Town boss Kieran McKenna says forward Sone Aluko has the potential to be a success in many areas of the game once he decides to hang up his boots.

The 33-year-old, who still sees himself as having a few seasons left as a player, watched Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Wigan alongside Town’s analysts and McKenna says that’s an aspect of the game the former Nigerian international has shown an interest in.

“I think he enjoys that side of it, he’s got a really good football brain,” he said. “He likes to communicate in the team meetings and speaks really well, sees the game well, sees exactly what we’re doing here.

“I think he enjoys the style of play, enjoys the journey that we’re on. He likes to take that view on things sometimes and is always a good one to bounce off for an opinion as well. A really good senior player and somebody with good experiences to share.”

In February, Aluko told TWTD that he’d be keen to stay with the Blues next season with his one-year contract up this summer.

He also said that he has spoken to McKenna as he starts to plan for his post-playing days future, “just picking his brain on coaching or working somewhere else in the club”.

McKenna said: “We’ve had those discussions, I think that will be up to him really, he’s got a good chance to go into whatever he wants to go into.

“He’s obviously got vast experience as a player but is very well liked, very well respected, I think he’s an intelligent man and if he wanted to go into things behind the scenes at boardroom level or directorial level, I think he’d have some of those skills as well.

“But he really enjoys training and is passionate about being on the grass, so if coaching was what he wanted to go into I think he’d have a good chance of having a good crack at that as well.

“I think he’s still thinking about playing and still thinking about his time as a player and is very much open I think to staying in the game involved in different ways, and he’ll probably start to come to those conclusions himself over the next couple of years.”

Photo: Matchday Images

hoppy added 16:50 - Apr 21 Hopefully he will be here next season - this article doesn't sound clear whether that is likely to be the case or not.
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KMcBlue added 17:23 - Apr 21 Playing days at Town over reading between the lines
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Veggie added 17:28 - Apr 21 I read this as us extending his contract for another year or two then having him move into a role on the staff. Sounds like McKenna sees a bit of himself in him.
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ArnieM added 17:28 - Apr 21 I'd say it's refreshing that a senior player is looking at his options , and planning for his post playing career. A lot don't bother and expect things to just drop into their lap. He's seems the consummate professional to me, and if there was a role for him at Town after he hangs his boots up I hope he stays. At 33 he probably won't continue for 90 mins in many matches at this level or above, so he might have a lot to offer in another role here. Would he get another year ? I'm not sure, when there are so man6 restriction re wages and numbers of playing staff allowed. We can't afford a place in that squad for a player who MIGHT only play sa6 25% of the games next season.

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DJR added 17:30 - Apr 21 That's my take on it too, Veggie, given how glowing McKenna is about him.
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Linkboy13 added 17:31 - Apr 21 Dispite all his trickery on the ball which the fans love and so do i he hasn't really created a great deal.
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alfromcol added 17:33 - Apr 21 Very disappointed if Aluko isn't here next season. Simply unplayable at times.
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Suffolkboy added 18:06 - Apr 21 Very obviously tremendously talented and skilful , he's an intelligent reader of the game,and appears to read play and players exceptionally well too . Not however on the evidence of this season a goal scorer he can and does completely unlock opposition defences and ITFC strikers have failed to make the most of many opportunities . At 33 he ought to be around the peak of his stamina but may not any longer be quite as physically strong to ride out todays very fast moving game . Every good wish to S A . COYB

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terryf added 18:47 - Apr 21 I'd be very surprised if he is not given another year. Not many players have his ability on the ball and he seems a very thoughtful footballer too. Shame he's not 10 years younger. My friend who sits with me in The Sir Alf remembers him playing for Hull and reckoned he was unplayable in his pomp.
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Radlett_blue added 21:12 - Apr 21 While Aluko looks a decent player, 3 goals & no assists from 36 appearances this season is woeful & I think we need to move on.
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