x

Joe: Next a Defender - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle says he is now setting his sights on bringing in a young central defender on loan. Already during the transfer window, the Blues have signed striker Alan Lee from Cardiff for £100,000 and Gavin Williams from West Ham for £300,000.

Royle had been keen to add a left-back to his squad but the re-emergence of Scott Barron in recent weeks has seen a switch of focus: "The budget allows one more loan signing. Priorities change in football and we now have Alan to add weight up front.

"We have two good goalkeepers and a list of good midfielder players. Scott Barron has impressed at left-back in the last two matches and I have put on hold looking at three players who were due to come in on trial.

"Scott will come into my thoughts for this Saturday's game against Sheffield United at Portman Road, and with Sito Castro fit again, my side does not pick itself these days.

"A central defender is our main priority now."

Lee will make his debut against Sheffield United on Saturday with Nicky Forster still out of action with his knee injury. Better news is that Sam Parkin will start running next week and is around five weeks away from a return to action.

What to read next:

U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.