Blues Again After Brown - Ipswich Town News
TWTD understands that former loanee Reece Brown could join Town’s legion of summer Bosman signings following his recent release by Manchester United.
Other clubs, including League Two Bristol Rovers, are believed to have offered terms to the centre-half, who is the younger brother of former England international Wes, but the 6ft 2in tall Mancunian looks set to opt for a return to Portman Road when his Red Devils contract is up at the end of the month.
The 21-year-old joined the Blues on loan in February and subsequently made one sub appearance for the first team, in addition to featuring regularly for the U21s.
England U20 international Brown previously had spells on loan at Bradford, Doncaster, Oldham and Coventry, and has also played as a holding midfielder and at full-back.
Adding strength in depth at the back would appear to be one of Mick McCarthy's priorities ahead of the start of the season with the squad short of cover at centre-half and at right-back since the departure of loanees Brown, Patrick Kisnorbo and Richard Stearman at the end of the last campaign.
Meanwhile, former Town defender Pim Balkestein has joined VVV-Venlo back in his native Holland on a three-year deal having been released by AFC Wimbledon at the end of the season.
What to read next:
Robins: I Think They've Been FantasticCoventry City boss Mark Robins was full of praise for Town following his side’s 2-1 home defeat to the Blues, which took Kieran McKenna’s men to within a point of promotion to the Premier League.
Morsy: We Showed ResilienceTown captain Sam Morsy highlighted the squad’s resilience after the Blues moved to within one point of promotion to the Premier League with a crucial 2-1 victory over Coventry City.
McKenna: Burns Injury Cramp, Clarke Knee ProblemTown boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Wes Burns and Leif Davis, who were both seen limping during this evening's 2-1 victory at Coventry City, have no big issues while Harry Clarke was unavailable for selection due to a knee problem.
Coventry City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Match ReportTown are one point away from a return to the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Kieffer Moore’s eighth minute goal gave the Blues a 1-0 half-time advantage, but the Sky Blues, who were in charge for long spells, levelled through Haji Wright on 64, however, Cameron Burgess restored the lead with his second goal of the season five minutes later and Town saw out 11 minutes of added-on time to secure three vital points and put them a single point away from back-to-back promotions.
Three Changes For Town at Coventry as Davis StartsTown boss Kieran McKenna makes three changes for this evening’s crunch final away game of the season against Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena but Leif Davis is fit enough to start at left-back.