x

Collins Released Again - Ipswich Town News

Town have released central defender Aidan Collins for the second time. The 20-year-old was initially told he could leave by Joe Royle a year ago but, after the change of management, was given further time to prove himself.

However, after undergoing knee surgery at the end of last year, boss Jim Magilton has decided that Collins isn't in his plans: "We will be doing all we can to help Aidan find a new club. While the injury has undoubtedly stunted his progress, he is still at an age where his career could take off somewhere.

"He needs to play games to attain match fitness. He has trained very well and having helped him in his recuperation we want to do our best to help him move on.”

Collins played in Tuesday's reserve game with Stevenage and was watched by a number of scouts.

The Chelmsford-born player made his Town debut as a 16-year-old and went on to make three starts and two sub appearances for the Blues. Last season Collins spent time on loan at Wycombe and Stockport.

Magilton says he is not yet drawing the curtain on Darryl Knights's Town career. Earlier in the month the Town manager appeared to signal that the Ipswich-born striker's spell with the Blues was close to an end by saying he could join Falkirk permanently.

That deal fell through and Knights is now on trial at Leyton Orient with Magilton still keen to assess him in league action before making a final decision on his future: "Darryl's career is in limbo. He needs to be away from the building because he is not getting enough games here.

"We'd like to see him play competitive games elsewhere and then we could keep an eye on his progress. It is definitely not a case of us trying to get rid of him - he could still have a future with us.”

Elsewhere, reported Town target Steve Kabba has completed his move £500,000 to Watford from Sheffield United.

What to read next:

Burns Set For Leicester Medical
Blues winger Wes Burns is reportedly close to joining League One Leicester City.
Greaves: New Manager's Ideas More Into Play With Every Game
Defender Jacob Greaves believes the Blues are showing the ideas new manager Gary O’Neil is seeking to instil more with every game, Town having run out 1-0 victors over Ligue 1 Le Havre this evening.
Ipswich Town 1-0 Le Havre - Match Report
Chuba Akpom’s second-half goal saw the Blues to a 1-0 victory over Ligue 1 Le Havre at Portman Road. Town, who made nine changes at the break, were in control throughout with Akpom netting the deserved winner on 58 from Abdul Fatawu’s cross from the right.
Ipswich Town 0-0 Le Havre - Half-Time
Town’s pre-season friendly against Le Havre remains 0-0 at half-time.
Maeda and Emersonn Start as Blues Host Le Havre
Daizen Maeda and Emersonn both start for the Blues in their first Portman Road friendly under Gary O’Neil against Ligue 1 Le Havre.
Town Confirm Florentino Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis on a five-year deal.
Blues Eyeing Feyenoord Striker Ueda
TWTD understands Town are showing interest in Feyenoord’s Japanese international striker Ayase Ueda.
Town Host Le Havre in O'Neil's First Portman Road Friendly
Town continue their pre-season friendly programme this evening with their first Portman Road match under new manager Gary O’Neil, taking on Ligue 1 Le Havre (KO 7.45pm).
Florentino Completes Medical
Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis has completed his Town medical with his £16 million switch expected to be confirmed tomorrow.
Al-Hamadi Set For Polish Loan Switch
Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi is close to completing a loan switch to Polish side Raków Częstochowa, we understand.