Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed that he is releasing central defender Ibrahima Sonko at the end of the season. However, midfielder Grant Leadbitter’s situation is still up in the air despite the Blues manager’s conversation with owner Marcus Evans earlier this week and a lengthy chat with the player yesterday, while Tommy Smith is set to sign a new deal.
Town s US U20 keeper Cody Cropper made his first appearance since undergoing knee surgery in December and saved a penalty as the Blues’ U18s beat Birmingham 3-1 at home on Saturday, their first league win since November.
Assistant boss Chris Hutchings says Town will be looking to ensure that they at least beat last season’s finish of 13th place between now and the end of the campaign. After 34 games, the Blues currently sit in 15th on 44 points, 18 fewer than last year’s ultimate total, with a play-off push possible but unlikely.