x

Richards Signs New Deal - Ipswich Town News

Former academy trainee Matt Richards has signed a new contract which will keep him at Portman Road until 2009. The 21-year-old has impressed this season, particularly since switching to midfield from full-back.

Boss Joe Royle told the club site: "We are delighted that Matt has agreed to a new contract.

"We have been waiting for a chance to see Matt play in midfield for a while and I have always felt his attributes were better suited to that department.

"He has probably not been quite strong enough at times defensively, and I say only at times because on many occasions he has been excellent at full-back, but with his superb fitness, good touch and lovely left foot, I certainly see his future here in midfield."

Richards made his debut for Town as a 17-year-old in the away leg of the UEFA Cup tie in Avenir Beggen in 2002 and has now made 120 appearances, scoring six goals. His current deal was up at the end June.

What to read next:

Agbaje Leaving Town
Young defender Edwin Agbaje is set to leave the Blues in the summer with his contract coming to an end.
Davis: We'll Deal With the Added Pressure in the Championship
Town defender Leif Davis believes increased expectation levels will ramp up the pressure on the Blues as they return to the Championship next season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Harrop: Looking Back, I Should Never Have Joined Ipswich
Former Blues loanee Josh Harrop has admitted he should never have joined Town for his spell in the second half of 2020/21 having failed a medical due to an ongoing injury from which his career never recovered.
Compton Scholar of the Year
Academy central midfielder Charlie Compton has been named Town’s Premier League Scholar of the Year.
Town Car Park Plans Set For Approval
Town’s plans for an 185-space car park behind the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand are set to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee.
O'Shea: I Wasn't Expecting It
Central defender Dara O’Shea admitted he hadn’t expected to be named the Town Men’s Player of the Year having been handed his award at last night’s End-of-Season Dinner at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall with Sophie Peskett winning the women’s gong.
Leicester Could Face Championship Points Deduction
Leicester City, likely to be one of Town’s main rivals for promotion from the Championship, are facing a potential points deduction next season having been referred to to an independent commission by the Premier League for an alleged breach of EFL financial rules in their 2023/24 Championship promotion campaign.
Delap Nominated For Premier League Fan Team of the Season
Blues striker Liam Delap is among the nominees for the Premier League’s Fan Team of the Season.
Chelsea and Newcastle Manchester United's Main Rivals For Delap Signature
Chelsea and Newcastle United are Manchester United’s main contenders for the signature of Blues striker Liam Delap, TWTD understands.