Former Welshpool player becomes Ipswich coach

Former Welshpool Town midfielder Gary Roberts has been appointed first-team coach at Ipswich Town.

The 37-year-old was appointed to new manager Paul Cook’s coaching setup at Portman Road and it is the latest twist to an impressive career in the professional game which took off following his Welshpool days.

Born in Liverpool, Roberts began his career at the Liverpool academy but after being released in 2001, he signed for Denbigh Town and also played youth team football for Bala Town.

He then went on to play first-team football for Rhyl, Bangor City and finally Welshpool Town, before his full-time career started at Accrington Stanley, then members of the National League, halfway through the 2004/05 season. 

He played 14 games for Ipswich Town on loan before making it a permanent deal in the January transfer window of that season.

Gary’s first goal for Town came against Derby County in November 2006, and in total he would make 40 league appearances for the Club, scoring four goals.

A four-year spell with Huddersfield was up next, as Gary became a fans’ favourite at The John Smith’s Stadium. He turned out 162 times for The Terriers in the league and would leave the club in 2012 after his contract expired.

Since then he has played for Swindon, Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan, as well as short spells with Bala Town and Accrington this season.

He most recently featured for Accrington - who he leaves to join Town - on January 19 away to Hull City.

PICTURE (from www.itfc.co.uk): Gary Roberts moves into coaching role.