"A weird decision" - Ipswich Town criticised over Middlesbrough, George Edmundson stance | OneFootball

Ipswich Town recalled the defender after Michael Carrick's side tabled two bids for him.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Middlesbrough recovered from an incredibly disappointing 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth at the weekend by running out 2-0 winners over West Brom on Tuesday to retake fifth place in the Championship.

Inconsistency has been the major issue for Michael Carrick's side this season, and it has stopped them from joining in the fight for the top two, with Leeds United, Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland running away at the top of the table.

However, Boro do have a strong chance of finishing in the play-off places by the time the campaign comes to an end, and their attacking strength will give them the edge over their rivals in the coming months.

Despite this, ahead of their clash with the Baggies, Middlesbrough were rocked by Ipswich Town's decision to recall George Edmundson from his loan at the Riverside, after they launched two bids to bring the 27-year-old in on a permanent contract.

Ipswich Town criticsed following George Edmundson recall decision

The defender made 20 appearances while on loan at the Teessiders, and was incredibly solid throughout.

But, with Ipswich recalling him, they have lost one of their core squad members, and there will be a desire from Carrick to see him return to Teesside sooner rather than later.

The Tractor Boys are believed to have rejected a bid of £350,000 plus add-ons for Edmundson's services, and Football League World's Middlesbrough Fan Pundit, Jasper Hudson, thinks that his team should not offer much more for Edmundson when asked how much he believes he is worth.

He told FLW: "It seemed a weird decision by Ipswich to recall him, especially on the day of the game, and I think the tone I got from the club statement about it was one of frustration, and I'm sure Carrick, the coaching staff and the board were a bit annoyed.

"We took him in on loan, and we've given him plenty of game time, even when his performances haven't warranted it.

"We've made what I see as a fair offer for a player out of contract in six months and over the last three weeks now he hasn't been performing to a good enough level.

"So, while I can understand the club's frustration from a fan’s perspective, I'm happy about it. It meant Carrick couldn't play him, which is good because, in my opinion, Clarke, Van den Berg and Fry are all better than him."

Jasper continued: "I wouldn't offer anything more than what we've offered and if a deal isn’t done, I wouldn't be too upset. We've got three better centre-backs, in my opinion. I'd much rather see them all start if Ipswich aren't willing to accept a deal which I believe is in the region of £350,000, including add-ons.

"That’s more than fair for a player who I'd probably value at around the £400,000 mark. Whether it's a bargaining tool or not, I think it's backfired on Ipswich, and I don't think the club will go any higher. I think we'll stick where we are at now and if we don't get him, it's not a major loss, I don't think."

Middlesbrough do not face competition in their fight for George Edmundson

Although Ipswich have recalled Edmundson, Middlesbrough are the only club with the ability to sign and play the defender this season as he has made an appearance already for the Tractor Boys.

This makes the challenge of bringing the 27-year-old back to the Riverside easier, and with his contract running out at the end of the campaign, Kieran McKenna may be forced into a decision soon.

Boro may have to up their bid slightly to ensure that they secure the services of the former Derby County loanee on a permanent basis, but the cover he can provide at a relatively cheap price makes him an excellent target and Carrick seems set on trying to acquire him once again.