SONE APPOINTED FIRST-TEAM COACH

The Club is pleased to announce that Sone Aluko has joined Kieran McKenna’s backroom staff as a First-Team Coach.

Sone, who played for the Blues between August 2021 and May 2024, announced his retirement from playing this summer.

During his career Sone represented numerous clubs including Aberdeen, Rangers, Hull City and Fulham, as well as playing international football with Nigeria, before arriving at Portman Road.

His playing days at Town saw him set consistently high standards and contribute to the first-team environment, working closely with his teammates and coaches on the way to more than 50 appearances across all competitions and back-to-back promotions.

Sone also progressed with his coaching badges - along with other members of the first-team squad - as a player and will now begin working with Kieran and the other coaches.

“It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first -team coaching staff here at the Club,” Sone told the Club website.

“Learning from the Manager and all the coaching staff here is a fantastic opportunity for me. It is a great time to be at Ipswich, and I'm really looking forward to helping the squad continue to learn and take on the challenge of the Premier League.”

“We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team,” Kieran said.

“His work ethic and values have been important for the Club over the last few years, and we know he will continue to bring those qualities to his new role.

“Sone has strong relationships with players and staff at the Club and he will be a big addition for us.”

Meanwhile, David Martin has joined Town in a role that will see him assist Head of Goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin in supporting goalkeeper development throughout the Academy pathway.

David, who has represented MK Dons, West Ham United, Southend United and other clubs between the sticks during his career, will also help with training, scouting and recruitment, and monitoring the Club’s shot-stoppers who are on loan at other clubs.

A former teammate of new signing Ben Johnson at London Stadium, David will be a positive presence around Playford Road and will train with the first-team group when required.