x

O\'Connor and Trotter Offered Deals - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Roy Keane has revealed that the Blues have offered contracts to Shane O'Connor, Liam Trotter, Jack Ainsley, Reggie Lambe, Troy Brown and Ian McLoughlin but has confirmed the release of Richard Wright, David Wright, Pim Balkestein, Ed Upson and Devann Yao.

O'Connor, who joined the Blues as a trialist last summer after being released by Liverpool, has been handed a two-year deal while the rest have been offered another season.

Keane says he has been delighted with his fellow Corkman: "He came on trial to the club last summer when he was looking for a chance and he's come in and done well.

"We have offered him a two-year contract because we think he deserves that. Jack Ainsley, Reggie Lambe, Troy Brown and Ian McLoughlin have all been handed one-year extensions.

"I have spoken to all of them and they are delighted to have been offered another year.

"It's important that we have a reserve team full of young players next season. We have had senior professionals playing for the team lately, lads like Pablo, Garvs, Lee Martin and they are too good for that level."

Keane says he is yet to speak to Liam Trotter, who is currently on loan at Millwall: "I will be speaking to Liam and we have offered him a new deal.

"He's done very well while on loan at Millwall and we think the lad has a chance of being a player.

"We've offered him a contract but whether he signs it or not, we will have to wait and see because I'm sure he will have other options."

The Blues boss says it was difficult letting players go: "There have been some very hard decisions to make about good senior professionals, lads like David and Richard Wright who I have decided not to give new contracts.

"It doesn't mean I don't rate them. I do, just like I do with Pim. They will get fixed up with new clubs because they are good players but I have the opportunity to make changes and take this club in another direction and that's what I've got to do.

"With Ed, the lad needs to go out and play games. He's not 18 any more. He's had a taste of it at Barnet and that is what he needs every week."

As well as making decisions on his out of contract players, Keane will also have to decide which of his contracted players he wants to make available in the summer but was remaining tight-lipped on their identities. The Blues boss did confirm, however, that Liam Rosenior wouldn't be offered terms with his loan from Reading up at the end of the season.

Keane has also confirmed that reserves coach Steve Foley will leave the club at the end of the season, while he will speak with Ian McParland next week. Chris Kiwomya will keep his role as U18 coach.

What to read next:

Hutchinson Assists as England U21s Progress Despite Defeat
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson won his seventh cap as England’s U21s made it through to the knockout stages of the European Championship, despite being beaten 2-1 by Germany in their final group game in Slovakia.
Youngster Nicolaou Signs First Pro Deal
Academy youngster Shakil Nicolaou has signed his first professional deal.
Hutchinson's England U21s Face Germany
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson and his England U21s teammates will be looking to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the European Championship when they face Germany in Nitra, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
Town to Face Auxerre in Pre-Season
Town will travel to face French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre at Stade Abbé-Deschamps in a friendly on Saturday 2nd August (KO 6pm local time, 5pm UK).
Trabzonspor President Confirms Tuanzebe Interest
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed his club is interested in signing free agent Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Blue Action Asking For Donations For Derby Tifo
Town independent supporters group Blue Action have set up a GoFundMe page to raise cash for a tifo to be displayed at the home derby with Norwich City in the new season.
Last Day to Complete TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Today is the final day in which to fill in the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
Town at Aberdeen in Pre-Season
Town will travel to Scotland to face Aberdeen in a pre-season friendly at Pittodrie on Friday 25th July (KO 7.30pm).
Armstrong New Gateshead Boss
Former Blues striker Alun Armstrong has been appointed the new manager of his hometown club, National League Gateshead.
Town Programme For Visit to Port Vale Sells For Almost £3,000
A programme from the Blues’ visit to Port Vale in the 1946/47 season has become the most expensive involving the club to be sold at auction.