IPSWICH Town's longest-serving player Richard Naylor has told the club that he will be happy to sign for life.The 28-year-old is tied to the Blues until the summer of 2009 after recently extending a contract that originally ran out at the end of this season.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's longest-serving player Richard Naylor has told the club that he will be happy to sign for life.

The 28-year-old is tied to the Blues until the summer of 2009 after recently extending a contract that originally ran out at the end of this season.

The central defender has missed just two games this season - both through suspensions - and is gearing himself up to face his home town club next Tuesday when Leeds United are in town for a Championship match.

Naylor has been granted a testimonial game and this is pencilled in for Portman Road on Saturday, September 2 against Ipswich's 2000 Wembley play-off-winning side.

He said: “If there was a contract there now for me to sign until I was 36 I would do it.

“I am quite happy to sign for Ipswich Town for life.

“I really enjoy playing for the club and if it turns out that I spend the whole of my career with Town then that would suit me fine.

“Over the past few years I have signed short-term deals. This is understandable because of the knee problems I once had - and having been switched to defence from attack.

“My current contract takes me to my early 30s, but I hope to be able to play a lot of football after that.

“Having security until 2009 is a weight off my mind, especially with a young family to look after.”

Naylor joined Ipswich from school and has made nearly 300 first team appearances - 105 as a substitute. The converted striker has scored 40 goals.