x

Bowditch Set to Leave - Ipswich Town News

Town are reported to have released striker Dean Bowditch. The 21-year-old's contract is up this summer and an extension to his Portman Road stay looked unlikely after he spent much of the season out on loan with Brighton and Hove Albion and Northampton and failed to make a senior appearance for the Blues.

The Harlow-born frontman joined the academy as a schoolboy and was already a sub for the U17 side â€" which included the likes of Darren Bent, Darren Ambrose and Ian Westlake - which won the FA Premier Academy final in 2001 when only a 14-year-old.

Bowditch, who won England caps at U16, U17 and U19 levels while with the Blues, started his three-year full-time scholarship in the summer of 2002.

The striker signed his first professional deal in July 2003, having dramatically made his senior debut four months earlier in a 2-0 victory over Norwich at Carrow Road in which he came on as a sub and played a part in both goals.

His first senior goal came early the next season against Kidderminster Harriers and when he notched a hat-trick in a live Sky match against Watford at Portman Road, he seemed destined for a fine career with the Blues.

However, Bowditch found it hard to tie down a role in Joe Royle's side and in 2005 was sent on a loan spell at Burnley. A short-term move to Wycombe followed as the 5ft 11in tall striker's career began to drift.

The appointment of Jim Magilton as manager and Bowditch's academy mentor Bryan Klug as first team coach saw him return to the side early in the 2006/07 season, but again he slipped out of the picture and by Christmas he was out on loan at Brighton.

Injury curtailed his time at the Withdean Stadium and he underwent groin surgery in the summer, missing pre-season. Spells on loan at Northampton and Brighton followed and, despite a hat-trick and four goals in his final two reserves league games, he failed to make a Town first team appearance during 2007/08.

Brighton are likely to be amongst the clubs interested in signing Bowditch permanently, while Stevenage Borough, Barnet and Rushden and Diamonds, regular visitors to Town reserve games in recent months, are also claimed to be interested.

What to read next:

Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.