Ex-Super Eagles winger, Omatsone Folarin Aluko, has been appointed as a part of the backroom staff with English Premier League newbies, Ipswich Town, Soccernet.ng reports.
Aluko represented Nigeria after playing for England’s youth team. He scored two goals in seven games for the Super Eagles and narrowly missed out on the AFCON 2013 winning squad due to an injury.
The 35-year-old hung up his boots at the end of last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 62 appearances across four years for The Tractor boys. As per the club’s official website, Aluko will join Kieran McKenna’s coaching team.
Welcome to the coaching team, Sone!
Sone Aluko has started his position as First-Team Coach, while David Martin has joined in a role that will see him assist in goalkeeper development throughout the Academy pathway. 🤝
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) July 8, 2024
“It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first-team coaching staff here at the Club. 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,” the former Rangers attacker told the club’s official website.
McKenna, who was linked with the head coach role at Manchester United and Chelsea, was delighted to have Aluko on board.
“We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team. His work ethic and values have been important for the Club over the last few years, and we know he will continue to bring those qualities to his new role. Sone has strong relationships with players and staff at the Club and he will be a big addition for us,” the manager added.
Aluko’s older sister, Eniola, is a former footballer who played for England 102 times at full international level, before retiring in 2020.