x

U21s Skipper Barbrook Joins Chelmsford On Loan - Ipswich Town News

Town U21s skipper Fin Barbrook has joined National League South Chelmsford City on loan.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who is from Southwold, grew up supporting the Blues and joined the academy aged six. He and twin brother Harry signed their first pro deals in March.

Manager Robbie Simpson spoke about the signing: "Ipswich contacted us about Fin and gave him a glowing reference as someone who they wanted to get out of their development and also they felt that he was someone that could help us.

"He started out as a centre-back and it has only really been recently, the last couple of seasons, that he has also played in midfield. He’s most likely featured more in midfield than he has done at the back but he can certainly play both roles really well.

"I’ve spoken recently that we want to look more solid in the middle of the pitch as we’ve been broken on too easily and want a solid base there.

"Even though we have one of the best defences in the league, in terms of goals conceded, a lot of that has been down too how well our defending has been in last ditch scenarios.

"Whether that be Josh making a great save, a determined recovery run or a last ditch tackle, we have been excellent at that. I’d like to have less of those moments and I feel like shoring ourselves up in the middle of the pitch will do that.

"However, it will also help us sustain attacks and bring about goals. The more control that we have in the oppositions half means we can sustaining attacks when the ball gets cleared through having those people on the pitch to pick the ball up and calm the pass to go on another waive of attack there.

"We are delighted to bring Fin to the football club, we are really looking forward to seeing what he can do ad hopefully he can be a big help to us both defensively and offensively.”

What to read next:

McKenna: O'Shea's Been Excellent, Ogbene a Big Miss
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Irish international pair Dara O’Shea and Chieo Ogbene thoroughly deserved the awards they received at Monday night’s End-of-Season Dinner.
McKenna: I'm Confident We Can Challenge Next Season
Manager Kieran McKenna is confident Town will challenge for promotion back to the Premier League next season with the Blues stronger for their year in the top flight and with talks with other clubs regarding potential targets having already taken place.
McKenna: Tottenham and Chelsea Wins Standout Moments
Town manager Kieran McKenna says the victories over Tottenham and Chelsea are his standout moments from his side’s season in the Premier League.
McKenna: FFP Limits Promoted Clubs' Ambition
Blues boss Kieran McKenna believes owners being able to put greater equity into clubs without falling foul of Financial Fair Play rules would be a step towards bridging the increasing gap between the Championship and Premier League.
McKenna: Luongo Will Be Moving On Having Been an Incredible Player For the Club
Town boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed midfielder Massimo Luongo will leave the club this summer after a hugely successful two and a half years at the club.
Phillips and Townsend Still Out and Sickness in the Camp, But Szmodics Back in Training
Kalvin Phillips and Conor Townsend remain sidelined and there’s been some illness in the camp, but Sammie Szmodics is back training ahead of Sunday’s final game of the season at home to West Ham, while manager Kieran McKenna expects most of the Blues’ longer-term injured to be able to return at the start of pre-season training.
McKenna: Delap's Spent the Week Looking at His Options and Having Conversations
Town boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed Blues striker Liam Delap has spent this week looking at his options, having been given permission to speak to Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle, the clubs leading the chase for his signature.
Former Loanee Williams Handed Suspended Sentence
Former Blues loanee Brandon Williams was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, at Chester Crown Court this morning.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Al-Hamadi in Iraq Squad
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi has been named in the Iraq squad for their World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Jordan in June.