Boss Roy Keane says Town will soon begin contract talks with some of the 21 players whose deals are up at the end of the season. Skipper David Norris heads a list which also includes defenders Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney and young midfielder Luke Hyam.

Keane says the contract situation is something which the club will be looking to address in the short-term: “That’s the priority over the next few months, tying down players like David Norris, who are out of contract at the end of the season.”

The full list of those whose terms run to June 2011 is Brian Murphy, Gareth McAuley, Damien Delaney, Carlos Edwards, David Norris, Arran Lee-Barrett, Ian McLoughlin, Alan Quinn, Luke Hyam, Troy Brown, Tom Eastman, Colin Healy, Billy Clark, Reggie Lambe, Ronan Murray, Jack Ainsley, David Cawley, Jamie Griffiths and Conor Hourihane, plus Pablo Couñago and Kevin Lisbie, who are out on loan for the season at Crystal Palace and Millwall respectively.

Keane is yet to hold talks regarding his own contract, which is also up at the end of the season, but says he’s in no panic about it: “I’ve signed a two-year deal and I’ve still got a few months left on it.

“No one was concerned about my contract last year. I’m dead relaxed about it, the owner knows I’m dead chilled out about it.”

The Town manager has handed left-back Seb Dunbar a contract extension until January, the first-year pro having previously been given until September to prove himself. Keane feels that the 18-year-old has done enough but didn’t go overboard with praise for the reserves regular: “He’s done OK, he’s got until January.”

Keane says there have been no loan enquiries for his youngsters and is happy for them to remain at Portman Road, particularly with the Millwall Carling Cup match coming up when a number of them will play a part.

Photo: Action Images

Marshalls_Mullet added 15:44 - Sep 10 Norris, Hyam, Delaney and McAuley must be priorities. The rest not so much of an issue. Will be amazed if we keep all four, but heres hoping!!
0

robdaful added 15:50 - Sep 10 Some of our best players. Must give them long contracts. On another note has anyone seen that David Healy has signed for Donchester?
0

canveyblue added 15:54 - Sep 10 Don't forget Edwards from that list marshallsmullet, has looked impressive this season so hope his form continues. Sorry to hear the news about Triggs, RIP.
0

Bergholtblue added 17:03 - Sep 10 I can see at least five amonst the list who will be told they will be released without talking about new contracts.
0

Vacendak added 17:04 - Sep 10 Who are Donchester?
0

Mark added 17:18 - Sep 10 Gareth McAuley, Damien Delaney, David Norris, Luke Hyam - Priorities to sign up! Carlos Edwards - He will be 32 next month and is on big wages, so let's see if he has a good season before offering a new deal. Ian McLoughlin, Troy Brown, Tom Eastman, Billy Clark, Reggie Lambe, Ronan Murray, Jack Ainsley, David Cawley, Jamie Griffiths and Conor Hourihane - see how the youngsters progress and consider deals at the end of the season. Brian Murphy - Surely won't want to sign a new deal just to be on the bench? Arran Lee-Barrett - Played well last season, it cheap and willing to be back up, so keep him. Alan Quinn, Colin Healy, Pablo Couñago, Kevin Lisbie -release.

0

Back_The_Boss added 17:45 - Sep 10 Get Norris, Hyam, Delaney and McAuley to sign on the dotted line asap.
0

Suffolk_n_Good added 18:08 - Sep 10 Agree, Norris, Hyam, Delaney & McAuley must be tied down on contracts asap, Edwards too, depending on what kind of season he has. Of the youngsters, Brown, Eastman, Hourihane & Murray, seem to me to be the most likely to be offered new contracts. Cant see Murphy being happy "bench warming" & Lee-Barrett may well feel the same, especially being 3rd choice.
0

jas0999 added 19:02 - Sep 10 Get them signed up!!!!
0

tractored added 19:25 - Sep 10 I think McAuley will want away unless we go up, which is a shame.
0

Marshalls_Mullet added 20:05 - Sep 10 Agree, Edwards is looking on form this season, but age and wages put him lower down the list of priorities in my opinion. A wait and see situation on Edwards I think.
0

fifeblue added 21:09 - Sep 10 Two words: Danny Hegan.
0

Mungo added 21:11 - Sep 10 We should have started contract talks with McAuley and Norris during the summer. They are key players and should continue to be so. Extending their contracts gives both club and players extra security. The other senior players should be judged over the season. I think Hyam has also shown enough to warrant a contract extension. He has shown he is capable of holding his own in a championship midfield and could be a useful player for years to come. Giving him a contract extension will also set an example to the other youngsters to keep working hard.

0

bluechick added 13:06 - Sep 11 not one of them is irreplaceable. Players come players go as do managers its part of football life but rushing to offer all of them new contracts may not be the wisest option especially Edwards who by his own admission was not very good last season.
0

Acen added 22:08 - Sep 12 norris is a must
0

Berts_chin added 19:13 - Sep 23 I'm going to court controversy and say that I hope Norris doesn't sign. I don't like a central midfield made up of two grafters and I'd sooner keep Leadbitter - Norris is a nasty, cynical character that can't pass, read the game or head the ball. Most overrated player on the club's books.
0

BlueJewells added 18:41 - Jan 20 if we sell him im gonna cry
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls