Town have not offered a contract to Needham Market defender Keiran Morphew, who has been on trial for the last few days and played in last night’s 1-1 U21s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Morphew, 22, impressed Blues boss Mick McCarthy with his performance in the 1-0 U21s victory over QPR at Playford Road in February and was asked back for a spell training with the Town first-team.

Needham Market manager Mark Morsley told TWTD: "They said that if he was two years younger he'd have got a deal. As he's 22 it would have had to have been a full pro deal.

"Obviously I'm pleased and disappointed in the same breath. I've kept a hell of a player and great kid, so that's good for us."

Having picked up an injury while playing for Needham, Morphew’s trial was delayed until last week when he returned to Playford Road to train with the squad and play in last night's U21s game.

Photo: Bury Free Press.

Photo: Action Images

Crawfordsboot added 18:03 - Mar 22 Jesus guys you lot are amazing. When MM fails to sign a name player you moan that he only signs lower league journeymen. When he scouts a decent non league player and offers him a trial you moan that he is not giving him a chance and is blinkered. Get real- he looked at the player and decided he wasn't good enough. What more can you ask. He has looked at others in the past and decided they were good enough. Anyone who has had trials at a pro club knows just how many players get a run out for a game or two but are deemed to be not good enough. Usually its only the player and his dad who has a good moan!

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blueboy1981 added 18:39 - Mar 22 Probably spent too much time looking to pass to / thro' Midfield - instead of having his eye fixed on the upper tiers when clearing his lines. I'm not joking either.
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Shrimpynator added 18:54 - Mar 22 RE: Hoppy Of course a midfielder from a league 1 club will be a better passer and on the ball than a non-league central defender. I thought as a central defender, Morphew defended much better. Digby seemed to forget his role at times, and rush out like he was a midfielder and had people covering him. Obviously u21 games aren't the best example though, the lack of quality/ importance was clear, culminating in the referee and his pedantry at times. I was very happy with Didzy though, the second half he was great (the first half sloppiness i'd put down to rust), and importantly he played the full 90 mins.

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Cloddyseedbed added 22:19 - Mar 22 Not quite sure what the recruitment policy is with MM for central defenders, what the hell is his fascination with them? His current team has 3, Chambers, Berra and Smith. We have Yorwerth and Clarke out on loan, Digby has arrived to play there and Morphew has just trialled for centre half too!! FFS good midfielders please and a right back, what the h*ll is the matter with you man. A stadium full of supporters can see it why can't you MM?

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44_not_out added 22:21 - Mar 22 Should we not wait for a comment from the club. The 'if he'd have been 2 years younger' statement came from the manager of Needham Market. We haven't actually heard from the club. Anybody considered that the club just doesn't think he is simply good enough? What makes me laugh on here is if we signed him, it's a lack of ambition - not signing him and missing out on a potential Jamie Vardy!

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MRKINGVIP added 22:36 - Mar 22 He is not good enough, that's why they didn't offer him the deal... The age thing was just an excuse. They can't openly come out and say, 'he's not good enough' after giving him a second bite at the cherry. Come on people, keep up...
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harlingblue added 02:29 - Mar 23 Morphew in the two games that I have seen him play for the U21's has been an accomplished defender with an eye for a pass and good game awareness, somehow that does'nt fit in with our current style of play.
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itfccymru added 04:07 - Mar 23 We're in a real dilemma with defenders. I understand why Mick is so stubborn with it, yes everyone clearly understands Chambers isn't a right back. If you were to move him back to CB who would you drop out? Berra and Smith although have had dodgy games in the main have been our most consistent performers. You have to remember too, Chambers has played that position for a few years now so who's to say he'd just go straight back to CB like he'd never been away? Smith is Ipswich through and through and is improving with age so he shouldn't be dropped. My opinion anyway.

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bluelady added 11:59 - Mar 23 grief how difficult is it. He was worth a trial, if he proved to be outstanding during that trial age would not have been an issue. of course we knew his age, which is why he needed to be better than good! was he worth a punt, I think possibly yes, but the age argument that keeps cropping up on here is getting rather boring!!
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Seasider added 18:00 - Mar 23 I think Ipswich Town are setting their sights too high,after all he may cost a few bob. More realistically better scour the Thurlow Nunn league for talent,as there are some good hoofers in there and wouldn't cost as much if anything. Anyway can raid the Academy budget,as doesn't look like we are going to make Grade 1 because the Manager never brings through any players to the first team,which I think is one of the criteria. Off topic,expect Mr Evans is pleased that Northern bypass and associated building has come to the fore again as he is sitting on some prime land in the Playford area where the scheme will be.

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blueboy1981 added 22:09 - Mar 23 ........ he probably annoyed McCarthy by daring to play some 'forward' balls - as opposed to the normal McCarthy script of 'sideways' and 'backwards'. All three Midfielders last Saturday proved that they now know no other way. I think Hyam has actually forgotten where the opponents goal is - someone should tell him it's not between him and his own Goalkeeper... !!!

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