x

Jewell Plays Down Wright Interest - Ipswich Town News

Boss Paul Jewell has played down speculation that former Blue Richard Wright might join the club as the replacement for Márton Fülöp, who joined West Brom on a free transfer on Saturday, signing a one-year deal. Wright, a free agent having been released by Sheffield United, is currently on trial at Cardiff, where ex-Town keeper-coach James Hollman is now employed.

Jewell said: "Richard Wright’s gone to Cardiff to train. We were doing Richard a favour because he lives in the area.

"He was just keeping fit and he was very impressive in training but he’s gone on trial with Cardiff for a few days.”

The Town boss confirmed that he will be looking for another goalkeeper with David Stockdale’s loan from Fulham including a 24-hour recall clause and Arran Lee-Barrett the only other senior keeper.

Meanwhile, Jewell said there had been no developments on the two signings he hoped to make prior to the Bristol City game: "After Thursday, when I knew it wasn’t going to happen, all my focus was on the game.

"So, once the game finishes, which it has now, we focus on Tuesday and on trying to improve the squad even further.”

The Blues were trying to sign Blackburn’s Keith Andrews - who a tabloid report this morning has revealed to be on £21,000-a-week plus £2,000 for every match he plays - on a season-long loan, but had been unable to contact anyone at Ewood Park, and also another unnamed player, probably a centre-half.

Elsewhere, Town are claimed to have shown interest in Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala earlier in the summer. Hull City have agreed a fee of £850,000 with the Reds for their 20-year-old former loanee with the Blues reportedly having been put off by Liverpool's initial demand for £1 million for the the Spanish youngster.

It's suggested that the Anfield club's willingness to accept a lower figure could tempt Jewell to make a renewed move.

What to read next:

O'Shea: We Know It's Going to Be a Tough Game, We're Really Looking Forward to It
Town defender Dara O’Shea says he is anticipating a tough match and hostile atmosphere as the Blues get their Championship season started on Friday night against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
High-Profile Season Opener For Blues at Birmingham
Town get their 2025/26 Championship campaign under way against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Friday night in a high-profile opener screened live by Sky Sports (KO 8pm).
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
Town Not Looking to Sell Davis
Blues left-back Leif Davis is reportedly being targeted by Premier League clubs but with Town not looking to sell one of their key players ahead of the new campaign.
O'Shea: To Get the Chance to Lead This Club Is Special
New Town captain Dara O’Shea says he is eager to take on the added responsibility of wearing the armband for the Blues ahead of the Championship season kicking off on Friday against Birmingham City.
Town Turn Down Forest Bid For Hutchinson
Town have rebuffed a bid from Nottingham Forest for Omari Hutchinson.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: We've Had High Expectation Before and Dealt With It Really Well
Boss Kieran McKenna says the expectation on Town for the season ahead is very different from when they were in the Championship two years ago and sees similarities with the 2022/23 League One promotion season.
McKenna: New Signings Have Settled in Very Well
Blues manager Kieran McKenna says the club’s new signings have settled into the squad well during pre-season.
McKenna: I Can't Be Happier With the Players Who Are Here But There's Still a Lot to Do
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says he can’t be happier with the squad he has worked with throughout pre-season but admits there’s still lots to do to get numbers up to where he wants them before the transfer window closes on September 1st.