Dozzell signs Pro deal.

[Bluemike]

Midfielder Andre Dozzell turns 17 today and has signed his two-year professional contract with the Blues.

The first-year scholar formally put pen to paper on the deal last week after tying up the loose ends of a contract which was agreed in principle when he signed his two-year academy scholarship in 2013.

Players cannot sign professional contracts until they are 17 and then only for a maximum of two years.

Dozzell, who has been watched by Premier League sides including Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham, recently scored on his senior debut having come on as a sub at Sheffield Wednesday and then made his full debut at home to Fulham a few days later.

Speaking last week, the former Copleston High School pupil said his target for next season is to play regularly: "The aim for me now [is] to be in and around the first-team squad but I know I’ve got to work hard in pre-season.

“I’ll keep working hard and hopefully I can cement a place in the first-team squad next season.”

His father, former Blues midfielder and current academy coach Jason, recently told TWTD that there's nowhere better for his son to be at this stage of his career.

“Ipswich is the best place for him," he said. "The manager likes him. His pathway at the moment is Ipswich Town.

“If he goes to a big club his pathway would be blocked, there will be a lot more players, a lot more better players, I would imagine.

“I’m happy with the way he’s progressing, I’m happy with how they’re looking after him as a parent and that’s all you can ask for really.”

Andre is currently away with the England U17s squad at the European Championships in Azerbaijan.

They play their first game against Sweden on Friday, then face France three days later, before they complete their group fixtures with a match against Denmark on Thursday 12th May.

Town also have three players on standby for the tournament, keeper Nick Hayes, striker Ben Morris and schoolboy midfielder Tristan Nydam.

Very good news indeed, I think this lad could be the next big one off our production line. I doubt we will be able to keep him for years and years but a few good seasons here would be great. I was not aware that the maximum term a 17 year old can sign for is Two years though, what is that all about ?

Bishop, Dozzell, Emmanuel, Digby, Kenlock, Benyu, Robinson etc etc, hopefully some rising stars emerging from that lot. Not all doom and gloom but it is not a quick fix.

[hallamblue]

I think there are rules about the length of contract a club can offer an Academy player under a certain age Mike.

[number 9]

This is good news indeed. It's nice to see the youngsters finally getting a chance at first team football. I'm sure the new loan rules will accelerate their careers which for me could be a blessing in disguise. I'd rather have young, energetic players growing and getting better as the season progresses than ageing, slow, injury prone journeyman at the core of our team.

[Bluemike]

This is good news indeed. It's nice to see the youngsters finally getting a chance at first team football. I'm sure the new loan rules will accelerate their careers which for me could be a blessing in disguise. I'd rather have young, energetic players growing and getting better as the season progresses than ageing, slow, injury prone journeyman at the core of our team.

Absolutely right, Dozzell, Kenlock and co over Coke, Toure and Malarzyck ??? Hmmm not even close.

[Charnwood]

Excellent news....

Who's in charge at the Academy these days ?

Whoever it is seems to be doing a good job.

[lucy]

Excellent news....

Who's in charge at the Academy these days ?

Whoever it is seems to be doing a good job.

I could be mistaken but i think it's Brian Klug.

[Charnwood]

There was a time when Ipswich Town was renowned as a conveyor belt for producing young football talent inc the likes of Mick Mills, George Burley, Brian Talbot, Terry Butcher, Kevin Beattie, John Walk, Trevor Whymark, Alan Brazil, Roger Osbourne, Eric Gates, Kieron Dyer, Darren Ambrose, and many more....

Maybe the production line has started again under Brian Klug...?

[hallamblue]

it takes time to filter through. But Klug returned to the club after Keane was sacked.

[Bluemike]

Klug is the best in the business which makes what that tw*t Keane did to him even more infuriating.

[ashfordblue]

Bryan is truly a very nice man indeed, knows his business of bringing talent through the system, and he's not a bad golfer to boot, we've had some good games together on the I T Golf Days. anyway keep them coming Bryan, without your super input the academy would struggle