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Radio Suffolk Regain Commentary Rights - Ipswich Town News

Town have announced a new three-year commentary deal with BBC Radio Suffolk, replacing the previous arrangement with Heart, formerly SGR FM. The new deal covers all Championship matches plus Carling and FA Cup ties.

Commentary will be provided by Brenner Woolley with former Town players adding punditry.

Chief executive Simon Clegg says the club have listened to fans, many of whom were unhappy with the Heart deal: "It's important that we consider the views of the supporters when we make decisions about the club and I'm aware that there was disappointment expressed by some fans about the commentary rights last season.

"I'm sure the decision to team up again with BBC Suffolk will be welcomed by the supporters in what we hope will be an exciting three years ahead at Portman Road."

TWTD understands the club had an opt-out in their contract with Heart, which they have chosen to exercise after one year of a three-season deal.

Fans in the north of Suffolk were particularly unhappy with Heart being given commentary rights as the station doesn't cover that area, although they actually reach more people in total that Radio Suffolk.

We also understand that the club felt not all aspects of the deal agreed with SGR were fulfilled by Global Radio, who renamed the station Heart in January, after they took it over shortly after the contract had been signed.

BBC Suffolk editor Peter Cook says he is pleased to win back the rights: "We're delighted to be returning full match commentary, home and away, to the station and particularly so for the start of what promises to be an exciting new era for Ipswich Town and their fans.

"We know just how passionate our listeners are about the club and we're looking forward to celebrating a great season with them."

Meanwhile, QPR left-back Damien Delaney is again reported to be close to joining the Blues. TWTD's sister site LoftForWords first broke the news of Town's interest in the Republic of Ireland international a fortnight ago. Today's tabloid report claims Rangers want a fee of £1 million, higher than previous estimates.

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