Gary Roberts becomes first-team coach at Ipswich Town
ABERYSTWYTH, WALES - 09 DECEMBER 2020: Gary Roberts of Bala Town scores a penalty to make it 1 all during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Aberystwyth Town F.C and Bala Town F.C, Aberystwyth, Wales. Pics by John Smith / FAW
Gary Roberts has become first-team coach at EFL League One side Ipswich Town, all but bringing an end to a lengthy and illustrious playing career.
The attacking midfielder is to work under a familiar face in Paul Cook after he was appointed as manager earlier this week, following the departure of Paul Lambert.
Roberts, whose contract at the Wham Stadium was terminated, incidentally was in the stands as Ipswich claimed a 2-1 victory over his former employers.
Commenting on the appointment, Cook said: “I’ve worked with Gary before and we are both looking forward to meeting up with all the other staff at Ipswich and working together to give us the best possible chance of winning promotion this season.”
Roberts joins the Tractor Boys just two months after moving to Accrington Stanley following his exit from Bala Town after the suspension of Cymru Premier football.
The 36-year-old made four appearances for the Lakesiders, scoring one goal, after making the move from Wigan Athletic, of whom he departed in November 2020.
Roberts’ senior footballing career began in Wales after playing for the likes of Denbigh Town and Bala at youth level.
He would play for Bangor City, Rhyl and Welshpool Town before moving to Accrington Stanley, where he would help them to their promotion to the Football League.
The Scouse-born midfielder would later feature for Ipswich Town and Crewe Alexandra, before becoming a fan favourite at Huddersfield Town, where he made 192 appearances.
Roberts later played for Chesterfield, Portsmouth, Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic where he won two League Two titles, as well as promotion to the Championship with Wigan Athletic, of whom Paul Cook was manager.
