Midfielder Stephen Hunt says he’d love to stay with Town beyond the end of the season. The 32-year-old signed an initial short-term contract when he joined the Blues in November, which he subsequently extended until June.

“I’m very happy here at Ipswich and I love the area so, all being well, I can hopefully do enough to persuade the manager that I deserve a longer deal,” Hunt said in an interview with this Saturday’s matchday programme.

“That’s the aim for me and if that happens, then I will get the family over here and settle in Suffolk.

“The short-term contract I first signed was really a case of ‘what if’ and it allowed the gaffer to have a look at me, and me to have a look at Ipswich and see if things could go further.

“There weren’t any politics involved or anything like that and knowing him and TC from Wolves like I did, I knew he would be totally honest and straight down the line with me.

“Obviously I knew I had to prove myself to get into the team and thankfully I managed to get my foot in the door and I’ve done pretty well since I’ve been in.

“Now the aim is to keep working hard until the end of the season and try and get the team into the play-offs. After that, then we can hopefully sort out a longer deal.”

Hunt has made seven starts and four sub appearances for the Blues, so far without scoring.

Photo: Action Images

rambohambo added 17:35 - Feb 25 I think its a matter of WE need him to stay.
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Marshalls_Mullet added 17:37 - Feb 25 Refer to previous Collins / Andrews / etc etc articles stating the same.
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blueboy1981 added 17:57 - Feb 25 .......... of course he would like to stay, he's playing Football, and not going to get too many more contract offers coming his way, is he ? Definately the kind of player we need tho' in terms of being industrious in midfield - needs to spend a little less time looking at the ball / ground, and more time looking / deciding where best to play the ball. Head up a bit more.

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Jimmy86 added 18:10 - Feb 25 Marshall's mullet, know what you mean but also think it differed slightly because they were on loan, Hunty is technically our player who is hoping to sign a longer deal. I would love him to stay as he adds something different and is a real livewire. The fitter he gets the better he will be and im sure he has goals in him. Get it done mick!!
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huddies999 added 18:11 - Feb 25 I like hunty so I think he should stay
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StuartBrett8 added 18:16 - Feb 25 Of course he'll stay, he's quality and you can't just toss that away.
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Garv added 18:37 - Feb 25 Good, but stop trying stupid tricks and flicks that you know don't work. One cost us a goal on Saturday.
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howdonblue added 18:41 - Feb 25 No brainier
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tractordownsouth added 19:09 - Feb 25 Hopefully build for a play off charge next season, treat the last 10 or whatever games as SEB's warm up. Unleash him with McG next year, keep Cressy and much better chance of top 6
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Cloddyseedbed added 19:14 - Feb 25 Jay Tabb did well for us last year before he got a proper contract - then look what happened!
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jas0999 added 20:18 - Feb 25 Guess it will depend on his wage demands and whether it fits into MEs budget. Think we need pace in the team, so although I rate Hunt, if he's after a big contract at the expense of signing say two other bosman frees, then he may have to move on.
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StuartBrett8 added 21:24 - Feb 25 tractordownsouth- we're winning the league next year :)
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fifeblue added 21:58 - Feb 25 No thanks; Jimmy Bullard all over again. Ipswich need to rebuild with long-term prospects.
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budgieplucker added 23:26 - Feb 25 Lovely gesture from Hunty at the Blackpool game at the end of the match for him to run to the guy in a wheelchair in the north stand (who the ball hit earlier in the match from one of his kicks when he overplayed the ball) and give the guy his shirt.
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TR11BLU added 08:22 - Feb 26 No rash contracts being offered please. He is rolling out all the old cliches we get used to from players in his position. I believe we should use him then let him go. He is not the answer, he plays and then needs a week to recover. Hardly a recipe for a promotion push next season when he will be another year older. Hunt, EB, should both be let go in the summer.
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cornishnick added 09:49 - Feb 26 Assuming he fits within our wage structure, why not? I certainly wouldn't break the bank for him and I doubt MM would either, but if a sensible deal can be struck, would be welcome.
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Cheshire_Blue added 12:03 - Feb 26 Is Jay Tabb the new Grant Leadbitter until we need someone else's back to get on?
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Superblue95 added 13:07 - Feb 26 While I think Hunty is miles past his best he does seem like a good impact player to have and is also a great character to have around the dressing room and everybody seems to love him. Therefore offering him an extension on his deal seems like a good move to me
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JewellintheTown added 13:59 - Feb 26 One of these days we're going to get a player that openly says "I think this place is cr@p, the fans too, but I'm just here for the money and an easy ride so will milk you for all you've got." Oh, wait, we did, it was Chopra.
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TR11BLU added 14:15 - Feb 26 Sounds familiar @Superblue95...........................Ummm another curly haired character. Look where he got us Expensive business bringing in has beens after a last payday. Give me the young, hungry, triers every day of the week. Lets build for the future not try the quick fix that is a proven failure.
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Superblue95 added 15:29 - Feb 26 @TR11BLU I agree that Hunt may not be the answer to our problems but having seen him in the past he definitely has something about him and has the potential to lift the teams spirits. I would rather us sign someone new for next season or like you say give some youngsters a chance but i still believe hunt can be a good impact player and someone who the youngsters can look up to. A one year extension to his contract wouldnt be the worst thing in the world to do

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superkevinwilson added 19:12 - Feb 26 We need to sign him up, only player we have that looks like they can take someone on. His like a Jack Russell and gets right in your face. Just hope Mick plays him the right position on the wing.
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