Pre-Season Begins - Ipswich Town News
Town's pre-season programme began this morning with the annual run from Portman Road to the club's Playford Road Training Centre. Martijn Reuser was the only notable absentee, the Dutchman currently back in Holland for talks with Eredivisie side Willem II.
Town fitness coach Simon Thadani takes the lead with the Academy boys ahead of the seniors
Spanish striker Pablo Couñago - hotly tipped to exit the club before the beginning of the season - was there with a new shorter haircut. Out-of-contract players Jim Magilton, Richard Naylor and Fabian Wilnis were also back, perhaps indicating that they have accepted their new one-year deals.
Matt Richards and other senior players follow....
Jermaine Wright has not returned and is expected to sign for a Premiership club, Everton, Southampton and latterly Charlton all linked. First Division Leeds were also interested but are unlikely to be able to compete with top flight clubs when it comes to the out-of-contract player's wages.
..with some of the elder statesmen - Santos, Naylor, Diallo, a short-haired Pablo and an out of shot Wilnis - at the rear.
Defender Chris Makin has turned down his new deal with Town but is willing to negotiate and appears keen to remain at Portman Road.
One face at Portman Road was a surprise, John McGreal, who joined Burnley last month, coming along to say his goodbyes.
McGreal takes to his car having said his goodbyes
Town begin their pre-season fixtures with a game against Peterborough at London Road on Saturday, July 10th.
What to read next:
Swansea Sack SheehanSwansea City have sacked head coach Alan Sheehan following their 4-1 defeat to the Blues at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday.
Clarke in Team of the WeekTown forward Jack Clarke has been named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week following his display in the 4-1 victory at Swansea City on Saturday.
Hallgrimsson: Town Maybe Overloading Szmodics at TimesRepublic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has suggested Town may have been “overloading” currently injured forward Sammie Szmodics, while revealing he has never spoken to Blues boss Kieran McKenna during his time in charge of the Boys in Green.
Adetiba and UAE Exit U17 World CupAcademy winger Jayden Adetiba played the first 65 minutes as the UAE bowed out of the U17 World Cup in Qatar after losing 5-0 to Senegal in their final group match.
Azon: I'm Really Happy!Blues striker Ivan Azon was delighted to score his first goal for the club in Town’s 4-1 win at Swansea City yesterday.