x

Town to Triple Wright's Wages - Ipswich Town News

Reports this morning are claiming that Town are to triple Richard Wright's wages in order to get him to commit to the club beyond the end of next season.

Town's England keeper looks likely to leave the club over the summer unless he signs a new deal. Wright is thought to be earning something around the £6,000 a week mark with this rumoured wage hike making him Town's highest paid player by far.

Elsewhere, however, Town chairman David Sheepshanks is quoted as saying: "I talked to Richard in Malta before the start of Euro 2000 and I know he wants to play for us in the Premiership, but we are not prepared to break our wage structure. I am still hopeful that he will sign but, if not, he will be sold."

I reckon it may be well worth a bet on Keith Branagan starting the season as Town's number one.

The new Premiership deal looks to be excellent news for Town. From the beginning of next season there will be even more money in the kitty for Premiership clubs and there is an advance of £120 million to be shared out.

Even if Town go down the parachute payments will ensure we will be far better off than those relegated in previous years. Howard Wells, Town's Chief Executive said: "It's fair to say that we can plan ahead with increased confidence".

Town's deal with Vitesse Arnhem for Martijn Reuser includes an extra £250,000 if Town stay in the Premiership. Town have negotiated similar deals in the past with Sheffield Wednesday for Jim Magilton, De Graafschap for Fabian Wilnis and with Huddersfield for Marcus Stewart, all of which have required payment. Hurrah!

Bjorn Otto Bragstad might not be Town's only Norwegian interest it is being claimed in some quarters. The Rosenborg player is interesting Town and Derby and is likely to cost either club nearly £2 million.

Derby have put in an offer for the 29-year-old defender at around the £1 million mark, but French club St Etienne have offered £1.5 million.

But Andre Bergdolmo, Bragstad's team-mate at both internatinal and domestic level may also be a player interesting Town. Another defender, Bergdolmo is 28 and has again also interested Derby who have put in an £850,000 offer.

A Rosenborg spokesperson said: "There has been interest in Mr Bergdolmo as well, but his situation may depend on what happens with Mr Bragstad. We are not looking to sell our entire team."

I suspect it's Bragstad or nothing...

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.
Ayinde Receives First Irish U21s Call
Blues youngster Leon Ayinde has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21s squad for the first time ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Slovakia at Turner’s Cross, Cork on Friday 10th October.
Town Quintet in Ireland Squad
Town quintet Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics, Kasey McAteer, Jack Taylor and Chieo Ogbene have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
Manning: A Good Time to Go Into Derby
Norwich boss Liam Manning insists that now is a good time for his side to go into the East Anglian derby, despite the Canaries being on a run of four games without a win.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Gray Man of the Match as New Zealand U20s Beat Egypt
Town keeper Henry Gray was named Man of the Match as New Zealand beat Egypt 2-1 in their second group game at the U20 World Cup in Chile overnight.
Bristol City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Highlights
Highlights of the 1-1 draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Struber: The Players Executed the Game Plan Really Well
Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber was pleased with the way his team carried out his game plan during their 1-1 draw with the Blues at Ashton Gate and had no complaints regarding Town’s penalty.