x

Town Release Richards - Ipswich Town News

Town have announced that Matt Richards has become the eighth out of contract player to be released this summer. The full-back or midfielder has spent much of the last two years on loan at Brighton.

The 24-year-old's exit was widely expected, although his recall to the Town first team for Roy Keane's opening game as boss at Cardiff led to late speculation that the former academy product might be kept on.

In 2002, as a 17-year-old, Richards became the youngest Town player to take part in a European tie when he made his debut in the 1-0 UEFA Cup preliminary round tie against Avenir Beggen in Luxembourg.

The Harlow-born defender made 133 starts and 35 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring nine goals.

Dan Harding and Liam Trotter are the final two out of contract players still to have their futures settled. The duo have been on loan at Reading and Scunthorpe respectively and are expected to speak with new manager Roy Keane in the next week.

What to read next:

Rowett: We've Performed Quite Well in the Last Two Games
Oxford United boss Gary Rowett says dropping into the bottom three doesn’t change much for his side ahead of the Blues’ visit to the Kassam Stadium on Friday evening (KO 8pm).
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
[Podcast] Life's a Pitch TV - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Life's a Pitch TV team is now available.
Ashton: We've Requested Meetings With Transport Authorities
Town CEO and chairman Mark Ashton says the club are looking to speak to National Highways and Greater Anglia regarding transport arrangements to and from Portman Road matches.
Ashton: We'll Now Move to More Detailed Work on Cobbold Stand Plans
Blues chairman and CEO Mark Ashton has outlined in more detail where the club currently stands on the redevelopment of the Cobbold Stand.
Friday Night Derby Under Discussion
The possibility of a Friday night East Anglian derby at Carrow Road in April is under discussion due to railway engineering work over the weekend of the match when the Blues will be looking to secure their first double over their rivals from across the border since the the inaugural 1992/93 Premier League campaign.
McKenna: We Have to Recover Quickly and Go to Oxford With a Big, Big Attitude
Town visit Oxford United on Friday night for what manager Kieran McKenna says feels like a second midweek away game, the Blues having won 2-0 at Hull City on Tuesday (KO 8pm, Sky Sports).
Town to Introduce Rules For No-Show Season Ticket Holders
Town chairman and CEO Mark Ashton says the club will be introducing new rules to address non-attendance by season ticket holders, revealing that 6,000 fans have added their names to the waiting list launched last month.
Ashton: We're Putting in a Complete New PA System
Blues CEO and chairman Mark Ashton says the club will be spend around £1 million on a new PA system to finally resolve the ongoing issues.
New Office Hub and Boardroom at Portman Road
Town’s staff will move into a new office hub in the old gym at Portman Road in January, which is currently under construction along with a new boardroom.