Kennedy Coaching at Town - Ipswich Town News

Blues manager Paul Jewell has revealed that left-back Mark Kennedy is working as a player-coach and is set to join the coaching staff permanently when he hangs up his boots in the summer.

Jewell told the BBC: "Mark's got good potential to be a coach and has good knowledge of the game. We have brought him to our side and hopefully in the summer he can do coaching full-time.”

The Town boss says he anticipates the 35-year-old retiring in the summer: "I think that's probably going to happen. I don't think player-coaches work. I actually think it's an impossible situation for a player.

"We're just giving him an insight into it with a view to making it permanent in the summer. Hopefully he can help the younger players coming through with his experience."

Kennedy, who joined the Blues for £75,000 in July 2010, has made only six starts and one sub appearance this season.

The Dubliner, who won 34 full Republic of Ireland caps, scoring four times, began his career with Millwall, moving on to Liverpool, QPR (loan), Wimbledon, Manchester City, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Cardiff.

What to read next:

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.

McKenna: Barbrook a Big Positive, Trio of Youngsters to Be Assessed Over the Next Month
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says 20-year-old midfielder Fin Barbrook has been a been a “big positive” of pre-season and that decisions will be made on where he and fellow youngsters Cameron Humphreys and Elkan Baggott will spend their campaigns over the course of the next month.

Women Defeated By Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women kicked off their pre-season campaign against FAWNL Northern Premier Division club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground, Felixstowe this afternoon, but fell to a 4-1 defeat at their former home ground.

Town Women Sign Midfielder Baigent
Ipswich Town Women have signed defensive midfielder Sophie Baigent on a permanent deal from Hashtag United.

Neom Linked With New Cajuste Approach
Saudi Arabian club Neom are reported to have made a renewed move for Blues target Jens Cajuste.

Former Blues Defender Smith Joins Braintree
Former Blues centre-half Tommy Smith has joined National League Braintree Town.

Town Women Host Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women play their first public friendly of pre-season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe this afternoon (KO 2pm).

Azón 'Wants Future Settled This Week'
Blues loan target Ivan Azón hopes to settle his future this week with Valencia still his preferred destination, it is being reported in Spain.

McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in Challenge
Manager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.

McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look Great
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.