Appointment Of Aluko Into Managerial Position Big Boost For Us-Ipswich Town Coach

Former Super Eagles winger, Sone Aluko has been appointed as one of the first team coaches of newly promoted Premier League side, Ipswich Town.

The 35-year-old retired from football at the end of last season following a career that saw him spend majority of his time in England.

He spent the last three years of his career at Ipswich Town as a player, and he was part of the team that gained promotion to the Premier League last season despite not enjoying regular playing time.

Aluko represented the likes of Birmingham City, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Rangers, Hull City, Fulham, Reading and Beijing Renhe before hanging his boots at Ipswich Town at the of last season.

He has now been drafted in as one of the assistants to head coach, Kieran McKenna ahead of their sojourn in the Premier League.

Aluko started a bespoke UEFA B coaching course provided by the PFA last year and spent many part of last season helping the team.

He has expressed his delight at the opportunity to be part of the team’s coaching crew.

Aluko said: “It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first -team coaching staff here at the club.

“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.”

Similarly, Ipswich Town coach, Kieran McKenna was full of praise for Sone Aluko, describing him as one of the best people he has met in football.

McKenna said, “He’s one of the best people I’ve met in football. His emotional intelligence, his empathy, his selflessness for a fantastic football player is absolutely off the scale. The way that he’s helped me, the staff, Samy (Morsy) and the other leaders to manage the group, the way he’s supported his team-mates, the way he’s put the group before himself on so many occasions, has been absolutely massive for us.”

McKenna is confident Aluko will continue to show his sterling qualities as part of the coaching crew.

He added, “We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team. 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.”

Aluko made his Super Eagles debut against Northern Ireland in May 2009 under the tutelage of the late Stephen Keshi.

He made a total of seven appearances for Nigeria, scoring two goals.

Aluko became the second Nigerian to be appointed into a key position in the Premier League after former Super Eagles midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana was appointed as an international scout by Chelsea to cover Africa.