Defender Jack Ainsley has put pen to paper on his new six-month deal aiming to do enough to win himself an extended stay at Portman Road. The 20-year-old was amongst the 21 players whose contracts were up at the end of the season.

Ainsley said: "The manager has said that it's down to me to get my head down and show him I am worth a longer contract and that's what I've got to do.”

The Felixstowe-born academy product has made two Carling Cup starts for the Blues in addition to a single Championship appearance as a sub on the opening day of the season at Middlesbrough. The one-time striker has also spent spells on loan at Histon and Rushden in the last couple of seasons.

Irishman Conor Hourihane also recently signed a six-month deal, while fellow midfielder Jamie Griffiths has agreed similar terms.

Defender Tom Eastman, who has also been offered another six months at Portman Road, is now the only one of the 21 with his future still hanging in the balance.

Brian Murphy, David Norris, Gareth McAuley, Alan Quinn, Kevin Lisbie, Pablo Couñago, who has not been offered a deal by Crystal Palace, Reggie Lambe, Billy Clark, David Cawley and Ian McLoughlin are leaving the club this summer.

Carlos Edwards triggered an appearance clause on his existing deal and is staying at Town for another season, while Damien Delaney recently put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at Portman Road for two or three years depending on the number of games he plays in his second season.

Keeper Arran Lee-Barrett has signed a new two-year contract, while midfielder Colin Healy, who underwent a hernia operation last week, and defender Troy Brown have agreed one-year deals.

Striker Ronan Murray and midfielder Luke Hyam signed one-year contracts last month, while academy duo Cody Cropper and Cormac Burke have been given one-year professional deals while they complete their scholarships next season. Academy first-year left-back Joe Whight has been offered a two-year pro contract.

The only players released by the academy this summer were second years Josh Meekings and Rory McKeown.

Photo: Action Images

TractorMan added 12:52 - May 17 Not good enough i'm afraid even as a squad player. Didn't do very well in a Histon side last season making his debut by scoring 2 own goals I believe. 6 months to prove himself, but I believe he'll be L2 at best by January.
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del1boy added 13:14 - May 17 'Brian Murphy, David Norris, Gareth McAuley, Alan Quinn, Kevin Lisbie, Pablo Couñago, who has not been offered a deal by Crystal Palace, Reggie Lambe, Billy Clark, David Cawley and Ian McLoughlin' ... thats a lot of rubbish of the wage bill. Jewell should have some money to play with in terms of wages then.
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arc added 13:49 - May 17 I'm really puzzled by this one. But good luck to him.
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JayITFC added 13:51 - May 17 Norris & McAuley stick out like a sore thumb on that list. Crazy we didn't get deals done...
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ITFC4daprem added 16:00 - May 17 were does he actual play read he can play cf
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robdaful added 17:08 - May 17 ITFC4daprem.... He started off as a striker but one of the coaches said he looked liked he'd be a good defender. On a different note we went to the same high school (he's a couple of years above me) but i recall him telling his mates about playing for england youths so he must be alright.
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gypo added 17:09 - May 17 Jack all the best mate And if your reading this thanks for coming to kirton kestrals presentation day along with connor and alan lee it made all the kids day.
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jas0999 added 17:11 - May 17 10 players leaving the club - wow and PJ moaned that we lacked depth. How many will we need to sign - at least 8 or 9 I would have thought. Good luck to Jack - I have always rated this guy.
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ITFC4daprem added 19:54 - May 17 might struggle to play as needs to get past Delaney, brown, Smith and Eastman and we probably will sign sombody else eg st legdar
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AlexITFC added 23:28 - May 17 Well done Jack He has all the potential to make the first team, he just needs the chance.. How can a player prove himself by staying in the reserves...especially now we have dropped out of the reserve league?! All the best Jack - You can do it!
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trueblue13 added 13:48 - May 18 i've watched this young man play from a very young age and have always been impressed as to whats on offer! i recall him being englands top goalscorer in the un18 european championships. Also been given the captiancy a few times in the reserves so he must lead by example! Give the young guy a chance and i'm sure he will not dissapoint! All the best to young Ainsley!!

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