New Town signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas says the club’s Playford Road training facilities and their Portman Road stadium were part of what helped him make his decision to join the Blues from Arsenal earlier this week. The 20-year-old and his new team-mates were in training action on the Portman Road pitch this morning at the club’s open day.

The former Gunners youngster says there were a number of clubs interested in signing him but nowhere was better than Town: “There were a couple of other options but none which really attracted my attention — this was the place for me to come.

“I spoke to the manager and I’d seen the training facilities and the stadium before because I’d played here for Arsenal, so I thought it would be the best place for me to come to.”

A desire for first team football is the main reason for the Forest Gate-born player’s move from the club where he had been since he was eight: “It’s very important for me to play football regularly.

“I’m 21 at Christmas, so right now I want to get as many games under my belt as possible at the highest level possible, and this was the right place for me to do that.”

Emmanuel-Thomas, who signed a three-year deal with Town after the clubs agreed a fee of £1.5 million rising to £2 million, is grateful for Arsenal’s role in his development: “I couldn’t have asked to grow up at a better team where they teach you how to play football like that, so that passing and moving becomes your natural game. It was a great upbringing for me there and I thank them for what they’ve done for me.”

The 6ft 3in tall striker or midfielder says his loan spells with Doncaster, Blackpool and Cardiff will stand him in good stead: “They’ve taught me a lot, I know how physical the Championship is and how repetitive the training and the games are; matches on both Saturday and Tuesday are routine. I know exactly what I’m in for.”

Meanwhile, ex-Blue Matt Richards has joined Shrewsbury on a two-year deal after leaving Walsall at the end of last season.

Photo: Action Images

WeirdFishes added 14:41 - Jul 28 Ipswich are better then everybody
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MaySixth added 14:41 - Jul 28 Shocking barnet son.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 14:52 - Jul 28 Get stuck in JET - but don't forget how they taught you to pass and move as well!
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robdaful added 14:54 - Jul 28 What we like to hear from a signing. Begs the question tho if the facilities are second to none. Are they better than Arsenals facilities?
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Ebantiass added 14:55 - Jul 28 Delighted with this signing lets hope he pushes us to the next level. I think he will bring something to us that we dont have and Jewells signings seem lightyears better than Keane.
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Hermann_eats_puffin added 15:01 - Jul 28 I'm looking forward to see what he can do once given a run in the team. He's still young and we should not be expecting him to be scoring goals for fun in every game. However if we have patience and he gets a run of games in the Championship I think that he can become a fantastic player for us. It's also great to have a player with some skill & flair that you can really get excited about watching. I'm glad that he's signed for us and good luck for the season ahead!

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DiamondGezzer added 16:00 - Jul 28 I think he will bring a lot more than goals to the team.
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DanLyles added 16:22 - Jul 28 Maybe he will add that extra spark to the side that Gio did when cutting in onto his left foot from the right? Being able to beat a man with skill and pace draws the opposition out of postion and creates all kinds of havoc. It also gives others around him the confidence to play, I will never forget what a difference having a player this made at the end of 2009 season. Sinclair and Taarabt provided something very similar for Swansea and QPR last season, fingers crossed JET will be more like them than Lee Martin (who is getting better btw). If we can add Stearman to the back line then I would be extremely optimistic about next season. He was in the Championship Team of the Season last time he played at this level.

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chripswich added 16:26 - Jul 28 the general consensus from other fans i have contacted on message boards etc is that this guy has talent in abundance..one gooner said he was "stupidly talented" almost... the general consensus was also tho that his attitude stinks on occasions..which has thus far stopped his development and arsenal getting shot. lets hope Mr Jewell can keep him focussed and keep teddys in prams etc..coz theres a player in there somewhere..no doubt! up to you now mr jewell..

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Brogansconk added 16:58 - Jul 28 I really like the soun of JET - he certainly says the right things and if he can keep motivated as he clearly is at present, we could have a real talent here. Impresssed that pj has brought him here.
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Bergholtblue added 17:12 - Jul 28 Was going to post a comment, then saw Robdaful's avatar. Completly forgot what I was going to say.......
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jas0999 added 17:25 - Jul 28 Let's hope he is as good on the pitch as our training facilities are!!
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fourth added 17:59 - Jul 28 So the plumbing's OK, what about the other players or is there only one J.E.T?
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Stourbridgeblue added 21:38 - Jul 28 That photo makes him look like a Klingon!
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choprawontcome added 21:43 - Jul 28 I am very optimistic about this season now,pj has made some really good signings,lets face it gm & dn were nothing more than average,we need good players and i think even ellington will shine for us under pj,come on JET show us what youve got :) PS.......I will have to change my name soon me thinks!!!!
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