Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
St Ledger Trialist Starting For U21s
Monday, 24th Nov 2014 18:37

Former Ireland international defender Sean St Ledger is the trialist in action for Town’s U21s in this evening’s U21 Premier Cup tie against Southampton at Portman Road.

The 29-year-old, still a free agent following his release by Leicester in the summer, was close to joining the Blues in January 2012 before regaining his place in the Foxes side.

Solihull-born St Ledger, capped 37 times by Ireland, scoring three goals, came through the ranks at Peterborough, before spending time at Stevenage (loan), Preston and Middlesbrough (loan), Leicester and Millwall (loan). In the summer he spent time on trial with Huddersfield but his move broke down after Mark Robins's departure.

"I was very close to signing for Huddersfield at the start of the season but that didn't materialise," he told RTE last week.

"Since then I've just been going to the gym trying to stay fit but it's pretty difficult, you can't replicate football fitness in the gym really.

"I was offered something but then it just didn't happen, I wasn't happy with [the terms]. It was going to be more [incentive-based] and only a three-month contract so I felt I was taking all the risk.

"I said 'What happens if I pull my calf' but they were fine, [manager] Mark Robins said 'Okay we'll sort something out on Monday'.

"But then I woke up on Sunday morning and he'd got the sack or resigned. I was like: 'How's your luck?'

"They said, 'We still want to sign you,' but as time started going on, I started wondering. They said, 'We can't sign you because we have no manager.' I said I completely understand. Then they signed someone on loan!

"I don't really do anything because I'm obviously hoping that tomorrow I'm going to get a phone call"

"I rang my agent and they said, 'Oh we're still going to sign you, don't worry.'

"We told them we had [also] some interest from America.Then it was transfer deadline day and I'm watching it and I saw that they had signed Mark Hudson, another centre-half, and I didn't hear from them again. I knew that once they had signed a centre-half, that was it."

Town also include Cameron Stewart, Alex Henshall and Balint Bajner from the start.

U21s: Crowe, Emmanuel, Wyatt, Guldbrandsen, St Ledger, Clarke, Stewart, Benyu, McQueen, Bajner, Henshall. Subs: Marsden, Robinson, McLoughloin, Galvin, Ford.

Southampton: Gazzaniga, Mason, DeBayo, Gape, Mugabi, McCarthy, Isgrove, Little, McQueen, Seagers, Rowe. Subs: Cook, Istead, Willard, Sims, Lea.


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



suffolkpoker added 18:43 - Nov 24
That looks like a decent u21 side to me
2

Jimmy86 added 18:45 - Nov 24
Would make our defence stronger in the event of suspensions or injuries. Clarke will be a decent player in time, for sure, but perhaps a little too inexperienced if any of out 3 first choice centre backs get injured or suspended
6

ericclacton added 18:46 - Nov 24
Well I never, Ha.
1

buryblue77 added 18:51 - Nov 24
Maybe there's still hope of Nugent, Hislop and Batistuta turning up after all.
5

Mark added 18:54 - Nov 24
He was almost a signing in the Paul Jewell era (hoping to sign him by Wednesday on 9th Jan 2012: www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/19906/st-ledger-talks-continue), no doubt for a fairly big fee and sizable salary with him having joined Leicester for £1.2M in 2011. He's come down in the world then to be here on trial, and hopefully could be another free transfer bargain to provide some extra cover for Berra, Chambers and Smith.
1

stevelincsexile added 18:57 - Nov 24
Collinson still injured? No sign of Ambrose what not be surprised to see them gone by Xmas although I hope not.
1

stevelincsexile added 18:59 - Nov 24
Sorry would not be surprised.........
0

jas0999 added 19:27 - Nov 24
We need defensive cover, possibly for the weekend if Mings and Berra are out. However, surely St Ledger is past his best and not match fit. We don't want another Collinson situation on our hands.
1

parkinshair added 19:31 - Nov 24
Collinson was always a case of if he gets fit. I can't see McCarthy letting him stay just to warm the treatment table. Ambrose has made a few appearances off the bench so may well get another short term contract to help bolster the thin squad. He is only a couple of injuries away from a first team place and wouldn't command a very high wage.
1

Dissblue added 19:36 - Nov 24
Don't know how many times he's been mentioned as a prospect for Town. It will happen eventually. It must be fate!
0

Moscow_Blue added 19:51 - Nov 24
Looks pretty strong alongside Clarke. Entertaining game with us well on top. Bajner is even winning some in the air. Disappointed in Henshall.
1

Moscow_Blue added 19:53 - Nov 24
Should have said. 0-0 at HT.
0

Popeye added 20:04 - Nov 24
1

spanishblue added 20:21 - Nov 24
Thanks Moscow blue,jas0999 at 29 he's experienced if he's fit well worth having surely the great Murphy is 31 he's certainly not past it many players still have 5-6 years left in the tank
2

RegencyBlue added 20:45 - Nov 24
Popeye

Interesting article indeed! I think he would be worth a punt but you do wonder whether he can get back to previous form after so long out of the game.
1

BlueandTruesince82 added 20:45 - Nov 24
We need the cover, he'd be warming the bench most weeks but i would like to see cover added up top too. Certainly don't see him dislodging any of the current bedrock back 5 of our side decent back up though
0

miltonsnephew added 20:55 - Nov 24
Get this guy tied down, sounds a good guy! Would go great with the Irish lads we have here! Proven at this level, great as cover/competition! He's desperate to get back playing give him a short contract with a option. Mick probably knows all about him aswell.
I'm sure this can be agreed for near on peanuts.
Win win situation for me.
1

Samassi100Abou added 20:55 - Nov 24
Good center half been around the block, will add strength in depth, although would like to see another midfielder because I can't see collision ever pulling at own shirt on due to being a bit of a sick note.
1

BlueandTruesince82 added 20:56 - Nov 24
Great link popeye, looks like he'll come cheapish, would his heart be in it?
1

suffolkpunchdrunk added 20:56 - Nov 24
Eoin Doyle from Chesterfield next please - 19 goals so far this season and out of contract next summer.
3

Tractorog added 23:19 - Nov 24
I don't doubt his commitment if he signs. He is a 100% player. He is a good defender. We already have Smith waiting ages for games. Our back four rotation is not a huge problem, but adding a CB is not making it easier. If St Ledger joins the implication for me is that Mings will be sold in January with Smith moving to LB. I doubt anyone would welcome that.
-2

Tractorog added 23:24 - Nov 24
One point in St Ledgers favour is that I'm sure Mick is collecting Eire players to highlight what a self destructive t**t Roy was for burning so many bridges with him and our club. Must be lovely that Roy's boss has to ring to discuss players... Heh heh heh! If you sit by the river long enough the bodies of your enemies will float past.
0

Razor added 10:21 - Nov 25
Nothing against the guy himself but would be a lot happier if we were trialling a current FORWARD---thats where our weak point will be if Didds or Smurf gets injured.

Last season remarkably and annoyingly we took no action Didds was ruled out for the season and in my opinion this cost us a play off spot----not sure who to blame for that,MM or the owner.

Freddie Sears when window opens?
0

Paulblue62 added 10:44 - Nov 25
An experienced player at this level for free, yes please. Can only make us stronger. Mick is great at getting the best out of these kind of players. Happy Days.
2

walberswicks added 15:40 - Nov 25
why doesn't MM get a young Premiership star in the making on loan? he couldn't shut up about getting someone on loan in September. Go get one who could actually get in the team and would make a difference to our prospects. Preferably a striker as Didz/ Muph be lucky to play whole season without injury.
-1


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024