Town boss Paul Lambert says he plans talks with James Collins about his future, while he expects the club to speak to Josh Emmanuel about extending his time at Portman Road. He says discussions between the club and Alan Judge and youngster Dylan Crowe are ongoing.

Regarding Collins, whose short-term deal is up in the summer, Lambert said: “I think James has been great on and off the pitch, the big lad has been great. I think he’s been really frustrated sometimes with picking up little knocks and then coming off against Reading [with a calf injury].

“But round about the place he’s been brilliant, he really has, and when he’s played he’s been excellent. It’s how much his body can keep going and keep going but as a pro and a player around here he’s been excellent.”

Can he prove fitness in the remaining eight games of the season? “I intend to talk to him in the next few weeks and then I’ll see how he’s feeling and things like that, but around about the place he’s been absolutely brilliant he really has.”

Regarding Judge’s situation with the club understood to be in advanced talks regarding a two-year contract with the Irishman, he added: “I think Marcus was talking to Judgey’s agent I, Judgey knows my feelings on it as well and spoke to him on everything.

“I think he loves his football here and the way we try and play it so the big decision will come from Judgey and his representatives I guess. I know how well he’s played for us and how important he’s been so he knows my feelings on it.”

Lambert has been impressed by Emmanuel, who is out of contract at the end of the season but with the club having an option to keep him for a further year, not least when he started at Bristol City earlier in the month.

“I think he’s done really, really well,” he said. “I think he did really great against Bristol City and he showed me that he could do it, I brought James Bree back in for the Forest game for different reasons.

“I’m pretty sure the club will speak to Josh’s agent shortly, he’s only 21 years old so he’s only a kid still, he’s still learning his trade but he showed me against Bristol City that he could do it.

“And I think that was important, it was a big game for him, without doubt. It was massive game and he came through it with flying colours.”

England U18 international right-back Crowe, 17, is still to agree professional terms with the Blues while there have been reports of interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton, RB Leipzig, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Benfica.

“He’s just picked up a bad injury with the U23s so I don’t know where the club is at with Dylan,” Lambert continued

“He’s a young one developing at the minute so I’m pretty sure the club and his people will be talking.”

Photo: TWTD

BaddowBlue1 added 16:16 - Mar 28 Even having Collins in as a part time coach would be useful as since he has been at the club and even when not playing we have been tighter at the back. Judge is an essential signing for me for next season and beyond. At his age and given his bad injury it is all about playing games. Big Mick may actually help us here as he isn't worried about players playing in the lower divisions.

4

Ipswichbusiness added 16:29 - Mar 28 I would like to keep all four. I fear that finance will mean that we keep none of them.
3

MichaelRockyLavelle added 22:39 - Mar 28 Emmanuel should be #1 priority - he's a solid RB, proven at both L1 and somewhat at Championship level. A must start next season Judge would be great & as long as we offer him a good deal with a clause regarding promotion next season (either bonus, or ability to move freely) Ultimately the ball is in his court as many champ clubs would like him. Collins - a coaching role with bonuses for games played would be ideal. But again the ball is in his court, he may prefer coaching at West Ham / elsewhere. And we should respect that. Crowe - I don't know enough about, but if the likes of Arsenal are hovering sign him up with the view to getting a decent price if he moves on. Build for the future. In a recession/relegation is when you must spend to hold things together ... Now is when Evans must show his desire

0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls