Former Ipswich Town and Birmingham City player receives his first coaching role

Former Ipswich Town midfielder Stephen Gleeson has been appointed first-team player-coach at non-league club Hitchin Town.

The 35-year-old joined the Canaries in November 2021, following spells with Solihull Moors and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Gleeson was unable to keep them from being relegated this season, as they finished fourth from bottom in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

MANAGEMENT UPDATE

We can also now confirm how Brett’s management and backroom team looks ahead of the new season. Read the update here:https://t.co/SwDAqUFV5P

Once again, for those leaving @HitchinTownFC thanks for your service.

💛💚

— Hitchin Town FC (@HitchinTownFC) May 13, 2024

Manager Brett Donnelly has altered his management and backroom staff, with Gleeson becoming a first-team player coach at Top Field.

He has also been retained as a member of the playing squad, with Hitchin poised to compete in the eighth division for the first time since 2010/11. They’ll be hoping to rebound at the first opportunity next season.

During his brief stint with the Blues under Mick McCarthy in the second half of the 2017/18 season, the Irishman appeared in ten games.

He was not granted a new contract at Portman Road at the end of the season and went on to join Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen in the summer of 2018.