x

Feeney Looking to Win Permanent Deal - Ipswich Town News

Town new boy Liam Feeney is already thinking about the possibility of staying at Portman Road beyond his loan deal through to the end of the season.

With his contract at parent club Bolton due to expire in the summer Feeney is resigned to the fact that he will be on the move and admits the prospect of a permanent link-up with Ipswich is tempting.

The 29-year-old Londoner said: "With my contract up in a few months I wasn’t thinking I’d be in a long queue waiting to be fixed up.

"I was pretty confident in my own ability that it would work out fine. I’ve been playing well this season for Bolton and now I’ve come here I want to continue that.

"If I can do well for Ipswich we might get something sorted here. It’s a nice situation for me to be in, coming from a club that is struggling to a club that is pushing for promotion.

"I just want to make sure I play to the best of my ability and hope the rest can take care of itself.”

Feeney was sad that his departure on loan to Town coincided with Bolton boss Neil Lennon also moving on from the Macron Stadium and he added: "It was pretty sad to be honest because he had a very hard job there.

"It was a bit like trying to work with his hands tied behind his back. There was no money in the club and I felt for him.

"Tuesday was a really weird day because around the same time I found out I was coming to Ipswich on loan I heard he was trying to sort out his future and was actually leaving the club.

"We said our farewells and it was a strange, even crazy, day — but that’s football for you.”

Meanwhile, Feeney could yet join the strong Republic of Ireland contingent at Portman Road, although he is also eligible to play for Northern Ireland and had even discussed the possibility with ex-boss Lennon, who represented his country at senior level on 40 occasions.

Feeney said: "I’m eligible to play for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland through my grandparents.

"One is from the north and the other from the south — a mixed marriage. I had a few conversations with Neil Lennon about it but there isn’t really anything to report.

"It’s at the back of my mind and both countries have done really well to qualify for the European Championship in France this summer, but it’s not something I’m spending too much time thinking about.

"If it ever comes to having a choice to make I would obviously need to have a serious think about it.”

Photo: ITFC

What to read next:

Slicker Wins Cap
Town keeper Cieran Slicker started and won his 16th Scotland U21s cap as his side was beaten 2-1 by Türkiye in a friendly at the Kasımpaşa Stadium in Istanbul this evening.
Camara: Club Will Live With Me For Life
Exiting midfielder Panutche Camara says he knew the project at Town was perfect from the moment he signed.
Ball: My Two Seasons Here Have Been Incredibly Special
Dom Ball, whose release was announced this afternoon, says his two years at Portman Road have been incredibly special.
Jackson: I'll Always Be Extremely Proud to Have Played For This Brilliant Football Club
Departing striker Kayden Jackson says he’ll always be extremely proud to have played for Town, the 30-year-old’s release having been announced this afternoon.
Jackson, Ball and Camara Released as Town Announce Retained List
Town have announced their retained list with Kayden Jackson, Dominic Ball and Panutche Camara released, while options have been taken to keep Christian Walton, Cameron Burgess, Axel Tuanzebe and Idris El Mizouni at Portman Road, Vaclav Hladky is in talks regarding a new deal and Janoi Donacien will continue his rehabilitation at the club ahead of pre-season training.
Morsy: Important to Keep McKenna at Town
Blues skipper Sam Morsy says it is “really important” that manager Kieran McKenna will be staying at Portman Road.
Slicker Could Win Cap
Blues keeper Cieran Slicker looks set to win his 16th Scotland U21s cap when his side take on Türkiye in a friendly at the Kasımpaşa Stadium in Istanbul this evening (KO 6pm).
Head of Recruitment Confirms Exit
Town’s head of recruitment Sam Williams has confirmed his departure from Portman Road and says he moves on “with immense pride and gratitude” following two years of success with the Blues.
Williams: It Was a Privilege to Play For Town
Former loanee Brandon Williams has thanked everyone associated with Town for their support and says he’ll be supporting the Blues next season.
Released Manly Joins Leiston
Departing Blues youngster Jack Manly has signed a one-year permanent deal with Leiston, where he was on loan last season.