New Town signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas says the club’s Playford Road training facilities and their Portman Road stadium were part of what helped him make his decision to join the Blues from Arsenal earlier this week. The 20-year-old and his new team-mates were in training action on the Portman Road pitch this morning at the club’s open day.
The former Gunners youngster says there were a number of clubs interested in signing him but nowhere was better than Town: "There were a couple of other options but none which really attracted my attention — this was the place for me to come.
"I spoke to the manager and I’d seen the training facilities and the stadium before because I’d played here for Arsenal, so I thought it would be the best place for me to come to.”
A desire for first team football is the main reason for the Forest Gate-born player’s move from the club where he had been since he was eight: "It’s very important for me to play football regularly.
"I’m 21 at Christmas, so right now I want to get as many games under my belt as possible at the highest level possible, and this was the right place for me to do that.”
Emmanuel-Thomas, who signed a three-year deal with Town after the clubs agreed a fee of £1.5 million rising to £2 million, is grateful for Arsenal’s role in his development: "I couldn’t have asked to grow up at a better team where they teach you how to play football like that, so that passing and moving becomes your natural game. It was a great upbringing for me there and I thank them for what they’ve done for me.”
The 6ft 3in tall striker or midfielder says his loan spells with Doncaster, Blackpool and Cardiff will stand him in good stead: "They’ve taught me a lot, I know how physical the Championship is and how repetitive the training and the games are; matches on both Saturday and Tuesday are routine. I know exactly what I’m in for.”
Meanwhile, ex-Blue Matt Richards has joined Shrewsbury on a two-year deal after leaving Walsall at the end of last season.