x

Jewell: Targets All Youngsters - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed that all three of the targets the Blues made bids for over the weekend are young players, with one a teenager.

Jewell refused to be drawn on their precise identities but told the club site: "What I will confirm is that the three players are aged 24 and under.

"While we can't sign every player under 20, we are definitely going to put the emphasis on bringing younger players to the football club.

"I'm on record already in saying that I got the balance wrong in terms of the number of older players we brought in.

"We need experience in the side and in the squad but looking forward and for the long-term future of the club, we will be focusing on younger players. The three players we have made bids for fall into that category, in fact one is a teenager."

We understand that despite the Blues showing interest in Swindon pair Matt Ritchie and Paul Caddis, the duo are not the two players from the same club that Jewell revealed had been targeted over the weekend.

Left-footed right winger Ritchie in particular, however, is a player who has impressed the Blues on their regular visits to the County Ground to monitor the progress of on-loan striker Ronan Murray this season. Talks are ongoing with the Robins regarding the Irish U21 international's future.

Meanwhile, Leicester are reported set to hand a start to Sean St Ledger, whose move to the Blues was halted last week, when they play Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup replay this evening. St Ledger hasn't played for the Foxes since being involved in a bust-up with manager Nigel Pearson after he was left out of their side facing Town on Boxing Day.

Elsewhere, Colchester boss John Ward has dismissed rumours linking the Blues with defender Magnus Okuonghae: "Ipswich have not spoken to me about Magnus."

Ex-Blue Hermann Hreidarsson has completed his move from Portsmouth to Coventry, signing a deal until the end of the season.

What to read next:

U21s Thrash Hull
Town’s U21s defeated their Hull City counterparts 4-0 at the MKM Stadium this afternoon.
Coventry City v Ipswich Town - Predictions
Have you predicted the Coventry score yet? Sixty-eight per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 27 per cent a draw and five per cent predicting a home win, but what do you think?
U21s at Hull
Town’s U21s are in action against Hull City this afternoon at the MKM Stadium, the scene of Saturday’s pulsating 3-3 draw between the two first teams (KO 3pm).
Taylor: It Would Be a Special Moment If It Happens
Town midfielder Jack Taylor admitted it would be a dream come true to play in the Premier League, but is not getting carried away ahead of a busy week with two big matches still to play.
Taylor: Massive Credit to the Manager and His Staff
Town midfielder Jack Taylor has sung the praises of manager Kieran McKenna ahead of the Blues’ final two matches of the season this week.
Leicester Claim Title
Leicester City claimed the Championship title following a 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale this evening.
Finidi Appointed Nigeria Head Coach
Former Town winger Finidi George has been appointed the permanent head coach of Nigeria.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Huddersfield Game Live on Sky
The Blues’ final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday is among those being shown live on Sky Sports.
London Branch Meet-Up For Coventry Match
The London Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club is inviting fellow fans to watch Tuesday’s live-on-Sky away game against Coventry City at the Brondes Age public house in Camden.