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Hewitt In Mould of Fellow Welshman Bale - Ipswich Town News

Elliott Hewitt, who is set to become Town’s first signing of the summer, is a player very much in the mould of fellow Welshman Gareth Bale, according to those who watched him during his time with Macclesfield. We understand that personal terms have been agreed with Hewitt and that the deal is likely to be confirmed on Tuesday or on his 18th birthday on Wednesday at the latest.

Hewitt travelled down to Suffolk today and was due to undergo a medical this evening or in the morning, the Blues and the Silkmen having set an undisclosed fee late last week.

Macclesfield fans are disappointed to be losing the right-back who has made quite an impact since breaking into the first team, according to Gary Jackson from The Silkweb: "He's been at the club now for the past four or five years, starting in John Askey's youth team before finding himself a reserve regular.

"He signed a pro contract in 2010 and made his full Macc debut at the age of 16 in May 2011 in a 1-1 draw at home to Hereford.

"For a young player he has already developed really well. He’s big, strong on the ball and has pace. Very much a Gareth Bale type of player as he likes bursting forward.”


In action for Macclesfield against Bolton in the FA Cup in January

Hewitt’s 2011/12 campaign came to an early end in March due to injury, meaning he was unable to play a part in the closing stages of a season which ultimately saw the Silkmen relegated into the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Jackson says the full-back - unlike the left-sided Bale a right-footer - is currently still continuing his recovery, but before being sidelined was attracting scouts from a number of top clubs to Moss Rose: "He struggled with injury last season, with hip impingement, and had to have two operations to get it sorted. He’s off to Lilleshall for rehabilitation in the next few weeks.

"Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton were sniffing around him at the start of the season and he’s also a Wales U21 international. You have yourself a great player.”

Hewitt already has one friend based locally, his Welsh U21s team-mate Tom Bender plays for Colchester United.

Photos: Action Images

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