Town boss Paul Jewell has told Irish duo Colin Healy and Brian Murphy that they will be offered new contracts. The pair are amongst the 21 players whose current deals are up at the end of the season and met with the Blues manager last week to discuss their futures.

Jewell said: "I have spoken to the two lads and we are making them an offer. Colin is a terrific lad and a good player. I know he wasn't in the picture much before I came here but he's done well and I'd like to keep him.

"Brian has been injured and it's always tricky when a new manager comes in and a player has been injured.

"There will be a deal on the table for the both of them and we'd like them to stay, but whether they are here next season is down to the players."

Healy, 31, joined the Blues from League of Ireland side Cork City for £70,000 in the summer of 2009 but failed to make an impact during Roy Keane's time as manager and spent the second half of last season on loan at Falkirk.

The former Ireland international impressed in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory over Arsenal, which was watched by incoming new manager Paul Jewell, and has been in and around the side ever since, scoring his first Town goal in the 6-0 win at Doncaster.

Murphy signed on a free transfer from another League of Ireland side Bohemians on a free transfer in January 2010. The 27-year-old was the Blues' first choice during the second half of last season but lost his regular place after the summer signing of Márton Fülöp from Sunderland.

The Waterford-born glovesman impressed in Town's Carling Cup run but was ruled out of the semi-final with Arsenal when he broke his ankle in training two days before Christmas.

Murphy returned to action in the reserves a fortnight ago and expressed his desire to remain at Portman Road when speaking after last Tuesday's 0-0 second string draw with Watford.

A week ago, Jewell, who wants players to make their decisions on the deals quickly, revealed that new contracts had been offered to defenders Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney, while the Blues boss is still looking to talk to David Norris's agent again regarding the Town skipper's future.

Midfielder-turned-right-back Carlos Edwards will remain with Town for a further season having triggered a clause on his existing deal.

Keeper Arran Lee-Barrett and midfielder Alan Quinn are the only other out of contract senior players currently at the club, while Pablo Couñago and Kevin Lisbie are on loan with Crystal Palace and Millwall for the season respectively and seem certain to be released in the summer.

The other 11 players whose deals are up in June are first and second-year professionals.

Photo: Action Images

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 12:05 - Apr 5 Good news re Healy as i think he has been a new player under Jewell, but personally would let Murphy go, too small and doesnt command his area, although a decent shot stopper.
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Luke8644 added 12:14 - Apr 5 Both good signings. Healy did very well in the middle of the season with Arsenal being one of those game, and i do rate Murphy as a good back up keeper.
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arc added 12:14 - Apr 5 Very surprised. They must be on low wages. If McLoughlin impresses at Stockport, I'd like to see him be #2 next year.
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elmswellblue added 12:17 - Apr 5 I would be interested to see why Murphy has been offered a new contract....
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hampstead_blue added 12:17 - Apr 5 Good news. BM is a very handy #2. CM has proved he is a great back-up player. He does lack that yard of pace, but a great touch and passing range. I hope they sign.
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chesh added 12:23 - Apr 5 Feel sorry for ALB then... sounds like he won't be here next year if we've got Fulop and Murhpy here for the next couple of seasons and McLoughlin coming through.
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CleverTrevor added 12:29 - Apr 5 Both of these lads will be cheap as chips. And both can do a decent job for us, even if they are back-up, rather than first choice, in a future promotion-chasing squad.
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Garv added 12:29 - Apr 5 Cool, not convinced by Murphy but a decent back up I suppose.
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village_blue added 12:36 - Apr 5 Good news about both being offered new contracts. Think that Murphy has the safest hands at the club and Healy has been impressive since PJ has come in and would rather we had players who REALLY want to play for us than others who are offered contracts else where as this is a distraction .
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JayITFC added 12:40 - Apr 5 Don't understand the Murhpy hate in general, did fine second half of last year.
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bluelady added 12:48 - Apr 5 cant believe the change in view of Colin Healey, pre Jewell he was known as a total waste of space now everyone happy he is staying! Personally i think he is a great player to bring on second half when we are in front but need someone to steady the ship..... not a match changer but a solid performer who gives 100%. Well done Colin for proving us all wrong. Murphy, Jewell tried to sign him in the past so is clearly a fan.... do feel ALB maybe on his way out, and personally dont think he is good enough at this level. hasnt been tested last two games, but not convinced he is the comanding player we need. Suspect Murphy or Fullop will start on saturday. lets hope a few youngsters will give Portman Road a treat!

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I_8_NARWICH added 12:50 - Apr 5 Good hope they both stay, Murphy would be my number 1 keeper in my opinion all round a better goalie than Fulop, as for Healy he was unlucky at the timing of his injury as he was almost definatly playing the best for us since he has been here. Hopefully both will get some games towards the end of the season and possibly breaking into the team for next season.
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kerryblue added 13:22 - Apr 5 Great to see,Healy has done alot better since Keane got sacked but didnt Keane actually pay the £70,000 for Healy out of his own bulging pocket?
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StowTractorBoy added 13:30 - Apr 5 Have always rated Healy since the Shrewsbury away cup match where he was head and shoulders above the rest. Obviously had to adapt to a higher level of football and I think he has done it. Would personally get rid of Fulop bring in a new number one and keep Murphy and McLaughlin. Lee-Barrettt although ok not the answer although he deserved the chance for PJ to look at him.

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Matteo_Sereni added 13:39 - Apr 5 Murphy in my opinion is surplus to requirements with Lee-Barratt and the lad Mcloughlin...however, given that he came from league of ireland he probably isnt on much money...maybe to earn his moeny next year he could help out cleaning the boots, washing the kit or an even being a matchday steward as he wont be needed on the bench...the advantage of this is also that he wont get in anyones way as he's so short! Surprised the frugal Evans hasn't come up with this idea already to keep overheads at a minimum!

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DiamondGezzer added 13:55 - Apr 5 IMHO, I hope that they both sign. Seems That those who were knocking Healey have now transfered to Murphy. Oh ye of short memory !
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broomfield123 added 13:59 - Apr 5 Must admit but Healy has proved a lot of peaple including myself wrong and come on leaps and bounds under PJ. Give him 2 years. As for our keepers , do we really need 4 keepers. Personally i'd get shot of Murphy. Keep Fulop, LB, and mclauglin. Most other clubs seem to be fine with 2 experianced and a lesser experianced
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DiamondGezzer added 14:06 - Apr 5 broomfield :- How much experience does ALB have ? And no, I'm not knocking him for one minute.
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bizman added 14:17 - Apr 5 I have a sneaking suspicion that Marton Fulop will be sold this summer.......
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dugoutdave added 14:27 - Apr 5 Bizman - I hope you are right - I honestly think Fulop is now a liability. I cant quite understand those who can seem to admit that he doesnt command his box, cant catch and is a terrible kicker then they still want himto stay!
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JewellintheTown added 14:46 - Apr 5 Its probably been said many times before, but is it just me or does Colin Healy look a little like an older Michael Owen in that picture?
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sonian_blue added 14:48 - Apr 5 I agree with the post above and hope bizman is right. Flip Flop is not up to the job and will be on big money. Ship him out.
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bluelady added 15:44 - Apr 5 all those knocking our current goalkeepers, be great to know who you think should replace them? there is a definate shortage of top draw goalkeepers, and those currently getting first team are unlikely to want to leave current team?
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Matteo_Sereni added 16:41 - Apr 5 Matteo Sereni.
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jas0999 added 18:30 - Apr 5 bluelady - you beat me to it! Roy was slated for even signing Healy i.e. he's Irish, he only plays Irish football, not good enough etc. In any event, probably good news, although not convinced Healy has what it takes to be a key player for us on a consistent basis. Can only assume with Norris potentially leaving, PJ wants cover? I have always liked Murphy and hope he gets a chance before the end of the season. Personally, I think he's better than ALB who must surely be on his way.

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