x

Smith in Olympics Squad - Ipswich Town News

Town defender Tommy Smith has been named in the New Zealand squad for this summer’s Olympics. The Oly Whites, as the U23 side plus three overage players is known, play Belarus, Egypt and Brazil at London 2012.

Prior to the tournament they face friendlies against Japan’s U23s (Tokyo, July 11th), South Korea’s U23s (Seoul, July 14th) and the UAE’s U23s (TBC, July 19th).

Their Olympics schedule sees them play Belarus at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on July 26th, Egypt at Old Trafford three days later and Brazil at St James' Park, Newcastle on August 1st.

Smith’s involvement in the Olympics means he will miss virtually all Town’s pre-season programme, which begins on July 5th.

Also involved in the Olympics will be former loanee Giovani Dos Santos, who is being linked with a summer move from Spurs to Atletico Madrid. Mexico's U23s face South Korea, Gabon and Switzerland at London 2012.

Elsewhere, Hull City have been linked with released Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan, who is understood to be one of Paul Jewell’s alternative summer signings now that number one target Tomasz Kuszczak has joined Brighton.

However, the US international, who is currently back in the States, is not believed to be viewed as Jewell’s definite second choice, more one of a number of names on a long list of potential alternatives to the former Manchester United man. Guzan, 27, spent time on loan with the Tigers last season.

In addition to their interest in Kuszczak and links with Guzan which go back to March, the Blues sounded out former Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis prior to his move to Cardiff, while QPR’s Paddy Kenny has also been mentioned in connection with Town, however, is expected to be reunited with Neil Warnock at Leeds United.

Watford’s Scott Loach, Manchester United youngster Ben Amos and Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, who was recently offered new terms by the Midlanders, have all also been linked.

Oly Whites: Jake Gleeson, Michael O'Keeffe, Ian Hogg, Tim Myers, Tommy Smith, Ryan Nelsen*, Adam Thomas, James Musa, Tim Payne, Michael McGlinchey*, Alex Feneridis, Cameron Howieson, Adam McGeorge, Kosta Barbarouses, Shane Smeltz*, Chris Wood, Marco Rojas, Dakota Lucas. Standby: Michael Eagar, Cameron Lindsay, Luke Rowe, Scott Basalaj. *indicates one of the three permitted overage players.

What to read next:

Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.
Blues Beaten By Hammers in Behind Closed Doors Friendlies
Town played two 60-minute behind-closed-doors friendlies with West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground this afternoon.
Halajko New Director of Football Operations, Chenery Appointed Academy Manager
Dmitri Halajko, previously Town’s academy director, has been appointed the new director of football operations, TWTD having revealed Gary Probert’s departure for a job at Liverpool a fortnight ago, while Ben Chenery has been named academy manager.
Town Women Sign Striker Dean
Ipswich Town Women have signed striker Rianna Dean following her Southampton exit at the end of last season.
Chaplin: Opener at Birmingham One to Look Forward To
Ipswich Town’s season opener against Birmingham City is a clash that the whole squad are looking forward to, according to forward Conor Chaplin.
Fourteen Sign Contracts Ahead of WSL2 Campaign
Town have confirmed that 14 players have signed new contracts with the women’s side for the WSL2 season ahead.
U21s in Action at Needham
Town’s U21s are in friendly action against Southern League Premier Division Central side Needham Market at Bloomfields this evening (KO 7.45pm).