x

Northampton and AFC Wimbledon Fixtures Postponed - Ipswich Town News

Town’s next two games, at home to Northampton on Boxing Day and at AFC Wimbledon on December 29th, have been postponed in the wake of six members of the Blues’ playing and coaching staff, including manager Paul Lambert, testing positive for Covid-19 over the weekend, the club has confirmed.

News of the positive tests broke on Saturday evening, the squad and staff having taken tests before training on Friday morning after a player had reported symptoms.

A statement on the club site reads: "The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following recent positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate for 10 days as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

"The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

"The individuals that have tested positive, including manager Paul Lambert — and those that have come into close contact with them — are all now self-isolating.

"First-team players and coaching staff that returned negative test results on Friday will be tested again on Wednesday morning."

Town say the ballot for the Northampton game is null and void and won't have an impact on the process for future games.

New dates for the matches - and Saturday's game at Peterborough which was postponed due to a positive Covid-19 test and other players showing symptoms in the Posh camp - will be announced in due course.

As things stand, the Blues' next match is the trip to Fleetwood Town on Saturday 2nd January.

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.