Blues vice-captain Cole Skuse has signed a new one-year deal with the option of a further season.

“We are delighted to have agreed a new contract with Cole,” general manager football operations Lee O’Neill told the club site.

“It includes an option for an additional year and while Cole’s focus will be on the football side it gives us time going forward to look at the other qualities he has that could be beneficial for him and the football club.”

The 34-year-old was among the players whose deals are up on June 30th but with Town having an option for a further campaign. As reported on Friday, the club was speaking to those players over the weekend.

Skuse revealed in January that he was in talks with owner Marcus Evans regarding new terms which would have an eye on his future after his playing days.

“When I talk about work off the field, whether it’s coaching or stuff in the community or on match days, it’s something we — that’s me, Marcus, Lee and the manager — have spoken about. I’m doing my badges and some work with Woodbridge Town at the minute,” he said.

“I’ve decided to do that away from this club because I wanted to get out of the Ipswich environment and do the work with a local club. I want to get the coaching badges ticked off. I can do it alongside playing but it’s not at the forefront of my mind right now.

“I do feel more than capable of continuing to play and I want to do that for as long as I can. But, yes, it could be done alongside playing, although my main focus is on being a footballer for the foreseeable future.”

Skuse joined the Blues on a free transfer from hometown club Bristol City in the summer of 2013 and has made 267 starts and seven sub appearances, scoring two goals.

Photo: TWTD

Swailsey added 11:48 - May 18 Great stuff. Presumably different terms as it's a new deal rather that the option taken up. Pleased with this - great presence around the place, good for younger players, and keeps him in the building if he wants to move into coaching. Considering what we are (a mid-table League 1 team), this makes sense.
7

runningout added 11:51 - May 18 Get him some help and things may look decent
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unknown100 added 11:52 - May 18 I think I'd rather they had taken the option that not, but his game time can't be like it has been this season, he does a lot for the team off the ball and presumably off the field so good to have him aboard, is a good player to come on when you are winning and calm everybody down and make the smart decisions
4

Gilesy added 11:54 - May 18 Yep, good. Experience will be great even if playing time is reduced.
2

Michael101 added 11:58 - May 18 Just when I thought things could not get any worse this happens.What the fu😬 k is happening to this culb??
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Guthrum added 12:03 - May 18 Good news. Will be beneficial to have him around the club in some capacity. Even if mostly on the bench rather than a regular in the starting 11, useful to have as an option/cover for the playing squad, too.
2

PJH added 12:11 - May 18 Good news. Very good asset both on and off the pitch.
11

naa added 12:26 - May 18 Michael101: I suspect you re one of many out there who doesn't see the point in defensive midfielders. Loads of fans always give them stick. Their job is to break up play and not lose the ball. Hence lots of simple, sideways passes. It's his job! Yes, some are capable of more than that, but those tend to play in the Premier league, not League 1.
10

matthewwylds added 12:32 - May 18 Please no not again 😩😩
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Dissboyitfc added 12:34 - May 18 naa but thats the thing he does lose the ball, too frequently in all honesty!
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naa added 12:42 - May 18 Dissboyitfc: I must have been watching a different player then. The one I watch rarely loses it, is excellent in the tackle and has good positional sense. Most who fans hate him hate him because if his boring passing not that he loses it.
4

positivity added 12:55 - May 18 his footballing brain's still fine, but he doesn't cover the ground he used to. if it's a lower wage with more coaching than playing, then that's fine.
2

LWNR2013 added 12:55 - May 18 Good decision. Have always loved his superb long passes.
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StavangerBlue added 13:04 - May 18 Calamity Chambers and Sideways Skuse need to be both moved on. Chambers gone would resolve most of the defensive errors and removing Skuze would mean an increase in the number attacking passes and a more attack-minded team. Both have been a big negative to the team over recent years. It was time to get rid. League Two here we come.
4

ITFCsince73 added 13:04 - May 18 Shame....but this is how we do things. I'm used to it after all these years. L2 beckons just like L1 did 3 years back.
0

ITFCsince73 added 13:18 - May 18 Skuse now on a longer contract than our worst ever captain....watch this space.
6

Azzuromark added 13:19 - May 18 Apologies ChrisSwailes, always wondered how people managed to vote differently to how they intended, but it just happened to me. Meant to up vote you, not down vote. Agree with your points, obviously you are someone who sees the bigger picture.
0

herfie added 13:23 - May 18 A mutually beneficial decision. The club isn't awash with natural leaders, or senior pros who earn the respect of the younger players. Skuse's technical limitations would probably preclude such a deal were we still in the C'ship; but we're not, and Skuse will get an opportunity to develop his off-field skills, whilst continuing to contribute to the team at this level. Pretty sure PL will use him intelligently as a player.

0

ArnieM added 13:41 - May 18 Good I'm pleased about this Skuse ( snd Chambo ) are important to the CLUB going forwards . It's not about their playing ( this will diminish now), but it's about continuity snd having experience/ expertise at the Club to bring our crop of kids on next season . This is what I think we will be focusing on .
1

TimmyH added 14:07 - May 18 'An option of a further season' - so Skuse is here and probably starting until 2021/22 oh joy!
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Ricard0 added 14:34 - May 18 Great. More sideways passing for at least ANOTHER year.
8

goat_man added 14:35 - May 18 If ever you needed evidence that it's Cole Skuse and Luke Chambers who call the shots around the club, then just look at this. A man who hasn't contributed a single thing in 6 years has been rewarded with a new deal.
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runningout added 15:51 - May 18 Skuse may pass forward if we had half decent imaginative forwards
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Gonefishing added 15:52 - May 18 It makes me laugh how he is considered a great leader and good around the club!! This as we sink slowly down through the leagues. Please God get rid of him and Chambers. I also love his scoring record. Is it the lowest of any outfield player who has played that many games?
7

TR11BLU added 15:55 - May 18 Really??? FFS
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