Released academy defender or midfielder Ollie Fenn has signed for Eircom League side Galway United. On Wednesday TWTD revealed that the 19-year-old had been told he would not be offered a contract at Portman Road and was on trial with the Tribesmen.
Fenn impressed Galway boss Tony Cousins during the recent friendly against a Town reserve side during the Irish club's spell training at Playford Road. On Thursday Fenn played for Galway in a pre-season friendly against Athlone Town and did enough to be offered a deal at Terryland Park.
Cousins is delighted to add Fenn to his squad ahead of the Irish season: "Ollie is a very skilful player. He played against us over in Ipswich and it was clear to see the lad has potential. He was full-time with Ipswich since the age of 16 and from speaking to Jim Magilton he believes he can only get better.
"We were very happy to agree terms with Ollie and everything went through fine, so he will be in contention for a first team spot straight away."
"Ollie was with Ipswich for nine years so it was difficult for him to leave. But he is excited by the challenge of playing for us and I believe he has great potential.
"He has great legs and a good engine and the fact that he can play in midfield, at centre-half or at right-back means he will be a valuable addition to the squad."
Fenn's move is the first switch between the teams but more could follow with Cousins and Jim Magilton, friends since their days at Liverpool together, keen that the clubs should forge a partnership with players moving in either direction on either a permanent or temporary basis.
Meanwhile, Town's U18s lost 2-0 to West Ham at their Chadwell Heath training ground on Saturday morning.