x

Hurst Eyeing Up to Three Loanees Before Deadline - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Paul Hurst is looking to sign up to three players on loan before the August 31st deadline but was unable to report any progress on that front at his Thursday lunchtime press conference.

"Unfortunately nothing’s changed since we spoke Tuesday evening,” he said. "We’ve got another week of me checking my phone. I think for all of our sakes we’ll be glad when it’s [at an end].”

Hurst has previously said he’s after a striker and a centre-half but he is also considering a third addition: "Maybe three.”

With three players currently on loan and only five permitted in a matchday squad, that third further addition could depend on when Janoi Donacien’s permanent leave to remain is confirmed.

"That’s the difficult one,” Hurst said. "I’m told that that situation has moved forward but we haven’t had a definite, ‘Right, that’s done’, so it would make it more awkward.

"That ends up being a decision I have to make. But we’ve got to be able to get the players in first and foremost.”

As soon as confirmation is received, Donacien’s move from Accrington Stanley will switch from a loan to a £750,000 permanent transfer whether inside or outside a transfer window.

Hurst says he’d ideally like the St Lucian’s situation to be resolved so he wouldn’t be forced to omit a sixth loanee from his 18 each match if he lands the three more signings.

"That way I’m not having to leave anyone out and if it came to it and the options were out there and that’s what I felt was right for us,” he said.

"I’m not saying that I wouldn’t do it, but I think I have said right from the start it’s not an ideal situation and I’d prefer not to be in that scenario.

"When we signed Janoi I didn’t expect it to be something which would cause us an issue on that side, so hopefully it can be resolved and we get confirmation that he is a permanent signing.”

Speaking at the weekend, club secretary Stuart Hayton outlined the position as it stands: "He’s waiting for his passport back, without telling you too much of his confidential information.

"Once he gets a passport back that has a stamp in that says he has leave to remain then we can make the deal permanent and he becomes our player.”

Asked whether the third man targeted would be an attacking wide player, Hurst added: "Yes, quite possibly.”

Quizzed on whether there are there offers on the table and if in some cases clubs have said they might need to get a player in before they can let one go, Hurst said: "That’s a fair summary on both counts.”

Regarding players moving out on loan, with Tristan Nydam and Barry Cotter among those who could be allowed out for spells, Hurst says there have been no developments.

"Yes, as it stands no one’s been in for any of the player on loan currently,” he continued. "It wouldn’t surprise me if we did get a few calls, partly on [the U23s 8-0 win against Hull on Monday].

"It’s difficult if you go and watch that sort of game though because are you simply going to look at the player or are you going to factor in the opposition etc. But some players did do very well, so we’ll see if anyone gets in touch.”

What to read next:

[Podcast] Life's a Pitch TV - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Life's a Pitch TV team is now available.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: A Different Blackburn Team to the One We Faced Two Years Ago
Town travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday aiming to record back-to-back wins for the first time since the end of their 2023/24 Championship promotion season.
McKenna: Matusiwa Making Really Positive Steps
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says summer signing Azor Matusiwa has made positive steps in his first five games in the Championship with Town now very strong in their midfield department.
McKenna: New Leadership Group Finalised
Blues manager Kieran McKenna says a new leadership group has been finalised with the players assembled over the summer getting to know one another better having taken part in some team bonding last weekend.
McKenna: Blades Win a Good Way to Start the Next Chapter
Town boss Kieran McKenna says last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United gave everyone a boost but that the players were in a positive mindset and looking forward to the season ahead even prior to the victory over the Blades.
McKenna: Burns Making Progress, Everyone Else Has Trained
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Wes Burns is making good progress as he continues his recovery from his ACL injury with the Wales international the only player absent from training this week ahead of Saturday’s game at Blackburn Rovers.
New Call Me Ted Poster For Norwich Derby
Town poster gurus Call Me Ted have produced a new design ahead of the East Anglian derby against Norwich City at Portman Road on Sunday 5th October.
U17s Beaten By Hammers
Town’s youngsters were beaten 4-0 by West Ham United in their opening U17 Premier League Cup game at Playford Road this afternoon.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.