Town fans may have spotted photos of academy schoolboy Andre Dozzell and two of his team-mates in Tottenham kits on social media websites over the weekend, but the 14-year-old midfielder’s dad, ex-Blues and Spurs man Jason, says there’s nothing for supporters to worry about.
Dozzell junior, striker Sam Ford, who scored twice in the U15 friendly against Tottenham at Portman Road in May, and midfielder Chris Smith were all in action in a 6-1 friendly victory over Cambridge United at the Premier League club’s academy.
Dozzell senior, now a coach at Playford Road as well as running his own courses, explained that the appearance came about due to Town academy director Bryan Klug’s links with Spurs, where he was assistant academy director and head of player development prior to his return to Town last summer.
"They just borrowed a few Ipswich boys for a game through Bryan Klug’s connections,” he said. "They were short for an U16 game on Saturday, they had a lot of people on holiday, and that was it. There’s nothing more in it.
"They gave them a tour of the training ground, which was special, Gareth Bale was down there. It was a good experience for them.”
Striker Ford, who scored twice as the young Blues helped Spurs to a 6-1 win, has been offered a scholarship by the Town academy when he turns 16, young Dozzell having previously agreed similar terms.
The trio are set to be part of the Blues squad at next week’s Northern Ireland Milk Cup. The youngsters are taking part in the Junior section of the prestigious tournament where they will face Brentford, County Londonderry and County Antrim in the group stages.