x

Glentoran and Brighton in Pre-Season - Ipswich Town News

Town will play pre-season friendlies with Belfast side Glentoran and League One club Brighton and Hove Albion this summer. Boss Jim Magilton has been planning a game against a club from his home town for the last couple of seasons.

The Blues will face the Glens at their Oval ground on Saturday 19th July in a game which will be a testimonial for their captain Paul Leeman.

By the time Town travel to the Withdean Stadium on Tuesday 29th July (KO 7.45pm), Matt Richards could be a Seagulls player. The full-back or midfielder impressed during his time on loan with Albion this season and may join the Micky Adams's side permanently during the close season, although there could be Championship clubs interested in his signature.

Richards, who has a year left on his Town deal, was one of five players made available for transfer by boss Jim Magilton earlier in the week.

Away games at Bury Town on Wednesday 9th July, Brentford on Friday 11th July, Tiptree United on Thursday 24th July and AFC Sudbury on Tuesday 5th August have already been arranged.

Meanwhile, former goalkeeper-coach Malcolm Webster is reported to have spoken with the Blues about a return to his old role at Portman Road. Webster is currently with Southampton, having been taken there by former boss George Burley, but may be on his way out with new manager Nigel Pearson likely to bring in his own coaches over the summer.

On Monday, Town announced that Andy Rhodes would be leaving his position of goalkeeper-coach, having been with the club since 2004.

Elsewhere, chief executive Derek Bowden says the Blues are closing in on their new sponsor with SnOasis still in the running: "SnOasis are still interested, so it really depends if we sign another deal before they are able to press the go button. We do have a couple that we are close to and I would think within a couple of weeks we can make an announcement.

"That would either be more progress on SnOasis, given that they can't or won't commit before getting the final go-ahead, or one or two others.

"It would be nice to get as many as we can to the finishing line as we can and have a choice, but if it comes to the point where we get a firm offer and it is the right level of investment, then we will take it.”

Local insurance companies Axa and Willis and National Express are all reported to have decided against sponsoring the club after holding talks.

Other names linked with the role include Greene King, the Port of Felixstowe and Linguarama, an arm of the Marcus Evans Group. The latter seems less likely with Bowden telling TWTD earlier in the year that although an option, the club would prefer to look for sponsorship from outside companies.

What to read next:

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.
Aberdeen 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Jaden Philogene scored twice and George Hirst once as Town beat Aberdeen 3-1 in their friendly at Pittodrie. Philogene stroked home from close range after good work from Sammie Szmodics and Hirst on 28, then Hirst added a second with a predatory rebound 10 minutes later, before Philogene netted the third just before the hour with Aberdeen pulling one back in the 79th minute remaining and the Blues having replaced their entire starting XI.
Aberdeen 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst have given the Blues a 2-0 half-time lead in this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.