Town youngsters Darren Bent and Matt Richards have agreed to sign new improved deals at Portman Road. The news will be welcomed by fans concerned that the pair might be amongst the next summer departures.

Recently Southampton enquired about the teenagers, a move Town were able to rebuff. Chairman David Sheepshanks says this gives a message to fans: "I hope people will be encouraged by Darren Bent and Matt Richards signing new contracts in the next few days. It is a very positive statement from us about our intentions for the future.

“They are both players that we all feel have a very big future at Ipswich Town Football Club, and Joe Royle has already this week made it clear that he wants to see them both in his starting line-up for the first game of the season and I echo that sentiment.”

Earlier this week Jonathan Barnett, the duo's agent, said he was recommending that they remain at Town.

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