Former Arsenal schoolboy James Blanchfield has joined Town’s academy as a first-year scholar.

The highly-rated central midfielder spent time on trial at Manchester United earlier in the year following his Gunners exit, but an injury ended his spell at Old Trafford prematurely.

Essex-based Blanchfield, 16, has been training with the Blues since the start of pre-season and featured in Friday’s friendly at Southwold.

Academy head of recruitment Steve McGavin told TWTD: “James obviously has a very good pedigree coming from Arsenal and is a very good footballer.

“He’s made a good impression since he’s been with us and we’re looking forward to working with him in the future.”

Town’s U18s continue their pre-season programme with a friendly away against West Brom on Wednesday.

Photo: Action Images

essexboy added 18:12 - Jul 22 Keep um coming.!!
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TractorCam added 18:23 - Jul 22 Experience with Arsenal and Manchester United, hopefully one for the future.
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MitchtheITFCman added 18:30 - Jul 22 Sounds good. How old is he?
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PhilTWTD added 18:36 - Jul 22 16, meant to say in story. Have added.
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AbsolutelyTabbtastic added 18:38 - Jul 22 Highly rated by Manchester United and Arsenal, great signing!
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AlexGreen added 19:24 - Jul 22 Why did he leave Arsenal - did they release him or did he move or something?
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ArnieM added 21:05 - Jul 22 Red wasn't his colour. Simples!
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Ipswichbusiness added 12:24 - Jul 23 He looks very young, even for 16
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Michael11 added 13:01 - Jul 23 These are the sort of signings we should be making. Young player with a good football up bringing. Hopefully we can nurture a few of these lads and bring them through in a couple of years time! Any idea if we ever got Cat 1 or not Phil?
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Ipswichbusiness added 14:06 - Jul 23 Michael11 I agree with you, but the young players have to be given a chance. I am a supporter of Mr McCarthy and his management team, my criticism being that there are too many sort term loan signings that obstruct the development of our in-house youngsters;the proposed signings of Garvan and Lita being examples.
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Michael11 added 21:53 - Jul 23 Ipswichbusiness I agree mate. If you offer me Leroy Lita or Jack Marriott to be given a proper chance then I'd take Marriott all day long. Marriott's the closest thing to (dare I say it) Jordan Rhodes that I've seen in our youth team.
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