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St Ledger Leaves Town
Monday, 29th Dec 2014 14:09

Town boss Mick McCarthy has revealed that Ireland international centre-half Sean St Ledger has left the Blues having come to the end of his short-term contract. McCarthy says that he’s happy to have Matt Clarke, 18, and Elliott Hewitt, 20, as his back-up defenders.

St Ledger, 30, joined the Blues a month ago after a short trial and made the first-team matchday squad twice but failed to make an appearance.

“He’s gone,” McCarthy said. “I’ve got Matt Clarke, who is excellent and I wouldn’t stand in his way by having somebody that’s not going to do any better than Clarkey.

“And I’ve got Elliott Hewitt out on loan at Colchester, who is on 24-hour notice. I’m not going to put a block in their progression by taking somebody in.”

Photo: ITFC


Photo: Action Images



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tractordownsouth added 14:12 - Dec 29
Shame, I felt he could have done a job as a good back up and felt he may have been kept on. Perhaps we are a little thin on the ground at the back but in mick we trust!
2

nybue added 14:15 - Dec 29
Thanks for nothing.
-14

SouperJim added 14:22 - Dec 29
Surprised by this. Despite what Mick says now, surely he would have kept him as cover? I can only think St Ledger wants first team football so wasn't prepared to stay, but having found himself on the scrap heap once he's very brave to become a free agent again.
1

joshITFCporter added 14:23 - Dec 29
At least it shows Mick has faith in Clarke!
3

Andy32Cracknell added 14:28 - Dec 29
Poor decision from Mick on this one. We need a squad full of proven quality/ability at championship level. With St Ledger gone, Collinson gone (still worth a punt in my opinion) is Ambrose next???? If so the squad is getting weaker and weaker, not stronger.Hope im proven wrong though.
-17

warktheline added 14:35 - Dec 29
Maybe the lad has lost it a touch, don't believe Mick would have let him go otherwise. If he's no better than Hewitt or Clarke, why keep him. He's a seasoned pro, but has failed to enhance the team.
6

warktheline added 14:37 - Dec 29
Don't be surprised if he ends up at Blackpool.
5

irishtim added 14:39 - Dec 29
MM prob has some else to come in so frees up wages. Just my opinion.
3

Hegansheroes added 14:41 - Dec 29
Probably has something to do with the transfer window opening, maybe MM has some one in mind & perhaps St.Ledger also has something lined up where he is more likely to get games
8

harlingblue added 14:41 - Dec 29
I watched him at Playford Road in the U21 game against Brentford, he was not a stand out performer and would not be good enough for our 1st team, Clarke on the other hand would not look out of place.
3

kuyski added 14:41 - Dec 29
The transfer window will open soon,there will be a lot of player availiable again for loan especially we are in the 2nd place that's a huge attract for some finge's player in Primeier. So worry for what?
2

Luka added 14:48 - Dec 29
Not bothered by this really. Little lost, always worth a look, as with Collison. Better to have Clarke and Hewitt if he is no better, as they are younger and will develop Luke Bishop, if managed carefully
1

blueboy1981 added 14:59 - Dec 29
Shame - not a good move on our part. Could regret this soon into the New Year, injuries are only a blink away at this time of the season - time will tell.

St Ledger - defensive back up doesn't come much better than that !! Strange / foolhardy decision in my opinion.
-11

Kikapu added 15:03 - Dec 29
Good timing for both club and player. Nice pat on the back for Clarke
5

blueherts added 15:06 - Dec 29
Well let us see in next few weeks - there is probably some good reason behind this - MM has been pretty astute in his signings whether on loan or permanent
Transfer window beckons and maybe there are one or two other options ? , maybe his attitude is not right - no one except MM knows the facts so lets see over next few weeks - Anyway I am glad MM has faith and supports our own Acad players ...
6

PutneyBlue added 15:10 - Dec 29
Well said Kuyski, great timing to free up budget just as transfer window opens. If MM has a target in mind, being 2nd and with money to spend is a great position to be in.
0

blueboy1981 added 15:11 - Dec 29
..... the point about Clarke is valid, BUT he is inexperienced, and there's more pressure 'at the top' than mid table - that's for sure. St Ledger would has the experience to step into that breach - without concern at all.
-4

irishtim added 15:18 - Dec 29
blueboy. Wait and see what plan Mick has. I think he knows what he is doing and has proved it. Reckon we will see a player coming but it is lovely to see MM having faith in the youth.

0

blueboy1981 added 15:19 - Dec 29
.......... Irishtim - on form with the minus button. Nothing changes there - even for a perfectly logical post !!
-2

irishtim added 15:27 - Dec 29
blueboy why keep st ledger and hold back clarke? Have you seen him training? Well I have not but MM being a defender himself knows best. You seem to be negative too often therefore minus from me.
8

warktheline added 15:27 - Dec 29
Blueboy, it wasn't so long ago when people on here, were moaning, that the boss wasn't using our youth system...Marriott and Clarke etc, seems to me the manager can't do right for doing wrong!
4

PJH added 15:32 - Dec 29
It could also be that St Ledger has a better offer from somewhere else and that it is his decision to leave.
It is also good to see that MM seems to suggest that Hewitt still has a future here because it would be a shame if he did not get offered a new contract.
2

walberswicks added 15:34 - Dec 29
Hardly worth taking the picture.
-3

Andy32Cracknell added 15:35 - Dec 29
Just seems like you get marked down for just having a opinion that someone else dont agree with lol. Makes me chuckle :-D
2

blueboy1981 added 15:36 - Dec 29
........ Irishtim ........... at this point, as well as we've done, and where we currently sit - we HAVE to mean real business and crack on from here - not take chances with 'too much' untried youth.

Clarke has immense potential, but little, if any experience in the pressure pot we are undoubtedly now in - Hewitt, not exactly setting the world alight at Colchester, but doing ok at best, at very much a different level. Not exactly a potential answer to be honest.

The current situation we find ourselves in at Portman Road - could well be beyond and unfair on both players - if called upon.

How badly does the Club want the Premiership ??? - may well now be a crucial question.

Personally, I would hope to see someone of St Ledger's experience come in asap as backup - but where it could come from to equate ? - I don't know.
-1


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