McAuley Signs for West Brom - Ipswich Town News
TWTD understands that departing Town defender Gareth McAuley signed for Premier League West Bromwich Albion earlier today.
Out-of-contract McAuley, 31, told Blues boss Paul Jewell that he would be moving on on the Monday following the final game of the season at Leicester with West Brom quickly emerging as his destination. Baggies boss Roy Hodgson confirmed his interest last week.
Northern Irishman McAuley joined the Blues from Leicester for a fee of £1.1 million in June 2008 and made 126 starts and one sub appearance, scoring eight goals.
The former Lincoln man was offered a new two-year deal by Town before Christmas but despite continuing to talk to the club in the final months of the season, decided against staying at Portman Road with SPL giants Rangers also showing interest.
What to read next:
Town Face Charlton at ColchesterTown continue their pre-season friendly programme when they host fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Ndaba Completes Lecce MoveFormer Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good SeasonTown boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
U21s Defeated By LutonA strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.