Ex-Eagles forward Aluko joins technical staff of newly-promoted Ipswich Town

Sone Aluko, former Super Eagles forward, has been appointed to the backroom staff of Ipswich Town.

In a statement on Monday, the newly promoted English Premier League (EPL) club announced that Aluko joined the technical crew following his retirement from professional football in May.

The 35-year-old will be a first-team coach, working alongside Kieran McKenna, the team’s manager.

“The Club is pleased to announce that Sone Aluko has joined Kieran McKenna’s backroom staff as a First-Team Coach,” the statement said.

“Sone, who played for the Blues between August 2021 and May 2024, announced his retirement from playing this summer.

“During his career Sone represented numerous clubs including Aberdeen, Rangers, Hull City and Fulham, as well as playing international football with Nigeria, before arriving at Portman Road.”

Speaking on his appointment, Aluko described his new role as “a fantastic opportunity” to transition into the next phase of his career.

“It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first-team coaching staff here at the club,” the former Eagles player said.

“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.”

Aluko was born in London to Gbenga Aluko, a former Nigerian senator who died in 2021. He made his Eagles debut in 2009 and played for the team seven times and scored twice.

Ipswich Town was promoted to the EPL last season after 22 years away from the top flight.