Good news at last!

[ippers]

IPSWICH today ended their interest in signing defender Jay McEveley on a permanent basis.

The on-loan Blackburn player has been axed from the Town squad for tomorrow's home clash with Brighton and Monday's visit to Watford - along with club captain Jim Magilton.

The veteran midfielder is now a target for League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, who have failed to clinch a permanent deal with Kevin Horlock after his recent loan stint at Belle Vue.

Horlock, who is not being retained for next season, will return to Ipswich next week after he was unable to agree a contract with manager Dave Penney, who has instead turned his attention to Magilton.

Town manager Joe Royle said: “Kevin won't be staying for a third month at Doncaster and they have been unable to agree terms for a permanent deal.

“But they are aware of Jim's availability after this season ends and have confirmed their interest in him.”

Royle, who informed McEveley of his decision this morning, said: “Neither Jay nor Jim is going to be with us next season.

“With that in mind I have left them out of the next two games so that I can take a closer look at players who will definitely be here.”

The development will come as a surprise to supporters after it seemed Royle was keen to keep 20-year-old McEveley on board.

But the Town boss was up front when he added: “It would be hard for us budget-wise to sign Jay permanently.

“I still want to bring in a defender for next season, but I am looking for a centre-half who can play full-back rather than a full-back who can also play in the middle of the defence.”

Magilton will now make his final Portman Road appearance against Derby, with Royle confirming he will definitely be involved in that game.

Royle said: “Jim understands completely and took the news like the true professional he is. He will have his chance to say his farewells - and for the fans to pay tribute - next week.”

It looks as if striker Alan Lee, who has been troubled by a persistent groin injury, will be available tomorrow.

Royle said: “Alan trained yesterday and provided he doesn't suffer any reaction he should be fine.

“Although I need to have one eye on next season, I also want us to finish with a bang and not a whimper.

“Over the four games we have left I want us to put a marker down for next season. I want other teams to be worried about playing us next year.”

Royle has named an 18-man squad for the games against Brighton and Watford, recalling Canadian youngster Jaime Peters and welcoming back fit-again striker Nicky Forster, who is likely to feature on the bench after a successful return in Monday's reserve victory at Norwich on Monday.

SQUADS

IPSWICH: Supple, Wilnis, Casement, Sito, Naylor, De Vos, Barron, Peters, Juan, Currie, Garvan, Richards, Skard, Lee, Haynes, Forster, Bowditch and Price.

BRIGHTON: Henderson, Dodd, El-Abd, McShane, Hinshelwood, Butters, Carole, Gatting, Lynch, Reid, Carpenter, Hammond, Hart, Kazim-Richards, Noel-Williams, Mayo and Chaigneau.

Referee: Iain Williamson (Reading).

The only worrying thing is if we dont have the budget to sign him, what the hell are we going to end up with

[Fully]

Thread already here mate
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