Boss Paul Jewell has praised defender Tommy Smith for the way he has acquitted himself this season. The 22-year-old is set to sign new terms with the Blues having appeared to be on his way out of Portman Road after a disappointing start to 2011/12.

Jewell said: “Since I came here, he never really got a chance. I don’t think he played and then when he did come in he had a tough time against Southampton, then he came on for 10 seconds against Peterborough before he got sent off and it was a while before he got back in.

“Tommy’s knuckled down, he’s a really good professional, a good lad, he waited for his chance, got it and he’s been in for the last 21 games. Whatever happens this season, he hasn’t done himself any harm.”

Smith has been part of a more solid Town defence in recent months, with Jewell pleased to finally have an established backline: “You can see the benefit of having a settled back four and hopefully that can go on to be a settled team next year.”

Meanwhile, the Town manager expects second-year Academy scholar Callum Bennett to move on having turned down a professional contract with the Blues: “I don’t think it’s going to happen. I spoke to him yesterday and I think it’s quite clear that he wants to leave but I’ve left that with Simon Clegg.

“He’s been with us since he was seven, so we are due some compensation. If he wants to leave I think it’s best to let him leave, as long as the club is covered because we have put in a lot of time and energy since he was seven.”

Sheffield Wednesday are understood to be amongst a number of clubs to have approached the former Kesgrave High School pupil.

Photo: Action Images

ITFCcharmer added 07:26 - Apr 21 Tommy has had a strong second half to the season and is still learning. Would be great to see him hear for a good many seasons to come! Love the way he claps all the fans at the end of games - costs nothing but is appreciated by all.
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tractorintheloft added 07:37 - Apr 21 Well said PJ. I for one seriously doubted whether Smith would come good after seeing his confidence shot to pieces during our poor run. Has come back strongly and will only benefit from the experience. Important season coming up for him & Town.
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Moscow_Blue added 07:53 - Apr 21 Tommy Smith has proved me wrong and he deserves another chance.
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ericgates added 07:58 - Apr 21 I hope Tommy gets at least a 2 year deal. These 1 year deals for young players are not much good for player or club in terms of continuity. Plus, if Josh Carson is worth 2 years ( + 1 ) I think Tommy is worth at least the same. Lets hope Luke Hyam gets a game before the end of the season, has another blinder and is offered another contract. I also hope Cody Cropper is offered another deal. I've not seen him, but it seems the lad obviously has potential. With Cropper, Smith, Whight, Hyam, Lawrence, Carson and Murray, that is a good healthy core of home grown players to be a permanent part of of squad next season. Next Season GB New 1st choice (Westwood,Williams) Cropper/ALB RB New 1st choice , Edwards LB Cresswell, Whight CB Smith, Delaney, Ainsley, New right footed CB (Pearce,Mills, Gorkks) DEF MID Hyam, Drury, Leadbitter ATT MID JET, Martin, Martin, Lawrence, Carson, New wide player (Coppinger,Boyd) CF Scotland, Chopra, Murray, New striker (Cox,taylor) Release - Sonko,Ellington,Bowyer, Bullard(expensive but necessary)Wright

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Ipswich24 added 09:04 - Apr 21 Ericgates how are Murray, Cropper, and Carson homegrown? Didn't we get them from another country? I agree with you though with those youngsters and adding a few more from lower leagues plus with Cresswell, Martin and Jet we have good blend of yoof and experience.
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Westcountryblue added 09:38 - Apr 21 Callum Bennett...what a slap in the face to ITFC to reject a professional contract having been with the club since he was 7. Clearly doesn't have much faith in his ability he if doesnt think he can break into our first team...better off without.
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jas0999 added 10:01 - Apr 21 Congratulations to Tommy Smith - he has been excellent in recent weeks. Of course he lost his place to an injury prone Sonko and a loanee in Collins - but has recovered well and done himself and ITFC proud. Should have been offered a contract sooner.
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budgieplucker added 11:32 - Apr 21 I think Tommy Smith's story tells a lot. Young lad coming through the ranks with great potential. Bad injury that kept him out for a while. Managed to get back into the team and then gained International recognition and then performed admirably in a world cup. This year had an up and down season, but got back on track. A lad who is only just 22 gaining valuable experience in the ups downs of the game. A lad who comes across as intelligent, appears to take nothing for granted and to appreciate the privilege of being a professional footballer and playing for Ipswich Town. To me I think Tommy will go on to become a great professional and at 22 what better role model could you currently find for our players at the club. I think we could all do well to reflect on the case of Tommy Smith, I am therefore pleased to see many positive comments from my fellow bloggers on this. Young players will go through bad spells and the supporters and management should not be too quick to write them off. Whatever the merits or not of the new academy system its the evidence of the way we treat our young players (club & supporters) and support their development rather than how many computers we put into a classroom for them that will be pivotal in the success of any future "youth development" scheme that we implement at our club. To me Tommy's story represents what Ipswich Town should be all about.

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RaymondovicBlue added 12:52 - Apr 21 OK so the Jason Pearce story is becoming an epic - but with no disrespect to Delaney our current CB partnership is not good enough. Put Smith and Pearce together (making Pearce captain within 2 years) and giving them 5 year deals would be a massive step towards a rebuild of the team. Pearce IS a quality leader and a solid defender and Smith needs someone to follow - not a bad thing as you only need one CB to be "in charge". Surely given that sort of spin you would expect the player to want to come?? But will we EVER sign Pearce - and if not him ... who else will come?

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Ipswichbusiness added 18:52 - Apr 21 Well done Tommy! You have proved me and a few others wrong and earnt yourself a contract. I hope that you have a good career ahead of you.
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gixxeral added 22:47 - Apr 21 He could be a solid player for Town for years to come
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s6blue added 20:48 - Apr 22
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TractorRoyNo1 added 21:42 - Apr 22 stopping messing around and give him a decent contract then
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