Town boss Paul Cook says he’s absolutely delighted for right-back Janoi Donacien, who signed a new contract which runs to the summer of 2023 yesterday, with the club having an option for another year.

Donacien has been with the Blues since the summer of 2018 having signed from Accrington Stanley, but has only really established himself as a regular this season under Cook’s management.

“I’m absolutely delighted for Janoi,” the Blues boss said. “I think he’s a very popular lad, a really good ambassador for the club off the pitch, no maintenance whatsoever from a staff point of view and then more importantly a very good player on the pitch.

“I felt it was a no-brainer to recommend to the club that we reward him. I think [CEO] Mark [Ashton] was very quick in picking that up.

“We look at everyone, you’ve seen Idris [El Mizouni] sign a new deal last week and now Janoi. It’s great for the players because it sends a message out. Young Bailey [Clements] has been in the team for the last couple of games.

“It sends a clear message out that it’s not just about signing players, it’s also about players within the building and the club proving that they should be in the team, and Janoi’s done that.”

Securing players already at the club on new deals and searching for potential new recruits is the business which is continually ongoing at football clubs.

“We put together a squad last summer,” Cook continued. “In my opinion, all the work is only just starting at Ipswich Town. That’s how I look at it.

“Going forward now, we want the right characters in the building, we want players that are not just good on the pitch but are good around the club and around the community.

“The supporters then can relate with that and more importantly I think that leads to success on the pitch, and that’s what we all want.”

We understand that Derby’s Nathan Byrne is among the players to have been mentioned as the Blues begin to look ahead to January.

The 29-year-old right-back played for Cook at Wigan and was a member of the Latics side which won the League One title in 2017/18.

Byrne is contracted until the summer 2022 with the in-administration Rams, who are bottom of the Championship on minus-three points following a further points deduction this week.

Photo: Matchday Images

buzbyblue added 10:14 - Nov 19 We don't need rightbacks in Janoi and KVY we trust, we need leftbacks! Coulson is seemingly injured most of the time and IMHO Penney doesn't look good enough
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ArnieM added 10:35 - Nov 19 Little bit of smoke screening there I think
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ArnieM added 10:36 - Nov 19 ….. re Derby player I meant .
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ChrisR added 10:36 - Nov 19 Looks like we finally do have Management looking to sign good characters to represent the club . Panic buying days lumbered us with personnel disasters like Chopra and Taylor , and even Norwood . Well done Janoi !
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Michael101 added 10:48 - Nov 19 what a turn round for the lad,hurst brought him and everybody never rated him,lambert gave him the cold shoulder.he keep his head down never heard him complain.cookie gave him a chance and he has been one of the better players .well done lad.
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Linkboy13 added 11:14 - Nov 19 So pleased for Janoi went to Fleetwood and came back full of confidence. Much better defender than KVY but not so happy with the ball at his feet when under pressure. Far happier running at pace with the ball on the over lap and getting balls into the box which he has done well this season. Can see him sharing the right back spot with KVY depending on the opposition which is a good thing keeps both players on their toes and fresh.

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itfc1974 added 17:01 - Nov 19 Well deserved. Has been excellent this year when called upon
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Eddie1985 added 18:37 - Nov 19 Really plrased for him. It wasent long ago i thought him and toto were as good as gone, well done for sticking ling at it
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