Town have appointed Blues legend Russell Osman as the academy’s new U18s coach. Central defender Osman, who celebrates his 52nd birthday today, was a key member of Sir Bobby Robson’s 1981 UEFA Cup-winning team and won 11 England full caps.

Academy manager Sammy Morgan says Osman, who starts his new job tomorrow, fought off stiff competition to fill the role vacated by Mike Pejic earlier in the season: “We had a lot of good applicants for the post.

“Russell’s background and knowledge of the club and his understanding of the philosophy we have here for bringing through young players stands him in good stead for the role.

“He has a wealth of experience at all levels of the game and is a big addition to the academy staff.”

One-time TWTD columnist Osman, who watched his new team in action as they drew 2-2 at Fulham on Saturday, said: “It’s a privilege to be offered the chance to work at such a fantastic football club again. I left 26 years ago and I’ve been trying to get back here all that time!

“It’s an exciting new challenge to be joining the club at a time when it looks like it is going places under Paul Jewell and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in the development of the young players here.”

Boss Paul Jewell added: “It’s a great appointment for the club. There were some outstanding candidates for the job but Russell’s coaching background and affinity to the club, having come through the ranks, edged it and I wish him well.”

A former England Schoolboys rugby union cap, Osman made 382 starts and three sub appearances for Town, scoring 29 goals, making his debut in September 1977, having come through the club's youth ranks, and eventually moving on at the end of 1984/85.

Osman, who also played for Leicester, Southampton, Bristol City and Cardiff, has previously managed the Robins and the Bluebirds, in addition to caretaker roles at Bristol Rovers and Plymouth.

Most recently Repton-born Osman has been working in the media. His last coaching role was as assistant manager at Exeter City during 2007/08.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

martleshamitfc added 18:57 - Feb 14 Excellent appointment! Welcome back Russell.
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nysully added 18:58 - Feb 14 This can only be good news, welcome home
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runaround added 18:59 - Feb 14 Welcome home Russell
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roytheboy added 19:00 - Feb 14 More quality for our club, welcome on board Russell.
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reuser90 added 19:03 - Feb 14 Welcome home Russell! this is a great appointment, we can't underestimate the importance of trying to bring through young talent. its good we've appointed some one who was not only a Town legend, but also understands what the history and tradition should mean to younger players coming through at this club.COYB!!
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bradforblues added 19:09 - Feb 14 Film star is back, welcome home Russell, first job is to show the boys 'Escape to Victory' because they probably won't know who you are !- really good appointment - i've never been so overwhelmed with optimism for the future for our blues !!!
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Worcester added 19:11 - Feb 14 Quality Player from our golden era. Welcome back Russell
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yorksblue added 19:18 - Feb 14 And a decent keeper too. Remember game v WBA when he had a blinder and kept it to 0-0
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MaySixth added 19:20 - Feb 14 Good luck.
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petermorris added 19:24 - Feb 14 Wait for it.... Osman was rubbish in 'Escape To Victory' - Walky/Pele were much better.....
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HampshireBlue added 19:24 - Feb 14 Really good to see a childhood idle back.
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bluelady added 19:27 - Feb 14 wow he was my hero as a young school girl fancied the pants off him too!!!! That aside a very good addition with ipswich blood in his veins....
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Radlett_blue added 19:33 - Feb 14 I met him at a golf day a few years ago - top bloke, as well as a very good golfer!
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petermorris added 19:33 - Feb 14 Yes bluelady agree, but did HE ask you out......?
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jas0999 added 19:37 - Feb 14 Looks like an excellent appointment!
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bedsitfc added 19:49 - Feb 14 Sounds like bluelady wants a valentines card from our russel lol.
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bradforblues added 19:51 - Feb 14 petermorris can you name the other 2 Ipswich players to feature on the film ??? Open to anyone ???
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BROTHERBLUE1974 added 20:00 - Feb 14 Welcome back Osman, good to have some experience and ex ipswich face back in the club. Shame keane released the others!!
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phillymark added 20:02 - Feb 14 Kevin O'Callaghan (played Tony Lewis allied team goalkeeper - make it a clean break), Robin Turner (German striker), Lawrie Sivell (German goalkeeper) and Warky as mentioned earlier
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phillymark added 20:04 - Feb 14 At 4:40 - Osman's great contribution to film history
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bradforblues added 20:05 - Feb 14 phillymark That's impressive !!!
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SMS added 20:05 - Feb 14 I work in London and Osman visited my offices. I saw him in the corridor and was star struck at meeting a legend. I said hi to him and we talked about Ipswich for a while. He referred to us as "you're" not "We're". I was disappointed.
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I_8_NARWICH added 20:09 - Feb 14 so great to see old players wanting to work for this club again, i dont see any of the current squad having that passion for this club that they would want to carry on working for us even when they have left/retired.
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BlueBoots added 20:17 - Feb 14 Nothing to say except welcome back Russell... Felt I had to post on this story out of loyalty to my avatar :^D
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petermorris added 20:20 - Feb 14 heh bradforblues - good one......... erm errr... another two you say?... how about ...erm Kevin big hair O'Callaghan, erm, Laurie Sivell in goal, erm, Robin 'beaut' Turner and, and,.... I think Cooper and The Beat were doubles for a couple of fairly famous players. At the time, I felt sorry for Paul Cooper - the only non Interantional player from The Magic 11 - and then even a stand-in in in a basiucally crap film.... that I watches 800 times......

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