Blues forward Sone Aluko has signed a new one-year deal, his previous contract having been up at the end of the season.

Aluko was offered the new terms in May along with Massimo Luongo, who put pen to paper last week.

The 34-year-old made only four League One starts during 2022/23, a knee injury in August having hampered his campaign, although manager Kieran McKenna spoke about the role the forward played in the dressing room on a number of occasions during the season.

“It’s good to get done and I’m happy to extend my time at the club,” Aluko told the club site.

“The conversations started with the manager maybe at the end of the season before [2021/22] about what we might do at this point, and obviously to now be staying after promotion is even sweeter.

“The manager has been fantastic since he came in. The on-pitch stuff speaks for itself but he is also a really good person. We get on really well and see the game in the same way.

“Everyone here has been really good to me and this is a fantastic place to be.”

McKenna added: “Sone is so important to the environment and the culture here day-to-day. He’s highly regarded by his teammates, first and foremost, but also the staff around the club.

“Sone has shown his quality on the pitch but, of course, had a big injury last season. He’s shown what he can do and the FA Cup games last season instantly come to mind.

“He shows his quality on the training pitches day-to-day but perhaps more importantly is his influence on the group and our younger players.

“I think he will have a very bright future in football in other aspects once he finishes as a player, so we’re delighted he is going to be around the group next season.”

The former Nigerian international joined Town in the summer of 2021 having left Reading at the end of the previous season and having had a spell on trial with Derby.

Photo: TWTD

BlueBoots added 17:18 - Jun 21 Delighted with this - don't feel I've seen enough of him yet in a Town shirt, and think his experience will be very important helping the squad adjust to the Championship next season.
17

Help added 17:19 - Jun 21 Now we are at his level
8

Tractorboy58 added 17:20 - Jun 21 Great ! a really skillful and whole hearted intelligent player
12

WhoisJimmyJuan added 17:37 - Jun 21 Some hints about a future role for Aluko after playing ny KMcK in his statement perhaps too. Sensible anyway to have a player of this calibre as back up in the squad.
5

Saxonblue74 added 17:44 - Jun 21 An influential player on his day, real quality. A good deal to get done
4

Terra_Farma added 17:50 - Jun 21 Sone is class. Good news this.
7

SouperJim added 17:57 - Jun 21 Big fan of Aluko, he oozes quality on the ball, if only we had him a bit earlier in his career!
8

cressi added 18:05 - Jun 21 If we are seeing a game out 15 to go he is perfect rarely gives possession away a intelligent footballer who also obviously brings different attributes to the group
7

therein61 added 18:27 - Jun 21 Unfortunate with injuries but has shown he can rip defences apart and will be a great impact sub and as the manager says he is a good influence around the building so 1 year more is a no brainer.
5

Suffolkboy added 18:38 - Jun 21 Such a valuable, intelligent and perceptive individual who adds terrific character to our Club . Super decision ! COYB
9

Ryorry added 18:47 - Jun 21 So happy with this 👍 Such a skilful & composed player, wise head & great role model. There were several games last season where I felt had he been on the pitch for the last 20-30 mins, we'd have come away with more points than we did. Will be drinking my cuppa tonight from my 'Aluko 23' mug to celebrate :)
4

Tractorboy1985 added 19:04 - Jun 21 Yet more class and sensibility from King Kieran and the club to offer Sone a 1 year deal! Yes he's not going to play week in week out but his experience will be invaluable to the younger players, will be used in cup competitions and like mentioned he's a great asset in the changing room! COYB! Roll on fixture day tomorrow!
4

Ipswichbusiness added 19:30 - Jun 21 I have no doubt that he is a good chap, but given his age and injury record this is still a surprise.
1

churchmans added 20:11 - Jun 21 No surprise as aluko is a qaulity player
2

TimmyH added 20:39 - Jun 21 About right from the club to give him a 1 year contract...a bit suspect when it comes to injury but can be a valuable squad player.
2

planetblue_2011 added 21:40 - Jun 21 Great news just Hope he gets more game time! He's an exceptional player to have, you don't get many like Aluko, very pleased he has another year with us👍⚽️
2

coolcat added 22:22 - Jun 21 Great news!
1

KiwiBlue2 added 00:05 - Jun 22 This makes a lot of sense. Hopefully he can get properly fit over pre-season and be ready to contribute once the season gets underway. A very handy player to have at the club given his all-round contribution.
1

ITFC_Singapore added 10:45 - Jun 22 Brilliant player. Will be fantastic to have him as an option from the bench in tight games and the occasional start to give people a rest. Match winner on his day.
1

Orraman added 11:09 - Jun 22 Excellent news. We know that his game time will probably be limited but his wealth of experience and his personality around Playford Rd and Portman Rd will be worth his weight in gold. Stay fit, Sone.
0

Linkboy13 added 11:53 - Jun 22 Will not be getting much game time but a very popular guy to have around the place and possibly being groomed as a future coach.
0

Ebantiass added 20:17 - Jun 23 As said above yes a quality player that will offer something on and off the field to the squad. Delighted for him and for the younger players that will learn a great deal from him. Hope he can remain fit for the season.
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