Not that I want him mind....

IPSWICH PUT WRIGHT ON TRANSFER LIST

England goalkeeper Richard Wright has been put up for sale by Premiership newcomers Ipswich Town.

Wright, who made his England debut in the 2-1 friendly victory in Malta on June 3 when he conceded two penalties, has been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks said in a statement: "Regrettably, we have been unable to make any progress after further discussions with Richard Wright and his agent.

"Richard is not prepared to sign a new contract at the moment and this leaves the club no option other than to make him available for transfer, which we are now doing.

"The reason for this is that he has only one year remaining under current terms with Ipswich Town and we cannot afford to jeopardise his transfer value which would be to the detriment of the club.

"This is disappointing news but not necessarily the end of matter. The door is still open and we certainly haven't given up hope yet that between now and the start of the season Richard may still agree a new contract with us."

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2000

Answers

So Ipswich will be needing a new keeper........ Even if we don't go for him (depends on price) it could be an opportunity to off-load one of ours. Any suggestions?

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2000

At the Bloody wrong time for NUFC. Unless of course no-one makes a move over the summer for the lad. But this summer is just the right time to acquire a couple of Englands top young talents.

Richard Wright probably sees his stock at an all time high as he hasn't had to face the premierships top strikers yet, so he can't be found out. He probably realises that if he signs for an EPL team he is more than likely to be the number 2 keeper. Suits me. Part exchange deal of Given + cash. All parties are happy. Both Given and Harper get to be the number one striker, while Wright can be eased into the EPL behind an experienced keeper.

I'm actually surprised no-one has really moved on Carl Cort yet. I think if this continues he may be available for less than the 6 million Wimbledon are looking for.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

According to today's Journal The Toon are in for 26 year-old keeper Matt Clarke from Bradford City for #1.5mm - assuming Clarke fancies the move.
Personally, I'd go for Wright if Ipwsich could be persuaded to take Shay Given in part ex. valued at not less than #3mm. Let's go for the best - if Clarke comes in we'll have three similar keepers, none of them truly top-class, and one of them will soon get pissed off anyway not even getting on the bench.
Short-sighted, financial expediency doesn't pay off in the long term.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

I can't beleive we'd be looking at him. Where do the Journal get their leads from?

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

I'd actually be quite happy. Offload Given and buy a decent second keeper as number 2. Sign some young lad for the future (not Wright) and then give Harper the number one shirt. Competition for places is all well and good if you're an outfield player but surely it destroys keepers confidence. that's exactly what Shaka said by the way after he went to West Ham.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000