x

Croft Helps Mariners Out - Ipswich Town News

Departing Town defender Gary Croft has made a four-figure donation to the youth set-up at former club Grimsby. Croft, whose permanent move to Cardiff is expected to go through on Monday, heard that the youth system that gave him his chance was in trouble and felt he had to act.

The Blundell Park club need to raise £100,000 to continue their youth development programme into the season ahead, something that spurred Croft into action: "It was too good an opportunity to miss."

"With the current financial climate it was a good way of doing my bit for Grimsby to help keep the youth team going, and make sure this club has a future from the youth system upwards."

Croft started his career with the Mariners as a 16-year-old and became a regular first teamer.

Former manager Brian Laws sold him to Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £1.7 million in March 1996. He moved on to Town in September 1999.

Croft, who will sign a two-year deal with the Welsh club, is taking a pay-cut to move to Ninian Park but says the Bluebirds have a lot to offer: "I'm in the process of a transfer and although it means stepping down a League, Cardiff is a massive club with lots of potential.

"They've got great ambition and so has the chairman, Sam Hammam. It's an exciting time down there."

What to read next:

Ipswich Town 1-0 Sheffield United - Half-Time
Jaden Philogene’s first goal at Portman Road has given the Blues a 1-0 half-time lead against Sheffield United.
Furlong and Akpom Start For Blues
Town have made two changes for this evening’s live Sky game against Sheffield United at Portman Road with Darnell Furlong and Chuba Akpom coming into the team.
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Wark Book Pre-Order Deadline Today
The deadline for pre-orders of the new John Wark book He’s Here, He’s There is today.
Akpom: I Always Had My Mind Set on Ipswich
Chuba Akpom has revealed he always wanted to sign for Town this summer despite nearly joining Championship rivals Birmingham City.
U18s at Palace
Town’s U18s face Crystal Palace at the Eagles’ training ground on Saturday afternoon (KO midday).
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United - Predictions
Have you predicted the Blades score yet? Seventy six per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 14 per cent a draw and ten per cent an away win. The most commonly predicted result is a 2-1 win to Town with Hirst the first scorer but what do you think?
Gray in New Zealand Squad For U20 World Cup
Blues keeper Henry Gray has been named in the New Zealand squad for the U20 World Cup which gets under way in Chile later this month.
Akpom: Time to Kick On From Now
Town forward Chuba Akpom believes the Blues’ slow start to the season is not a cause for concern ahead of Friday’s match against Sheffield United at Portman Road.