‘He’s a representation of the club’s journey’ – McKenna on Woolfenden’s new contract.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna feels Luke Woolfenden, a homegrown centre-back, has yet to reach his full potential.

The 26-year-old, who was born and bred in Ipswich, moved through the Playford Road system and helped the team advance from League One to the Premier League.

He just signed a new deal until 2027, which, if he stays, will bring his professional career with the Blues to a decade.

“We’re pleased,” added McKenna, who has started Woolfenden in eight of the 24 Premier League games this season.

“Luke is a vital player for us right now. This year, he has done well in the games he has played.

“He is also a vital part of the squad and, in many ways, represents the club’s journey.

“With Harry (Clarke) and Cameron (Humphreys) both being out on loan now, he’s the player who has been here the longest and has that connection with the academy.”

Woolfenden claims he was disgruntled to be loaned out to League Two club Swindon by newly-appointed manager Paul Hurst. He watched from afar as Ipswich finished bottom of the Championship.

After being linked with a move to the Premier League in 2020, he struggled under Paul Lambert in League One and was eventually dropped by Paul Cook. He recalls feeling dissatisfied with his current location, Ipswich.

Woolfenden played a key role in consecutive promotions when McKenna joined the team. When promoted to the Premier League, he had same emotions as everyone else.

“Luke has had a difficult time here,” McKenna remarked. “He knows the context and can share it with others. He can discuss some of the current issues and how they compare to those that the team experienced a few years ago.

“He is a vital member of both the squad and the club, and he deserves a new contract.

“I think he’s still evolving and maturing.Centre-halves grow a little later occasionally, and I believe he is still refining many elements of his game, and I am confident he will continue to do so.”

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk