x

Jim Has Cunningham Plan? - Ipswich Town News

Town are being linked with a summer move for veteran Irish centre-half Kenny Cunningham. The 35-year-old Dubliner has been released by Sunderland.

Cunningham's first English club was Millwall where he spent five years between 1989 and 1994. He moved on to Wimbledon for £650,000 and spent eight years with the Dons before joining Birmingham on a free transfer in 2002.

Capped 70 times by the Republic of Ireland, Cunningham enjoyed a hugely successful spell at St Andrew's, winning their player of the year award in 2005 and being named the club's ‘player of the decade' by co-chairman David Sullivan.

Having been released by Birmingham after their 2006 relegation, Cunningham hit out at manager Steve Bruce, whose failings he blamed for the club's drop into the Championship.

The 6ft-tall defender joined Sunderland last summer but made only 12 appearances, the last of which came in October, and was released at the end of the season.

Town boss Jim Magilton has said he wants to strengthen the spine of his team during the close season with Richard Wright set to take over in goal and Franny Jeffers targeted up front.

The Blues' central midfield appears well covered, so central defence looks to be Magilton's other main area of focus, whether Cunningham is the man he is after or not.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

What to read next:

Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.
Blues Beaten By Hammers in Behind Closed Doors Friendlies
Town played two 60-minute behind-closed-doors friendlies with West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground this afternoon.