Town skipper Carlos Edwards admits he is facing an uncertain future with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Signed from Sunderland by then manager Roy Keane in September 2009, which makes him one of the longest-serving members of manager Mick McCarthy’s senior squad, he is in the dark about whether he will be offered a new deal or released on a free transfer.

Edwards, 35, has only started eight league games this season and appeared as a substitute in a further six, scoring only one goals, and was asked if he had even considered asking for a move away from Portman Road,

He said: “No, I have not, but you never know what will happen. I will have a word with the manager to see what his long-term plans are for me. If he wants me to stay [beyond the end of the season] I will chew off his hand, no problem, because my entire family are comfortable here.

“I feel as if I was born in Suffolk because it’s such a big part of me, so if the manager wants me to extend my stay here I will gladly do that. What is my gut feeling? To be fair, I really don’t know. It’s a question that I can’t even answer myself.

“Maybe in the near future, as we get closer to the end of the season, I might just have a word with him to see what his plan is. At this present time I don’t want to go in with guns blazing to ask him ‘What’s the situation? I need to look after myself.’

“I’ll just have to wait and see. I feel fit enough to prolong my career, whether it’s here or elsewhere. I think I still have something to give and I’m hoping it could be here at Ipswich.”

Edwards started three recent games — the FA Cup third round tie and replay with Preston and the league defeat at Millwall — but only boss Mick McCarthy knows if he will retain his place for Saturday’s home clash with sixth-placed Reading.

Meanwhile, former Town keeper Arran Lee-Barrett has extended his contract at Bolton until the end of the season. The 29-year-old initially joined the Trotters in October but is yet to make his debut.

Photo: Action Images

Gingerblues added 07:39 - Jan 24 Wow Phil you have surpassed all previous records for splitting a player interview into different stories ;-)
0

Gingerblues added 07:40 - Jan 24 But love you for it, what would we do without TWTD in that void between games!
2

ericclacton added 07:49 - Jan 24 Welcome to the real world, everybody is uncertain of their future, fact of life.
4

DurhamTownFan added 08:13 - Jan 24 I'd say he could do another year, but I reckon other teams could offer him more regular football.. But if he decides to 'retire' from the professional game why not join the massing ranks of ex town players at Needham?! ;-)
2

bontcho added 08:16 - Jan 24 I expect him to go to a lower league club that is commutable from Suffolk next year. He's a useful squad player but i reckon he will want more games. Somewhere like Dagenham or Cambridge (if they go up) perhaps.
1

TrabzonBlue added 08:28 - Jan 24 We would do far worse than hire Carlos as a full time coach at Town once he hangs his boots up. He has a great attitude and is a shining example to players when it comes to staying fit and prolonging your career. Our very own Giggsy if you will (without the extramarital baggage - allegedly).
1

Wickets added 09:10 - Jan 24 A bit to laid back for management ect. ? what do you think.
1

carsey added 09:34 - Jan 24 bontcho - you are forgetting something "he can't drive a car, he can't drive a car, Carlos Edwards, he can't drive a car" so the idea of him going to another club is out of the question unless there is a regular bus service.
1

truckerblue added 09:59 - Jan 24 Carsey- his ban must nearly be finished by now though isn't it?
-1

masetheace added 10:10 - Jan 24 Goodbye - thanks - and good luck !
0

Casbo added 10:50 - Jan 24 Spot on ericclacton. Most people have a pretty uncertain future in the work place, and most have not be paid the kind of money Edwards has during his career.
2

irishtim added 13:49 - Jan 24 Maybe a player coach role could be offered.
-1

Michael11 added 13:50 - Jan 24 In all honesty, this should be his last season with us. He's been without doubt Keane's best signing and been a very good servant through tough times here. Wish him all the best but if we're not prepared to spend money on players then his wage should be going towards someone who will play more of a part.
-1

Roola added 13:58 - Jan 24 He can drive the team bus.
-1

Garv added 14:21 - Jan 24 Right back.
-1

brendenward35 added 14:29 - Jan 24 news from sky sports - We understand that Ipswich Town are set to sign Middlesbrough defender Fraizer Richardson on loan.
-1

blueboy1981 added 18:07 - Jan 24 ....... could do a fantastic job for a Club such as Colchester, for a couple of seasons anyway.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls