Former Nigeria international Sone Aluko has been appointed as first-team coach of Premier League club Ipswich Town.
Read Also: Coach Akande Fatai Smith Slams Abia Comets For Releasing 21 Players, Says It Shows Lack Of Structure
The 35-year-old winger joined the Tractor Boys from Reading and announced his retirement from active football on May 6, 2024, after helping the club secure promotion to the English top-flight.
Before his move to Portman Road, Aluko had a distinguished playing career, representing Aberdeen, Rangers, Hull City, Fulham, Reading, and Chinese outfit Beijing Renhe. His wealth of experience will now be channeled into coaching, where he will work under Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
“It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first-team coaching staff here at the Club,” Aluko told the club’s website. “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.”
Manager Kieran McKenna expressed his delight in adding Aluko to his technical team. “We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team,” McKenna said. “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.”
Ipswich Town will begin their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 17.
Aluko has a rich international history, having represented England at various youth levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria. He was part of the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup squad in Egypt and scored his first goal for the Super Eagles in a 2-2 draw during a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Aluko’s transition from player to coach marks an exciting new chapter for Ipswich Town as they aim to make a strong impact in the Premier League.
