x

Miller's Third Time - Ipswich Town News

TWTD understands that former Blue Tommy Miller is at the top of Joe Royle's summer wish list. The midfielder only left Town for Sunderland on a Bosman free transfer a year ago, but could be set to return for a third spell at Portman Road.

The Blues will hope to sign the 27-year-old on a free transfer with the Wearsiders likely to be keen to cut their wage bill after relegation and with only a year of Miller's contract remaining.

Easington-born Miller was with the Blues as a schoolboy, playing in the same side as Kieron Dyer, but was released as a 15-year-old as he was considered too small.

After starring for Hartlepool between 1997 and 2001, George Burley brought him back to the club on a four-year deal for an initial fee of £750,000.

Miller, whose father Tommy senior is both his representative and the chief scout at Hartlepool, scored 36 goals in 139 appearances in his second spell with Town before leaving at the end of his contract last June.

In his season with Sunderland the penalty specialist scored three goals in 29 matches as the Black Cats crashed back into the Championship.

Royle, known to be after a goalscoring midfielder, revealed prior to the Blues' final game of 2005/06 at Plymouth that he had a definite target in his sights: "I already have an eye on a midfielder further on in his development [than the departing Jimmy Juan] who will help us really threaten next year."

Elsewhere, Town are almost certain to be linked with another former player Jamie Clapham after he was released by Birmingham at the weekend. Rumours in the Midlands claim the 30-year-old is being targeted by Wolves.

Meanwhile, Blues legend Terry Butcher is considering an offer to manage A-League side Sydney FC. Butcher's former Town team-mate Mich D'Avray is already technical manager at another A-League club, the Perth Glory.

What to read next:

Town Linked With Manchester City Striker Mubama
Town are reported to have made an enquiry to Manchester City regarding striker Divin Mubama.
Chelsea Trigger £30m Delap Release Clause
Chelsea have triggered the £30 million relegation release clause in Blues striker Liam Delap’s contract.
Town Keen to Loan Chelsea Striker Guiu
Town are reportedly keen to sign Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as part of the deal which will see Liam Delap move to Stamford Bridge.
Delap Chelsea Move Edging Closer
Town striker Liam Delap’s move to Chelsea is edging closer with other interested parties reportedly having been told the frontman has made a decision on his destination.
Hallgrimsson: Sore Ankle Led to Szmodics Withdrawal
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says Blues forward Sammie Szmodics withdrew from his squad having felt some soreness in his ankle after coming on late in the final Town game of the season against West Ham on Sunday.
U21s Friendly at Long Melford
Town’s U21s will play a friendly at Long Melford on Tuesday 22nd July (KO 7.45pm).
Szmodics Withdraws From Irish Squad
Blues forward Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for their June internationals.
Broadhead in Wales Squad
Blues forward Nathan Broadhead has been named in the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium.
Former Blues Boss McCarthy Inducted into LMA Hall of Fame
Former Town boss Mick McCarthy was inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club at the 33rd League Managers Association Annual Awards dinner on Tuesday evening.
Town Coach Grant Named Huddersfield Boss
Blues first-team coach Lee Grant has been named the new manager of League One Huddersfield Town.