davieG Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 So he's definitely gone then McAuley - Don't judge me on Fox's woes Source 18 June 2008 | 11:05 ELVIN KING IPSWICH Town's new £1.1million signing Gareth McAuley today told Blues fans not to judge him on Leicester City's relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship last season. The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international defender will be completing his move to Portman Road today - bringing a successful conclusion to Town manager Jim Magilton's long pursuit of the former Lincoln player. McAuley is expected to sign a three-year deal making him the second defensive signing this week after Dutch youngster Pim Balkestein. While Town have landed their main defensive target they missed out on Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty, who they made a cash-plus player bid this week. The 20-year-old is set to move to Glasgow Rangers. Although McAuley was a regular in the relegated Leicester side he can point to failings at the other end of the park as to why the Walkers Stadium-based side will be playing in League One next season. Leicester conceded just 45 goals, but scored only a paltry 42. Only Ipswich (14) conceded less goals at home than Leicester (19) while only Crystal Palace (19) and Wolves (23) let in less than the Foxes (26) on their travels. "Our defensive record at Leicester last season speaks for itself," said McAuley, who underwent a medical yesterday and wants to continue to forward his career with the Blues at club and international level. He is the first big name to leave the Walkers Stadium since relegation and he is set to play a big part in Magilton's push to the Premier League in 2008/09 - and possible take over from the departed Jason De Vos as captain. Magilton made two bids for McAuley in the January transfer window and made no secret of his intention to continue to pursue his fellow countryman in the close season. McAuley, 6ft 3in tall, joined Leicester on a free transfer from Lincoln in the summer of 2006 after his contract at Sincil Bank came to an end. He has been capped ten times by Northern Ireland, and signed an extended contract at Leicester in February that took him to the summer of 2011. The Midlands club would not confirm whether there was an 'escape' clause if Leicester were relegated.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 The Mercury said "City Star Leaves". MacAuley's left, but what about this "star" player?
Uncle Albert Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 I would say thanks for everything but... Doesnt seem right somehow.
Phlashman Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Personally I thought he was only good when playing next to Kisnorbo, if Kisnorbo wasn't there he used to make a few mistakes.
Number 6 Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 They seem to think he's better than he is. Good bit of business I think, replace him with a solid younger CB and I will be very happy.
Uncle Albert Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Personally I thought he was only good when playing next to Kisnorbo, if Kisnorbo wasn't there he used to make a few mistakes. McAuley had his best game of the season when he wasnt playing with Kisnorbo. Last game of the season.
Katy Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 So he's definitely gone thenMcAuley - Don't judge me on Fox's woes Source 18 June 2008 | 11:05 ELVIN KING IPSWICH Town's new £1.1million signing Gareth McAuley today told Blues fans not to judge him on Leicester City's relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship last season. The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international defender will be completing his move to Portman Road today - bringing a successful conclusion to Town manager Jim Magilton's long pursuit of the former Lincoln player. McAuley is expected to sign a three-year deal making him the second defensive signing this week after Dutch youngster Pim Balkestein. While Town have landed their main defensive target they missed out on Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty, who they made a cash-plus player bid this week. The 20-year-old is set to move to Glasgow Rangers. Although McAuley was a regular in the relegated Leicester side he can point to failings at the other end of the park as to why the Walkers Stadium-based side will be playing in League One next season. Leicester conceded just 45 goals, but scored only a paltry 42. Only Ipswich (14) conceded less goals at home than Leicester (19) while only Crystal Palace (19) and Wolves (23) let in less than the Foxes (26) on their travels. "Our defensive record at Leicester last season speaks for itself," said McAuley, who underwent a medical yesterday and wants to continue to forward his career with the Blues at club and international level. He is the first big name to leave the Walkers Stadium since relegation and he is set to play a big part in Magilton's push to the Premier League in 2008/09 - and possible take over from the departed Jason De Vos as captain. Magilton made two bids for McAuley in the January transfer window and made no secret of his intention to continue to pursue his fellow countryman in the close season. McAuley, 6ft 3in tall, joined Leicester on a free transfer from Lincoln in the summer of 2006 after his contract at Sincil Bank came to an end. He has been capped ten times by Northern Ireland, and signed an extended contract at Leicester in February that took him to the summer of 2011. The Midlands club would not confirm whether there was an 'escape' clause if Leicester were relegated. If there was then I'm annoyed, where's the incentive to do well there then? Players who are instrumental in a clubs relegation should be forced to stay and get them back up, bloody bastards.
Stevosevic Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 I would be pleased if we spent the money wisely, chances of that happening? Pretty slim unfortunately.
Corky Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 I would rather lose McAuley than Kisnorbo, so goodbye Gareth. A £1.1 million profit is a great bit of business
MC Prussian Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 £1.1 Million? Is magilton mad? I'm going mad when I think about what Mandaric's going to do with that extra money. Has he ever been good at investment?
MikeyT Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 If there was then I'm annoyed, where's the incentive to do well there then? Players who are instrumental in a clubs relegation should be forced to stay and get them back up, bloody bastards. I actually kind of agree with that!!!
filbertway Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Spend that £1 million on melchiot, it makes sense.
Samilktray Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Overrated. I think we should be able to replace him with the money gained. If not... Mr Rowe-Turner.
DBEightyFive Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 See ya. Good luck with the tractor boys. Wave at us when we storm past you on route to the Premiership......and wake up!!
MC Prussian Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Spend that £1 million on melchiot, it makes sence. Yeah, replace an average 28-year old central defender with a fading 31-year Dutch international... Sure. That'd make two N'Gottys. But with Milan Mandaric, you never know...
Toby or not Toby Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 Yeah, replace an average 28-year old central defender with a fading 32-year Dutch international...Sure. That'd make two N'Gottys. He wouldn't come anyway. Is there any good League 2 centre backs we could sign?
Samilktray Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 He wouldn't come anyway. Is there any good League 2 centre backs we could sign? Efe Sodje. Hes league 2 isnt he?
Cheese Me Posted 18 June 2008 Posted 18 June 2008 I would have preferred him to stay but a good but of cash so not too worried about this. As long as we keep: Hume Weso Kisnorbo Gradel And preferably at least one of Stearman and Mattock and don't waste the money we get in I won't be too upset
davieG Posted 18 June 2008 Author Posted 18 June 2008 I doubt we'll see much of that if any going on players.
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