x

Baptiste to Return in Pre-Season - Ipswich Town News

Boss Roy Keane says Trinidadian trialist Kerry Baptiste could return for a second Town trial in pre-season. The 28-year-old frontman or right winger, who currently plays for Joe Public in his home country, spent a week with the Blues in March.

Keane said: "The boy will come back because he did well, very well, he impressed us all.

"We weren’t exactly flying at the time [he came over] and when you’re signing players you have to give them a chance. But he’ll be back, maybe over the summer.”

Baptiste says he has also been offered a trial by MLS side Toronto FC: "Yes, I have been invited to go up to Toronto.

"They have expressed an interest having me train at the club and possibly they can offer me a deal, but everything will happen after the CFU Club Championship [Caribbean equivalent of the Champions League] because right now Joe Public is my first preference.

"At the end of the day, even though I would like to benefit from playing overseas, Joe Public is responsible for where I am right now and I played some of the best football of my career as a member of the Joe Public club. If it means they must benefit from any deal that I sign outside, then I’m happy about that.”

An international team-mate of Carlos Edwards and former loanee Stern John with 43 caps and eight goals for Trinidad, Baptiste was previously with San Juan Jabloteh and the North East Stars, also in his home country. He is the all-time top scorer in the TT Pro League, Trinidad and Tobago's top division, having scored 102 goals, 48 of them last season.

Meanwhile, released full-back David Wright has been linked with a return to former loan club Norwich City, although apparently purely on the basis that he is keen to remain living in East Anglia. The ex-Wigan and Crewe man was previously at Carrow Road in 2005.

What to read next:

Hutchinson on Target as England U21s Win Euros
Town forward Omari Hutchinson scored as England’s U21s beat Germany 3-2 after extra-time to retain the European U21 Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Ex-Blues Forward Morris Suffers Third ACL Injury
Former Blues forward Ben Morris, now with USL Championship side Detroit City, has suffered the third ACL injury of his career.
Assistant Keeper Coach Martin Leaves Town
Assistant goalkeeper coach David Martin has revealed he is leaving the club after a year.
Hutchinson Aiming to Become Third Town Player to Win U21 Euros With England
Forward Omari Hutchinson will be aiming to become the third Town player to win the European U21 Championship with Town when he and his teammates face Germany in the final in Bratislava, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
New John Wark Book Now Available For Pre-Order
He’s Here, He’s There, the book celebrating the career of Blues legend John Wark is now available for pre-order.
Ashton: We Have to Look at Recruiting a Different Type of Player
Chairman and CEO Mark Ashton says the Blues will be looking at recruiting a different type of player with the physical attributes required to compete in the Premier League.
Tuanzebe: Memorable Two Years, Thank You
Exiting Town defender Axel Tuanzebe has thanked staff and fans for a memorable two years at the club after signing for Premier League new boys Burnley yesterday.
Former Blues Loanee Andrews Confirmed as Brentford Boss
Brentford have confirmed the appointment of former Blues loanee Keith Andrews as their new head coach.
Besiktas Targeting Cajuste
Turkish side Besiktas are targeting former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste, TWTD understands.
Townsend: Dara Deal Shows Town's Intent
Blues full-back Conor Townsend says his close friend Dara O’Shea signing a new contract which runs to the summer of 2030 shows Town’s intent ahead of the new season.