x

Released Midfielder Ball Joins Orient - Ipswich Town News

Released Blues midfielder Dominic Ball has joined League One Leyton Orient on a deal to the end of the season.

Ball left Town after two years at the end of 2023/24 having been part of the squad which won back-to-back promotions.

The 29-year-old joined Town after leaving QPR in the summer of 2022 but never established himself in the team, the Blues’ form and injury limiting his opportunities.

The former Tottenham trainee made 13 starts - five in the league - and 22 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring one goal.

"I'm delighted to get this over the line and join a great club like Leyton Orient,” he told the O’s official website.

"I'm still only 29 and I'm lucky to have played so many games in my career at some great clubs, and I'm desperate to continue improving and developing as a player.

"I enjoy the competition and playing with a team that is trying to do something special. That's why I have come here, and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I look at the squad here, and it's full of really talented, young players, but you also need those older heads who have played at all different types of levels.

"In my last two seasons at Ipswich, we achieved back-to-back promotions, which was achieved by working hard individually and collectively. I'm hopeful that I can bring some of my experience from my career to help this team.”

Orient manager, former Blues loanee Richie Wellens, added: "We’re delighted to welcome Dom here to Leyton Orient, with him adding both real quality and depth to our squad.

"He has played the majority of his career in the Championship to date, and not only does he add some more experience to our midfield, he is a real leader, and someone Kieran McKenna has given great credit to regarding the excellent team spirit which saw Ipswich gain back-to-back promotions in recent years.

"He can play a number of positions, but midfield is his strongest, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to the squad.”

Director of football Martin Ling said: "Dom adds experience and knowhow into our midfield unit, and he's also an extremely versatile player who can play in a number of positions, with defensive midfield being his most natural position.

"We felt that we needed one more experienced professional to complement some of the younger signings we have made. Dom also brings some really important leadership qualities to our squad, and we're really happy to have him on board.”

What to read next:

Prediction League Winners
The TWTD Prediction League was as keenly contested as ever during 2024/25 but with BigAlsMate’s emerging as the winner by five points.
Hutchinson: We Want to Be Dominant Against Spain
Omari Hutchinson says he and his England U21s teammates have to look to dominate Spain in Saturday’s European Championship quarter-final in Trnava, Slovakia.
Trabzonspor Concerns Over Tuanzebe Injury Record
Trabzonspor are concerned by Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe’s injury record, according to a Turkish report.
Delap Nominated For PFA Young Player of the Year
Former Town striker Liam Delap has been named in the PFA’s Young Player of the Year Top Six.
Hutchinson Assists as England U21s Progress Despite Defeat
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson won his seventh cap as England’s U21s made it through to the knockout stages of the European Championship, despite being beaten 2-1 by Germany in their final group game in Slovakia.
Youngster Nicolaou Signs First Pro Deal
Academy youngster Shakil Nicolaou has signed his first professional deal.
Hutchinson's England U21s Face Germany
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson and his England U21s teammates will be looking to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the European Championship when they face Germany in Nitra, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
Town to Face Auxerre in Pre-Season
Town will travel to face French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre at Stade Abbé-Deschamps in a friendly on Saturday 2nd August (KO 6pm local time, 5pm UK).
Trabzonspor President Confirms Tuanzebe Interest
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed his club is interested in signing free agent Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Blue Action Asking For Donations For Derby Tifo
Town independent supporters group Blue Action have set up a GoFundMe page to raise cash for a tifo to be displayed at the home derby with Norwich City in the new season.