What Luke Woolfenden has said about Ipswich Town 'politics' has got fans talking online - he "won't be missed" | OneFootball

Coventry City's Luke Woolfenden has suggested 'politics' were behind his lack of game time at Ipswich Town last season.

Luke Woolfenden has suggested club ‘politics’ was a factor behind his lack of game time for Ipswich Town last season.

The centre-back, who came through the ranks at Portman Road, completed a transfer to Coventry City in the summer, ending his association with the Tractor Boys.

Woolfenden was a hugely popular figure during his time at the club, with the defender playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League under Kieran McKenna.

Luke Woolfenden makes Ipswich Town claim after Coventry City transfer

However, the arrival of Jacob Greaves and particularly Dara O’Shea pushed Woolfenden down the pecking order, so he played just 15 times in the top-flight.

Therefore, Woolfenden was looking to leave this summer, and it was Coventry who won the race for his signature.

And, whilst speaking to Coventry's media team prior to this past weekend's 5-0 drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday, the 26-year-old opened up on leaving Ipswich, as he indicated that ‘politics’ influenced McKenna’s team selection.

“For me, it’s just about being ready when that time comes. I’m completely fine with that, because I was at a club where, regardless of whether you took your opportunity or not, there was politics behind it that you weren’t in the team for that reason or this reason," Woolfenden said.

Naturally, this became a talking point for Ipswich fans, with one pointing out that the other players were ahead of Woolfenden for a reason, stating it was simply footballing reasons…

Meanwhile, one Ipswich fan was quick to point out that Woolfenden was happy to sign a new contract in January despite his apparent disappointment at the situation.

That point was raised by another fan, who also highlighted how Ipswich struggled in the top flight, no matter who was in defence.

Finally, a fan questioned whether this could impact Woolfenden's legacy at the club, with the defender having been appreciated by those on the terraces for the way he performed in a blue shirt.

Ipswich Town have quality defensive options under Kieran McKenna

These comments are quite surprising, as Woolfenden was a key figure for the team that won back-to-back promotions, so they will always be fondly remembered by the fans.

But, clearly, the player wasn't happy with his lack of game time in the previous campaign, and we should respect the fact he has spoken about that honestly to the media.

You would imagine Ipswich and McKenna disagree with the comments, and the reality is that the club are well-stocked for defensive options, which is why they were happy to sanction Woolfenden's departure this summer.

Dara O'Shea has emerged as a leader and captain for the club, with Cedric Kipre proving his quality in a convincing display against Norwich on Sunday, whilst Jacob Greaves is another proven performer at this level.

In truth, Ipswich have strength in depth all over the pitch, so that means McKenna has to make some tough decisions over who gets in the XI.