Centre-half Luke Woolfenden has signed a new three-year deal, tying him to his hometown club until the summer of 2025.

Woolfenden, 23, came through the academy and has made 101 senior starts and six sub appearances, scoring twice.

Having been out of the first-team picture earlier in the season under Paul Cook and appearing likely to move on, the former East Bergholt High School pupil firmly established himself in the back three under Kieran McKenna having returned to the team during John McGreal's spell as interim manager.

The Chantry-raised defender played every minute of McKenna's 23 matches in charge, including the club record-breaking 592 minutes without conceding in February.

Woolfenden, who was previously contracted until the summer of 2024, says he’s pleased to have extended his deal.

“I was really enjoying my football in the second half of last season, and I am delighted to have signed a new contract,” he told iFollow Ipswich.

“Working with the boss has been great and I am also enjoying my role in the team.

“I believe the club is only going in one direction and I want to be a part of it, with an immediate aim of promotion next season.”

Manager Kieran McKenna added: “Luke applied himself well last season and put in some strong performances for us.

“He contributed defensively but also played a part in starting attacks and driving us forward. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him so far, and I look forward to seeing him continue to focus and grow as a player at the club.”

Photo: Matchday Images

GrantOB92 added 13:58 - May 18 There's only so much sperm I can produce a day, stop it Ipswich
27

brendenward35 added 14:01 - May 18 Excellent news deserves the extension as his worked his socks off last few months and has really pushed on under McKenna. Well done Town sorting this out.
13

boroughblue added 14:02 - May 18 It really seems like Ashton and Gamechanger can pull off anything this summer, so exciting and refreshing! Delighted that Wolfy got himself back into the team and is doing so well, really is a player that I think can go right to the top. Hopefully with us.. Well done all involved, looking forward to seeing what the next piece of exciting news from the club is going to be!

15

Ipswichbusiness added 14:03 - May 18 Good, he seems to be a young player who has applied himself well and impressed the manager. On the occasions that I have seen him I have been very impressed by his ability both to defend and bring the ball into midfield.
6

BeattiesBackPocket added 14:11 - May 18 How refreshing to get things like this tied up so quickly after years of letting player contracts run out and players and assets leave for nothing. Well done Ashton and Gamechanger it's nice to feel confidence in the club structure again. COYB's
12

RegencyBlue added 14:11 - May 18 Ashton and Co are doing the business. So different to Evans!
10

Bazza8564 added 14:12 - May 18 Seems like a great news week all round. Brilliant that the town are protecting so much talent and the core of our side.
7

Karlosfandangal added 14:20 - May 18 Wonder what sort of player Downes and Dozzell might have been under KM Great news Town signing up our good players.
13

Flamencaman added 14:21 - May 18 Amazing what a proper manager can do this boy has been like a new signing, he was drifting badly under the previous occupying regime
9

ringwoodblue added 14:38 - May 18 Excellent news and shows proper intention by the club to secure its best assets. I'd also offer extended deals to Donacien, Morsy, Chaplin and Baggott
5

Bluearmy_81 added 14:59 - May 18 It's called running a football club properly Regency! I still think of the chumps that used to say "thank god we've got Evans!!" 🤣😂🤣😂
5

d77sgw added 15:12 - May 18 Give it a rest BA81 - we're all fans here, wanting the same for our team. Your constant slagging off of fellow fans is unproductive and tiresome. Evans is gone now - let's look to future...
11

tractorboybig added 15:13 - May 18 Probably the most improved player and forward thinking by the club
3

Suffolk_n_Proud added 16:14 - May 18 Really pleased with this, I hope he's one that spends his entire career with Ipswich and becomes a legend as we be eventually beat our 2001 finishing position
3

IpswichT62OldBoy added 16:30 - May 18 We are going to be very good next year aren't we.
5

chepstowblue added 16:34 - May 18 I'm not sure that McKenna could have done much with Downes. When you're limited you're limited. Though i do recall him touching the ball for Swansea in November. I'd nigh on given up on Woolfy and would still worry about him in a back four, but reverting to a back three has helped him immensely. The dopey episodes have been cut out and he looks very assured and comfortable on the ball. Along with the news of Aluko it's been a positive day.

5

Help added 17:11 - May 18 Like with Aluko, sort out what you got first, then bring in what you need.
2

pensionerblue added 17:33 - May 18 For me Woolfenden had a really good season and was a player that I feared would be the subject of a substantial bid from a more senior club perhaps making him unsettled. I think that a lot of credit must go to the manager who has obviously created a belief in what we are capable of achieving in this coming season.
3

TimmyH added 17:44 - May 18 Yes good news, had a solid season after a brief dip in form for a while under Lambert.
1

ArnieM added 17:59 - May 18 Just Morsy to extend his contract now please ( don't ask much do I !)
4

Taricco_Fan added 18:32 - May 18 What a player he is...and can be in the future. Disgraceful that Cook wanted him out the door.
4

Bluearmy_81 added 18:42 - May 18 d77, not as tiresome as being a laughing stock and a joke club for years while fans watched and accepted oh so politely. I only mention him now when triggered, I agree, here's to the future. Lest we forget
2

ImAbeliever added 19:23 - May 18 Fantastic news. Minimum bids of £20m only please (and still reject).
2

Pessimist added 19:50 - May 18 I would bring back Macauley Bonne as well, and tie him down to a three-year deal.
1

therein61 added 06:57 - May 19 What a difference having a manager who believes in you makes.
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