x

Players Continue Summer Preparations for New Season - Ipswich Town News

Town keeper Arran Lee-Barrett was back at Playford Road today for some early pre-season training with the start of the Blues’ preparations for 2012/13 proper now less than two weeks away. The Town players are due back at the club on July 5th.

Lee-Barrett, currently the Blues’ only professional keeper, was joined on a run by released defender Ibrahima Sonko, who we understand was recently in the US as he searches for a new club but also has options in the UK.

One-time Town academy trainee Lee-Barrett tweeted: "Bumped into a few people at the training ground today. Sonks joined me on my run, had a chat with [returning academy chief] Bryan Klug.”

The club has given the players fitness programmes for the summer with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas amongst those who have been periodically working on their fitness at Playford Road since the end of May.

Striker Michael Chopra is spending time at a health camp in California as part of his preparations for 2012/13, while we understand manager Paul Jewell is also currently in the States on a short break.

New full-back Elliott Hewitt is set to continue his rehabilitation from the hip surgery he underwent while with Macclesfield at Playford Road having recently been at Lilleshall.

We expect French midfielder Cheick Kourouma to have signed on the dotted line by the time the squad reassembles on July 5th having recently agreed terms, while Jason Scotland, who is currently in Trinidad, is similarly expected to put pen to paper on a new deal.

What to read next:

Women's Season Ticket Prices Announced
The club has announced details of season ticketing for Ipswich Town Women’s first ever WSL2 campaign with all their home league matches being played at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester.
Blues Host Saints Aiming to End Home Woes
Town host Southampton at Portman Road on Sunday still looking for their first home win of 2025 (Sky Sports, KO midday).
McKenna: Good Loan Moves For Keepers
Blues boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking about the loan moves made by keepers Aro Muric and Cieran Slicker over the last week.
McKenna: There Are a Few Positions Where We Need to Be Stronger
Boss Kieran McKenna says there are a number of areas which need to be strengthened if the Blues are to be a top Championship side this season.
Town Eyeing Uruguayan International Defender
Town are eyeing Uruguayan international centre-half Sebastian Caceres, TWTD understands.
McKenna: Philogene Back Training, Matusiwa Should Be Ready For Sunday
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Jaden Philogene returned to training yesterday following his ankle injury, while he expects Azor Matusiwa to be fine for Sunday’s home game against Southampton and gave an update on new signings Jens Cajuste and Chuba Akpom, as well as longer-term absentees Wes Burns, Conor Townsend and Harry Clarke.
McKenna: Azón Deal Not Yet Complete
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Como striker Iván Azón’s loan move to the Blues is not yet complete but confirmed that the 22-year-old has travelled to England.
McKenna: I'd Liked to Have Kept Broadhead
Town manager Kieran McKenna says he would have liked to have kept Nathan Broadhead at Portman Road but that the Wales international made it clear early in the summer he’d like to move on to Wrexham.
McKenna: We're Disappointed With How Hutchinson Exit's Been Played Out
Town boss Kieran McKenna say he’ll wish Omari Hutchinson well for the rest of his career if his £37.5 million move to Nottingham Forest goes through but admits he’s been disappointed at the manner in which the England U21 international’s time at Portman Road has come to end.
Released Agbaje Joins Sligo Rovers
Released Blues defender Edwin Agbaje has joined League of Ireland Sligo Rovers until the end of the Irish season, which runs through the summer.