x

Town Target an Addick? - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle has revealed that he was watching Charlton play Hartlepool in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, suggesting his experienced loan striker target could be an Addick. Former Town trialist Jonatan Johansson looks to be the most likely candidate from Alan Curbishley's line-up.

Johansson, who made a reserve appearance for the Blues while on trial at Portman Road in 1997, played 75 minutes of the victory over Hartlepool, netting a first half penalty.

Another possible Town target in action on Tuesday was South African frontman Shaun Bartlett who, like Johansson, is not currently a first choice at the Valley.

Royle, who has been looking for a loan striker since Nicky Forster underwent a cartilage operation, was speaking to the BBC, the publishers of his autobiography which is out next Thursday. The Town boss said earlier this week that he was close to making a loan signing before the deal eventually fell through.

Royle saw Darren Bent net another goal at the Valley and says he isn't shocked at the former Blue's explosive start to his Addicks career: "I'm not surprised at all. He is a wonderful talent and has got immense talent.

"He is a nice kid with a great attitude and wants to learn. I am pleased, it is good to see the good guys doing well."

Royle also revealed that he spoke to Nottingham Forest boss Gary Megson recently, perhaps indicating that former Portman Road favourite David Johnson might have been on his short-list of potential loanees. However, Johnson is currently in Megson's side and Royle is understood not to be a fan of the 29-year-old.

The Town manager's book, along with the latest tomes from Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Butcher, is available here.

What to read next:

[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Town Pair Graduate From FA Technical Directors Course
Town duo Dmitri Halajko and Gary Probert have graduated from the FA’s Technical Directors Course.
Supporters Club Recruiting For Leadership Team
Following Town’s recent growth and capturing of the hearts of fans across the country, the Official Ipswich Town Supporters Club is seizing the moment to grow its leadership team and is calling on passionate supporters to get involved.
Hirst: It's About Self-Pride
Town may already be relegated to the Championship, but Blues striker George Hirst insists there is still plenty to play for in the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Young Keeper Gray Braintree Young Player of the Season
On-loan Blues keeper Henry Gray has been named Braintree Town’s Young Player of the Season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Celebration of Town Women's Promotion on Cornhill
Ipswich Borough Council is inviting fans to celebrate Ipswich Town Women’s promotion to the Women’s Championship for the first time at an event on the Cornhill on Saturday morning from 11.20am.
Ticket Window For Town Fans For Sheeran Gigs
Town season ticket holders and members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale window for July’s three Ed Sheeran concerts at Portman Road on Thursday.
U21s Beaten By Fleetwood in Final Game
Town's U21 side rounded off their Professional Development League Two South campaign with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday morning, with captain Tommy Taylor netting in the second half.
Huni: Wardley Fight a Gift I Took With Both Hands
Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni says being called in as a late replacement to face Fabio Wardley for the interim WBA World Heavyweight title at Portman Road on June 7th is a gift which he took with both hands.