x

Dean Released - Ipswich Town News

Town have told Dean McDonald that he will not be offered a new deal when his current contract expires in the summer. McDonald, 20, signed a 12-month deal a year ago having been on a short-term contract towards the end of the previous season.

Boss Joe Royle told the club site: "I have spoken to Dean and told him we won't be offering him a new contract.

"We have a number of young strikers at the club now who are breaking through, the likes of Danny Haynes and Billy Clarke, with Darryl Knights in the wings as well.

"We are well covered in that area and it would be difficult for Dean to hold down a place in the side, and at his age he needs to be looking at playing first team football week-in, week-out.

"He's still contracted here until the summer and will stay in first team contention, but we will help him as much as we can to find a new club and wish him all the best in the future."

McDonald, a former Arsenal trainee, has made five starts and 10 sub appearance for the Blues, scoring one goal.

In January, Hartlepool United, with whom he spent a month on loan at the end of last year, tried to sign him permanently, offering the Blues £75,000, but this did not match Town's valuation of the player.

What to read next:

Walle Egeli Out of Norway U21s Squad
Town forward Sindre Walle Egeli missed Norway U21s’ friendly in Spain this evening having withdrawn from the squad.
Young Joins Chatham On Loan
Blues U21s midfielder Tyler Young has joined Isthmian League Premier Division Chatham Town on loan.
Town Expelled From Suffolk Premier Cup
Town have been excluded from this year’s Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round win at Hadleigh United last month.
Taylor Signs New Deal
Town midfielder Jack Taylor has signed a new contract with the Blues, taking him to the summer of 2028.
Nunez Among Those Set to Win Caps
Marcelino Nunez is among the Town players set to add to their international caps over the next 24 hours, with the midfielder becoming the first player with the Blues to represent Chile.
McKenna Named Manager of the Month
Town boss Kieran McKenna has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September.
[Podcast] Life's a Pitch TV - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Life's a Pitch TV team is now available.
Boatswain Joins Woking On Loan
Young Blues striker Ashley Boatswain has joined National League Woking on loan until January.
Wearing in Scotland U23s Squad
Ipswich Town Women’s defender Megan Wearing has been named in the Scotland U23s squad for their friendlies later this month.
New Blackburn Date Set
Town’s abandoned game against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park has been rescheduled for Tuesday 2nd December (KO 7.45pm).