Ipswich Town

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We asked for your views on new signing Jaden Philogene, who joined late on Wednesday night for a fee in the region of £20m from Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Edward: Very glad this has been completed, good to see that interest carried through separate windows and Ipswich is seen by players as a growing club. I still want to see backup for Delap get sorted, but confident that the recruitment team have plans underway.

Hamish: Great to get this one over the line. Coming up two divisions in two seasons has made the full transition more challenging. McKenna is proving his talents at this level in developing the squad as needed to compete in the Premier League without upsetting the balance in the process. A win this evening over Brighton gives us some insurance over the next two very challenging games against Man City and Liverpool. Amazing times again for the club.

Neil: I'm really thrilled with the signing, he is going to be a very important link in McKenna's new vision in how we stay in the Premier league. I am excited to see his impact.

Brad: Good signing. If the team doesn't survive the season then we will have one hell of a squad for the Championship.

Nick: Could we see a future forward line for England of Philogene, Hutchinson and Delap? All talented, young, improving, players who have played together for the under-21s and find themselves together again in the Premier League.

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This is Ipswich's first home league game against Brighton since a 0-0 draw in the Championship in September 2016, and first in the top-flight since a 2-0 win in January 1983.

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Jaden Philogene says he wants to "play as much as possible" after completing a permanent move to Ipswich.

The 22-year-old has joined from Aston Villa on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee in the region of £20m.

Philogene came through Villa's academy, making his senior debut in 2020-21, and enjoyed loan spells at Stoke and Cardiff before securing a permanent transfer to Hull in September 2023.

He returned to Villa in the summer and has made 11 Premier League appearances this season with his last appearance coming on 7 December.

Speaking to the club website, Philogene said: "I'm excited to be here and I know there are great players in the squad," .

"I just want to play as much as possible. As a player I like to dribble and link up play and provide goals and assists. I'm looking forward to it."

What do you make of the new signing, Ipswich fans? Excited to finally see the deal done?

Let us know

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Brighton (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• McKenna confirmed there are no new injuries since their last match and said it is "not impossible" that Omari Hutchinson could feature. He added that Conor Chaplin is still a few weeks from returning, while Axel Tuanzebe is "not far away".

• On the situation with Jaden Philogene, the Ipswich boss said it was "fair" to provide an update and confirmed he is a "player that we're talking to" and "if it's possible to bring him to the club, we'd like to do so".

• He continued: "I think what's really important in all this is that Jaden is really keen to come to the football club. It's been a slightly longer process than we would have wanted, but that's been steadfast within all that. Jaden believes in the project here [and] he's shown a desire to come here - not just now, but in the summer as well."

• On why the signing had been delayed: "It's a complicated deal for the football club to do because, of course, he's a young player who's just signed a five-year contract at Aston Villa in the summer. That's not an easy deal for Ipswich Town to do. Aston Villa have to get the best deal possible for their club. The player's representatives have to get the best deal and make sure the security is right for the player. For us, it's very important that every deal we do is right for the now, but also protects and helps the progression of the football club in the longer term."

• In terms of outgoing, McKenna is "not sure" if a deal is "possible to be done" between Ipswich and Middlesbrough for George Edmundson, but thinks there are "discussions that are going on that I have not been involved in".

• He said that getting the first home league win against Chelsea "changes the narrative a little bit" as that will have continued to be the "question" asked before every home match: "It took a bit longer, but nice to not have that question now. When we get the second win will be the next question."

• Finally, McKenna said "every journey is unique" when asked if Ipswich can use Brighton as an example: "I'm not sure there is a reference for us or a shining example that we can [follow]. In some ways that is challenging but in other ways it is exciting that there are no rules going from League One to Premier League in two years and making a real good fist of it. We are trying to make decisions that are right and we are going on our own journey."

Catch up on all of Wednesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Ipswich v Brighton from 19:30 GMT on Thursday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Seb Brown
Fan writer

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"Brave, bold but never reckless".

That has been the message from Ipswich Town chief executive Mark Ashton before the past couple of transfer windows. With three weeks left of the January window, what do Ipswich need before it 'slams shut'?

One early arrival looks another shrewd acquisition. Ben Godfrey joined on loan from Atalanta and provides Premier League experience, physicality and pace. His arrival solves a problem position for Town given the injury woes of Axel Tuanzebe.

The attention must now shift to the forward line. Twenty goals scored so far is the third-fewest in the league, as is an average of just 10 shots per game. Ipswich need to improve these numbers in the attacking third if they are to stay up.

At the time of writing a deal for Jaden Philogene remains in limbo. Many fans were expecting the transfer to be completed by now and assuming it goes through then Philogene will provide pace, trickery, ball-carrying ability and will improve the chance creation statistics.

The key position in need of improvement before the window opened was centre-forward. Liam Delap has proven to be a revelation this season and his eight league goals show how dependent Town are on him staying fit.

His natural back-up George Hirst has only managed 180 minutes this season as two separate injuries have disrupted his campaign. It is vital Ipswich can secure another striker to help Delap and Hirst share the workload before the season ends. Delap's all-action playing style takes its toll and the drop in quality when he is substituted is apparent.

The past two January windows have proved masterstrokes from the Ipswich owners and management, providing the springboard for remarkable second halves of the respective seasons.

The recent upturn in league form has given hope that Ipswich can stay in the Premier League, so it is time to be brave and bold again.

Find more from Seb Brown at the Blue Monday Podcast, external

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Former Ipswich midfielder Dominic Ball thinks the progression at the club is "incredible" and believes the Tractor Boys have enough to avoid relegation this season.

Speaking on the latest episode of BBC Radio Suffolk's Final Whistle, Ball, who was part of the Ipswich side that achieved back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League said: "I fully believed before the start of the season that Ipswich would stay up - I still believe that.

"You can see the progression since the manager came in. The fact the lads are now performing in the Premier League at the level they are, I think they've got a very good chance."

"The patterns and the style of play have had continuous progression. Even around the stadium, the club has continued to improve and progress.

"To do that in the space of two-and-a-half years since the manager has been here is incredible."

"To do what the club and players have done is rare, but knowing what goes on with manager, the staff and the players and what they put in - it doesn't surprise me."

Ipswich comfortably beat Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup on Sunday and Ball was keen to praise boss Kieran McKenna for his influence on the team.

"He has that calming, humble attitude which I think goes through every player," Ball said. "I learned a lot from him - I think he's brilliant.

"You can see the respect that the players have shown and the way the manager and coaches prepare. Every game means everything and the FA Cup for Ipswich this year will be massive - he knows that."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's FA Cup game between Ipswich and Bristol Rovers.

Here are some of your comments:

Tim: Very comfortable and completely in control for the whole match. Nice to see that with all the personnel changes, we didn't miss a beat and kept a great formation. We haven't been used to this much possession this season and it was somewhat reminiscent of the last two years. We played 'keep ball' extremely well and Rovers struggled to get a foothold. A great performance.

James: Kalvin Phillips is clearly a confidence player. Hopefully, this goal will give him a boost and we can start to see the best of him.

Pete: Good all-round performance. With a capable striker, it would have been a lot more. Phillips was class and Ben Godfrey had a great debut. Arijanet Muric showed why he's slipped down the order and Ali Al-Hamadi showed why he needs to go out on loan. Jack Clarke's best game in a Town shirt. Brighton & Man City next - confident of four points!

James: As Kieran McKenna said, this was a very enjoyable performance, with lots to like from an all-changed team. We got off to a strong start, scored three good goals (albeit one which was very suspiciously offside!) and made the second half something of a procession. Too often in cup competitions in recent years, no-one in Town's colours has staked a claim for more regular minutes, but McKenna has at least been given food for thought with impressive cameos from Godfrey, Conor Townsend, Phillips and Clarke in particular. Another winnable tie in round four against Coventry, should give the fringe players more chance to shine as we look to build momentum in league and cup.

Thomas: Good solid performance from the reserve team - let's hope they can kick on and beat Brighton on Thursday.

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.

Games will be played over the weekend of 8 February.

• Manchester United v Leicester

• Brighton v Chelsea

• Exeter v Nottingham Forest

• Coventry v Ipswich

• Blackburn v Wolves

• Mansfield/Wigan v Fulham

• Birmingham v Newcastle

• Plymouth v Liverpool

• Everton v Bournemouth

• Aston Villa v Tottenham

• Southampton v Burnley

• Leyton Orient/Derby v Manchester City

• Doncaster v Crystal Palace

See the full draw

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Kieran McKenna spoke to BBC Radio Suffolk after Ipswich defeated Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup: "I thought it was a really good one. Lots of good individual performances. Could have scored more and good to be in the next round. It was a really good match from our perspective and a really enjoyable watch, even from the sidelines. We gave nothing away and left with a clean sheet.

On Kalvin Phillips' goal: "Nice for him to get his first goal. They both did a really good job in there and connected well with their team-mates.

On Jack Clarke's first goal: "It's an important one and it's nice for him to get it. His relationship with Townsend looked really good down the left.

"It's a brilliant competition and we want to go as far as we can and give the supporters some memories. We also want the games this year, we've got a big squad we want to give them some minutes.

On Ben Godfrey's debut: "It was good to get him in, it was an opportunity to do so. He hasn't had much game time but he did well and showed his quality on the ball.

On fourth round draw: "Let's see who we get. We've had some good away ties this year and if we get a home one then so be it."

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Jack Clarke was directly involved in as many goals in Sunday's victory as in his first 17 games for Ipswich combined (two assists).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

What did you make of Ipswich's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

The FA Cup third round continues on Sunday, with several Premier League teams in action:

• Tamworth v Tottenham (12:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Arsenal v Manchester United - watch live on BBC One, iPlayer, the BBC Sport website & app

• Crystal Palace v Stockport - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Ipswich v Bristol Rovers

• Newcastle v Bromley - watch live on Red Button, iPlayer, the BBC Sport website & app and listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Southampton v Swansea (16:30)

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 FA Cup third round games and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.

For this week's matches he is up against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who is a Liverpool fan.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Less than two years ago this was a game in League One - which shows how far Ipswich have come, and so quickly.

Ipswich are giving staying up a real go. I can't help my feelings for them as an ex-Norwich player, but my admiration for them is growing on a weekly basis because they are competitive in every game and they always give themselves a chance.

Still, they must have been kicking themselves after their draw with Fulham on Sunday. That was not the first time they have conceded late on this season, and those careless goals are really costing them.

Ipswich are not going to struggle in this one though. They will have too much for Bristol Rovers, who are having a tough time in League One.

Billy's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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The FA Cup third round is well under way, with Premier League sides Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa the clubs already booking their places in the fourth-round draw with wins on Thursday and Friday.

But for other sides hoping for a healthy cup run this season, when will the draw take place?

The draw will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following the conclusion of the Arsenal v Manchester United tie, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday.

It will include 32 teams - with all third-round matches this weekend settled on the day - and the resulting ties will be played over the weekend commencing Saturday, 8 February.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol Rovers (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• George Hirst could return from injury, which would be a "big boost" for the side, while Conor Chaplin is still "a few weeks away" and Sam Szmodics is in a boot after being injured in the match against Fulham - he will be "assessed on Monday".

• McKenna said new signing Ben Godfrey is "ready" to feature: "He has been training been very hard. He hasn't had a lot of match minutes recently but he has looked fit and ready in training. He will be involved in the game on Sunday."

• On whether there could be more incomings or outgoings before Sunday: "You never know. Things can move a bit quicker than expected but also slower than expected. It is not where my focus is at the moment. We have been getting ready in training, not just for Bristol Rovers but we know the turnaround in games is pretty quick to Brighton and Manchester City."

• Despite reports that Ipswich have agreed a deal with Aston Villa for Jaden Philogene, McKenna said: "Nothing to say really. He is still an Aston Villa player first and foremost. There is no deal or completion as far as I'm aware. Until that changes, or if it changes, then I'm sure the club will announce."

• The Ipswich boss feels this round of the FA Cup "comes at a good time" after the busy Christmas period and confirmed there "will be changes to the team".

• On how "special" the FA Cup is: "If you can win one or two rounds in this competition then everyone will start to dream a bit. Supporters, staff and players alike will all think what is possible. But that is not for now. Sunday is about doing best to get through to the next round."

• McKenna said of defender Janoi Donacien, who has joined Chesterfield: "Just a great guy, positive energy, great vibe all the time, really good in the dressing room and has written his place in the history of the football club, like so many others in that group."

Catch up on Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Aston Villa's Jaden Philogene is due for a medical at Ipswich ahead of a permanent move to Portman Road.

The winger is expected to complete the switch for around £20m plus add ons, ending his brief six-month return to Villa Park.

Philogene also had European interest, including from La Liga, but Ipswich are due to finally end their pursuit of the England Under-21 international.

They agreed a fee of around £18m with Hull in the summer only for Villa to activate their buy-back option - having sold Philogene to the Tigers in 2023.

Hull received about £13.5m of the fee because Villa had a 30% sell-on clause in the agreement which took him to the KC Stadium.

The 22-year-old chose to rejoin Unai Emery's side but has managed just four starts, including against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and 11 substitute appearances.

Ipswich maintained their interest and have now convinced Philogene - who was keen on working with boss Kieran McKenna last summer - to move to Suffolk.

The Tractor Boys are looking to add to their squad as they battle for survival and have already signed defender Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta.