing: "I had a chat with the gaffer and we talked about my ambitions and I told him they were simple - I want to carry on playing.

"I feel as fit as I've ever done. I've worked hard in training and I want to play matches. I had a little niggle in my knee a few weeks back, but it's proved to be nothing and generally I've been really happy with my fitness this season.

"I've enjoyed every day out on the training ground working with [goalkeeping coach] Malcolm [Webster] and the other keepers. The only disappointment is that like every player, I want to be out there on the pitch on a Saturday afternoon and that's not really happened enough for me lately."

Ipswich-born Wright, who went on trial with MLS side Dallas FC without being offered terms in January, says his summer will be spent searching for a new club: "The gaffer has said that he couldn't offer me anything and I understand that. Now it's down to me to win a contract elsewhere because I want to carry on playing."

Wright's departure, along with those of loanee Alex McCarthy and youngster Cody Cropper, means that Arran Lee-Barrett is the only keeper contracted beyond June 30th. The Blues would appear likely to look to recruit two glovesmen during the summer.

Photo: Action Images

blue_oyster added 18:35 - Apr 26 Should never have left. What an arse.
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Sindre94 added 18:36 - Apr 26 Hate to call good old wrighty it, but good we get rid of the deadwood. I know jewell bought alot of poor players but the fact hes released Ingimarsson, Priskin, Healy, Bowyer, Wright, etc. I like it, shows for me that hes changed his way to manage and act in the playersmarket and its nice to see :) Hopefully we get in 4 or 5 players this summer, (Keeper, CB, RB, Winger and a striker would do for sure) :) COYB

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aliCOYBmason added 18:36 - Apr 26 Cheers Wrighty for eveything bu tagain should leave.
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fourth added 18:38 - Apr 26 Great player. Makes sense
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Sindre94 added 18:39 - Apr 26 I dont need to do this but please show some respect when you comment, Wright is a Town hero and hes done so much good to this club, even though hes somehow not been rated by people of late.
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bluethroughnthrough added 18:39 - Apr 26 So now if I'm right we only have one goal keeper? Not saying he shouldve stayed...but in general I'm very worried about how we are going to convince good enough players to come join us this summer
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jas0999 added 18:39 - Apr 26 Shame and wish him well BUT should never have been re-signed. It was only because PJ failed to sign a permanent No. 1 that he was brought in as cover in case Stockdale was recalled - which he was! However, despite Wrights own claims, he HAS been injury prone yet again during his short spell with us and for the good of the club it's time to move on. Good luck though Wrighty - will remember you for the good times - not these!

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AlanMahon2011 added 18:40 - Apr 26 He should of gone way before Cody Cropper! Good luck Cody oh and bye Wrighty.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 18:40 - Apr 26 Was brilliant in Burley's side but think this, Bowyer's and Sonko's release are all good decisions. We will need several new faces this summer although i think with the fair play thingy we will have to get used to smaller squads.
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h32 added 18:49 - Apr 26 Can see Clegg playing in goal next season - and Jewell up front. Circus continues at a date to be declared.
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beerhelps added 18:51 - Apr 26 A true Blue....shame its not worked out.
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h32 added 18:51 - Apr 26 Sindre94 - fair comment that.
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h32 added 18:53 - Apr 26 ........ apparently Clegg takes Size 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 Boots - doesn't make much difference.
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Knightsy added 18:54 - Apr 26 All the Best Wrighty
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baldman added 19:04 - Apr 26 Sindre agree with what you say but it's all right getting rid of these players as long as we have got replacements coming in if not only 1 keeper next season would like to sign players first then get rid let's hope mr jewell has got some coming in
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JustSpivvyChops added 19:09 - Apr 26 Thanks for the memories of yesteryear Wrighty!! Alas, all good things come to an end and i'm afraid it's time to move on me old mate. Good luck with whatever you do. Perhaps spend a couple of seasons actually playing in a league 1/ league 2 outfit and help the youngsters coming through?
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Ipswich24 added 19:11 - Apr 26 Best of luck Wrighty from a fellow Thurleston boy! Bet by December will be back for a fourth spell!
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Blue041273 added 19:11 - Apr 26 Sindre, good you call for a bit of respect but would have carried more weight if you hadn't made the 'deadwood' comment. Can't argue with PJ's call on this but squad numbers are diminishing by the hour and whether or not we can replace the discarded players with better ones remains to be seen. I just hope we have a plan!
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itfc1981 added 19:14 - Apr 26 Sindre you spell deadwood like this: ALB
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itfc1981 added 19:18 - Apr 26 Play him on Sunday, one game without ALB is worth it, never mind he should have a send off.
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AlanMahon2011 added 19:19 - Apr 26 Sindre you spell Deadwood like this: "Grant Leadboots"
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itfc1981 added 19:22 - Apr 26 Sindre you spell Deadwood like this: Simon Clegg
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Daleyitfc added 19:26 - Apr 26 We release the best English goalkeeper currently playing : good move. He has another 5 years in him at this level, easily.
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h32 added 19:35 - Apr 26 ........ something is obviously going to happen to make ITFC attractive to players again, other than gerihatricks - UNLESS of course the replacement queue has already been interveiwed. Queuing up around Portman Road in the dead of night could have been embarassing - it was rumoured that Clegg was seen with his nightcap (scrooge's hat) on recently. On a serious note - just hope replacements are / will be available - just hope negotiating skills have either been learnt or re-delegated.

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TimmyH added 19:42 - Apr 26 Couldn't see anything happening with Wrighty's third spell here, all the best where ever you go now!
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