Bates: Naylor Move Difficult - Ipswich Town News
Leeds United chairman Ken Bates says it was difficult to persuade Town to part with club captain Richard Naylor yesterday. The 31-year-old's permanent free move to the Whites on a two-and-a-half-year deal was completed with less than an hour of the transfer window remaining.
Bates said: "It's been very difficult. We couldn't get Ipswich to make their mind up.
"They were a little difficult and the deal was resolved after four o'clock. We're very pleased to have him because he's strong in defence and a good leader as well."
Meanwhile, Northern Irish U16 and U17 international Josh Carson signed his contract with the Blues last Friday. A fortnight ago, we reported that the Antrim-based midfielder or striker had agreed to join the academy full-time from next season.
Carson played for the Blues U15s at the Galway Cup competition last summer and was named the Player of the Tournament.
If you want to pay your tribute to Naylor's 15 years with the club, we've been collecting them here and will pass them on to him.
What to read next:
O'Shea: I'm Fully Committed to Town at the MomentCentral defender Dara O’Shea says he’s “fully committed to Ipswich at the moment” and wants to get the Blues back into the Premier League, the Republic of Ireland international having been linked with Wolves, Leeds United and a return to Burnley this summer.
Clarke: Slicker Will Bounce Back, He Has a Big FutureKeeper Cieran Slicker is one of three Town players who could win senior caps this evening - along with George Hirst, also with Scotland, and Nathan Broadhead with Wales - with Scots boss Steve Clarke having given the 22-year-old his backing for “a big future” following his tough international debut against Iceland on Friday evening.
Huni Camp to Lodge Appeal After Wardley DefeatJustis Huni’s manager Mick Francis says his team are to launch an official appeal to the WBA regarding the manner in which referee John Latham ended last night’s fight with Fabio Wardley at Portman Road.
Wardley Wins!Fabio Wardley won his Portman Road fight in sensational style, knocking out Justis Huni with a huge right hand in the 10th round to claim the WBA interim Heavyweight title with the Australian looking on course for victory.
Waiting Over For WardleyThe waiting is finally over for Fabio Wardley, with the Town-supporting boxer’s long-held ambition of a Portman Road fight set to be fulfilled this evening.
Pitts Set For Second Malta U21s CapTown youngster Josh Pitts looks set to win his second Malta U21s cap when his side takes on San Marino in the second of two away friendlies this evening (KO 5pm).