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Dozzell Signs Pro Deal
Monday, 2nd May 2016 06:00

Midfielder Andre Dozzell turns 17 today and has signed his two-year professional contract with the Blues.

The first-year scholar formally put pen to paper on the deal last week after tying up the loose ends of a contract which was agreed in principle when he signed his two-year academy scholarship in 2013.

Players cannot sign professional contracts until they are 17 and then only for a maximum of two years.

Dozzell, who has been watched by Premier League sides including Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham, recently scored on his senior debut having come on as a sub at Sheffield Wednesday and then made his full debut at home to Fulham a few days later.

Speaking last week, the former Copleston High School pupil said his target for next season is to play regularly: "The aim for me now [is] to be in and around the first-team squad but I know I’ve got to work hard in pre-season.

“I’ll keep working hard and hopefully I can cement a place in the first-team squad next season.”

His father, former Blues midfielder and current academy coach Jason, recently told TWTD that there's nowhere better for his son to be at this stage of his career.

“Ipswich is the best place for him," he said. "The manager likes him. His pathway at the moment is Ipswich Town.

“If he goes to a big club his pathway would be blocked, there will be a lot more players, a lot more better players, I would imagine.

“I’m happy with the way he’s progressing, I’m happy with how they’re looking after him as a parent and that’s all you can ask for really.”

Andre is currently away with the England U17s squad ahead of the European Championships in Azerbaijan.

They play their first game against Sweden on Friday, then face France three days later, before they complete their group fixtures with a match against Denmark on Thursday 12th May.

Town striker Ben Morris has also been called in to the squad, while keeper Nick Hayes and schoolboy midfielder Tristan Nydam remain on standby for the tournament.

Photos: Action Images/ITFC


Photo: Action Images



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battyblue added 06:29 - May 2
We'll done Jason let's hope you are allowed to progress with your football skills instead of being instructed to run around for 90 odd minutes like a headless chicken and when you get the ball hoof it up their end .
-39

Sir_Bob added 07:16 - May 2
Only allowed to sign a 2 year deal. That seems a very strange rule.

Anyway, good luck young man & here's to you starting at least 15 games next season & progressing nicely.
16

essex57 added 07:22 - May 2
Batty blue fantastic great example of the news site comments section turning some great positive news into negative I feel it's a minority of fans mostly on social media that show a lack of long term ambition.
36

bluercd added 07:44 - May 2
Good news, hopefully he will be able to push on and be a regular in the first team squad; we should be patient with him.

I agree with essex, why do we have to turn a bit of good news into a negative?
32

bluefeast added 07:45 - May 2
Good player currently with potential. However part of his development is down to how he is coached and managed. Eddie Howe Brendan Rogers or MM. i.e. their footballing beliefs transferred through the player. No brainer ,but if we end up selling him in a year or two for 5 million plus then i guess thats good for a championship side. Role on progressive entertainment.
-12

muccletonjoe added 08:15 - May 2
At last - something which should please everyone
10

hoppy added 08:15 - May 2
Excellent news... Let's hope he will become an Ipswich Town legend.

I also don't understand battyblue's comments... I'm sure these days Jason isn't so worried about progressing his football skills etc...
10

Jesney_Havoc added 08:19 - May 2
Getting really bored of so called 'fans' hitting the self destruct mode. Yes a disappointing season, but take this for what it it, a welcome piece of good news ! Congratulations Andre, may your future at Portman road herald more entertaining football and more success for our team.
22

big_gaz67 added 08:21 - May 2
If you look in the forum you will find I broke this news first some days ago........
0

jas0999 added 08:27 - May 2
This is best news of 2016 as far as ITFC is concerned. Good luck to the lad.
9

rfretwell added 08:27 - May 2
Brilliant Andre, well done. I haven't heard of Tristan Nydam before - another schoolboy midfielder making hood progress it seems.
4

Mullet added 09:05 - May 2
His goal was the best moment of 2016, possibly the season.
3

phillo added 09:19 - May 2
Great news ...... now become a legend like your dad Andre ....
5

Knightsy added 09:26 - May 2
Great News....something good to read about for once.
6

VulpineBlue added 09:30 - May 2
Reasons to be cheerful...
4

cornishblu added 09:33 - May 2
battyblue ...think you had it in the bag until you called him Jason ........don't worry about the mickrosepsec brigade that have marked you down...essex57 was a given so that's also one less to worry about. Our style of play this year has been dreadful and has cumulatively lost us 1000,s of supporters over the course of this seasons campaign ......you are right to be concerned , when you out a good apple in a barrel of bad apples they don't all turn good.....for me I hope his emergence will be a turning point in MM thinking .....how long ago does Brentford away feel ...so much excitement about a great attacking side that fell so easily away ....lets hope this season is a blip...only MM can change that COYB
2

essex57 added 10:14 - May 2
Cornishblue fans turning away in there thousands?
There was 19,500 Sat, we couldn't even sell out for The Derby match last season so don't peddle cheap shots at the majority of loyal hardcore fans.
Those that are not renewing their season tickets next season will be queuing up again along with the other glory hunters when we are pushing for the top again next season.
Stop peddling doom and gloom and get behind the Club.
9

essexboy added 10:31 - May 2
Clubs don't very often give lads of 17 any longer than a two year contract for many reasons these days.But that should be long enough for him to prove himself.Lets just hope he does.!
2

battyblue added 10:31 - May 2
Sorry Andre for confusion with your father you and other posters know what I intended it was very early when I posted good luck for a long successful career.
2

Knightsy added 11:03 - May 2
@Essex 57 what a Numpty.

Those that are not renewing their season tickets next season will be queuing up again along with the other glory hunters when we are pushing for the top again next season.

Glory Hunters lol, you will watching the same cr@p in 2017/18
-2

essex57 added 11:58 - May 2
Knightsy surely you can express your opinion without having to be rude.
2

essex57 added 11:58 - May 2
Knightsy surely you can express your opinion without having to be rude.
0

jas0999 added 12:14 - May 2
Essex57 - if there were actually 19.5K there on Saturday then ipswich will win the premier league next season! Nowhere near that many, just a tad more spin from the club.
-8

TimmyH added 12:33 - May 2
Good news!.look foward to see him play next season..
3

Westy added 13:06 - May 2
Some of the best news all Season.
2


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