Ipswich Town has officially announced the signing of Ashley Young, the seasoned full-back and former England international, on a one-year contract. This move marks a significant addition to the squad as they prepare for their return to the Championship.

Ashley Young, who celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this month, was released by Everton at the conclusion of the previous season. With a career spanning over two decades, Young has amassed an impressive 750 club appearances, beginning with his debut for Watford in 2003. His international career includes 39 caps for England, showcasing his enduring talent and dedication to the sport.

Kieran McKenna, the head coach of Ipswich Town, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing. "Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves," McKenna stated on the club’s official website. "He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness throughout his career and is still performing at a very good level. We believe his leadership and experience will be invaluable to our group this season, and he is very eager to contribute both on and off the pitch."

Ipswich Town’s return to the Championship will commence with an away game against Birmingham City on Friday, 8 August. The addition of Ashley Young is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities and provide mentorship to younger players.

This signing is a testament to Ipswich Town’s ambition to make a strong impact in the Championship, leveraging the experience of a player who has been at the pinnacle of English football for many years.