Academy right-back Callum Bennett has turned down Town’s offer of a one-year contract, Blues boss Paul Jewell has revealed. Bennett, 19, was one of only two current second-year scholars to be offered professional terms, left-back Joe Whight having agreed a two-year deal last summer.

Jewell said: “Callum’s turned his contract down, which is his right. His agent rang me yesterday. We’d like to keep Callum as we think he’s a good prospect. He’s refused the offer at the moment, but let’s see where that takes us.”

The Town manager wouldn’t go into too much further detail and talks are ongoing with the former Kesgrave High School pupil, who can also operate in midfield: “I don’t really want to discuss individual issues. I’m old-fashioned and I think the chance to be a professional footballer is a great opportunity, but I understand that his representative and his parents want the best for him, I agree 100% with that.

“There’s a bit of interest from a couple of League One clubs his agent tells me, so he’s well within his rights to say no.

“He’s been offered a one-year deal and his representatives want longer and a bit better terms, which I understand. Simon Clegg’s dealing with it.”

Photo: Action Images

50yearsablue added 13:11 - Apr 13 Here is another good example of posters berating the manager and/or the club about a player they know little or nothing about and on terms they know nothing about. You would be know alls are an embarrassment and are sinking to jas' level. Have an opinion by all means but have it on a basis of knowledge rather than speculation or ignorance
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SixtoPeralta added 13:41 - Apr 13 Unfortunately I have to agree with you 50yearsablue, however it must work both ways. No one knows what happens behind the scenes so to attack an 18 year old lad (yes he's 18, TWTD strikes again) who is probably just trying to do what is best for his career is ridiculous. People automatically assuming the only reason a player would want to leave Ipswich is greed and agents is just as (if not more) pathetic. What makes our club, or indeed our town, so special? Good luck to the boy.

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alfromcol added 13:44 - Apr 13 Another one (or his agent) who probably thinks he is better than he is.
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JustSpivvyChops added 14:15 - Apr 13 50yearsblue - Avery small circle of people are going to know the full details of the offer. If nobody were to offer opinion on any of the news articles, unless they were in possession of 100% of the facts, then Phil and Gav might as well shut TWTD down. Sixto - There is nothing special about Ipswich, club or location, but it's been good enough for the lad for the last 10 years, so why move just as your boyhood dreams come true and you are offered a senior professional contract? I am pretty sure that the club's offer would not have been insulting and commensurate with his ability and status at the club (ie, a junior pro). The kid is not guaranteed more games, or money at league 1 level and it's a step down. There is currently no right back at ITFC at all, hence the opportunity to take a regular first team place is massive for any youngster that is half decent coming through the ranks. If he would rather leave the club he's been at all his life, just as he's offered the first professional, senior contract of his career, where there exists a massive opportunity to nail a regular first team place and a lot more money, then he is a total numpty. This is clearly driven by the agent.

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rosseden added 14:48 - Apr 13 Daley - i think the first post you have put out i agree with...... as the for the person who said this..... WTF has happend at this once proud club that young talent see their furture elsewhere???? you need to rephrase as 'WTF has happend at this once great game that young talent see their pockets being lined with gold and not being loyal.....'
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newboy added 16:14 - Apr 13 Firstly he is 18 secondly yes I have knowledge from inside the club and the 200 was not an issue the manager was the family tried to do the deal when the club treated them like crap they had to go out and find an agent THIS IS FACT contact the family they cant deny it and finally yes 200 was the sum offered again they cant deny it but the boy wanted more than half a dozen reserve games a year I DONT BLAME HIM neither do the other boys and throwing in Lawrence who is out of his depth to pretend he is interested in youth is wrong

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50yearsablue added 16:20 - Apr 13 Spivvy, by all means comment on team selection, performances, Jewell's statements etc. but what I find infuriating is slagging off individuals or the club without knowledge or detail of the subject. How can you have an opinion on something you know absolutely nothing about? There is a distinction
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Bleedingblue added 16:24 - Apr 13 You tell him Guthrum! Getting bored of the continued moaning, why don't you go and support someone else jas? The way your posts come over it sounds like supporting ITFC must be damaging your health?!
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Surco72 added 16:29 - Apr 13 Newboy you werent good enough were you ?
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rosseden added 16:47 - Apr 13 haha, post of the day goes to Surco72 :D closely follwed by Guthrum and Bleedingblue! I expect to see Bennett somewhere on the blue bet square windows north south rymans ridgeons league or whatever its called some time soon.......
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Keaneish added 16:48 - Apr 13 Exactly Guthrum! At 19 the lure of first team football in league 1 would also attract me rather than being 4th in line as i'm sure Ward will be coming in this summer. Doubt very much it's the 1 year offer that's holding him back as any pro at that age should be happy to get offered anything.
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rosseden added 16:52 - Apr 13 Keanish, lets be honest, if he stays here he'll be out on loan there anyway......
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newboy added 20:08 - Apr 13 Surco you are pathetic I have never kicked a ball in my life dont wish too but have a relative at the club who does - not this boys fault look to the management team it will happen again and again with fool jewell sorry paul jewell in charge he and clegg are worse than the chuckle brothers. And once again he has just turned 18 i believe
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Dissboyitfc added 07:06 - Apr 14 50yearsablue... some great posts, there are many idiots on here who think they know whats going on and will take the little snippets of information and turn them in favour of their argument against the club. FACT...we are only told what the club wants us to hear. SO dont blame the club or the boy without all the facts.. You have to hand to JAS, he is dedicated in his disapproval of Jewell, he can take every post and within 2 sentences he can turn it against Jewell, is that sad, hilarious or pathetic? probably all 3....coyb

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h32 added 17:36 - Apr 14 This Club is riddled with some really sad, deluded and idiotic supporters - you must know who you are without naming and shaming. You continuously look for excuses by blaming agents, etc; - anything other than looking at, and accepting, the real problem areas. We have a Manager that deserves very close scrutiny of his ability where youngsters are concerned - no problem with the oldies because it seems that if they WANT to play they do so, if not they just don't. As for his superiors - don't mention them please. Don't mention the word YOUNGSTERS anymore either - they all know within the Club, and outside, that ITFC is no longer the place to be. Youngsters haven't a chance here anymore - which will be seen even more so in the future - remember my prediction. Sad, sad days for a Club who's Academy was once the envy of ALL, yes ALL others. Pathetic situation to say the least.

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