x

U18s Face Watford - Ipswich Town News

Town’s U18s are in action away against Watford on Saturday morning (KO 10.30am).

The Hornets restrict access to their academy games, which are played at the UCL Sports Ground.

Alan Lee’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways after their unlucky final-minute 2-1 Suffolk Premier Cup defeat at Leiston on Tuesday (see below) and the 5-1 league loss to Colchester and 2-0 FA Youth Cup exit to Blackpool the previous week.

One player who won’t be in the squad is right-back Dylan Crowe, who is with the England U17s at the Algarve Tournament where they take on Portugal in their opening match this afternoon. Crowe, 16, has previously won two U17s caps.

Meanwhile, Grays Athletic manager Jamie Stuart believes new Blues scholar Kai Brown can go all the way if he maintains the hunger which saw him break into the Bostik Football League North Division club’s first team aged only 16 at the start of this season.

Midfielder Brown completed his switch to Town’s academy on deadline day following a trial having made 37 senior appearances for Grays. He came on as a late sub at Leiston.

"I spoke with [Grays youth team coach] Phil Sackey and he told me to come and look at this lad’s potential and I was impressed,” Stuart told the Thurrock Gazette.

"He and a number of young players got involved in training and Kai in particular impressed me. I told him I wanted him to play with confidence.

"He had some fantastic games for us and although he got a few whacks and was caught a few times he always carried on.

"He is a great lad and I spent time talking to his dad Wayne who is a fantastic gentleman. There was interest for a professional clubs. I spoke to Kai’s dad and said you must do what’s best for Kai.

"He came in to our team and did very well and although it will be tough for him it will be a great experience either way. As long as he keeps that hunger, he can go all the way.

"He is young but age is just a number. Look at me. I am 41 and was playing last season. These boys always have a chance.”

Elsewhere, Stratford Town striker Ben Stephens has hailed his recent trial spell with the Blues "a tremendous experience”.

The 20-year-old spent two days training at Playford Road last week before featuring for the U23s in Monday’s 5-2 loss at Colchester.

What to read next:

[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Blues Legend Stewart Departs Yeovil
Town legend Marcus Stewart has left his role as head of player development at Yeovil Town.
Burley: Love I've Felt From Town Fans Has Been Unbelievable
Blues legend George Burley says he feels very lucky having been given the all-clear following treatment for cancer and says the love he has felt from Town supporters has been unbelievable.
Wardley: Change of Opponent But Same Outcome
Ipswich-born, Town-supporting boxer Fabio Wardley says the opponent may have changed for his June 7th interim WBA World Heavyweight title fight at Portman Road, Australian Justis Huni having replaced American Jarrell Miller, but other than that everything will be the same, including the outcome.
Blues Trio in Ireland Squad
Town trio Dara O’Shea, Jack Taylor and Sammie Szmodics have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their June friendlies.
Youngster Pitts Handed First Malta Call-Up
Town youngster Josh Pitts has been named in a provisional full Malta squad for the first time ahead of their World Cup qualifiers next month.
Peskett Named FAWNL Southern Premier Division Player of the Year
Ipswich Town Women’s forward Sophie Peskett has been named the FAWNL Southern Premier Division Player of the Year for the second successive season.
Manchester United 'In Pole Position' For Delap
Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign Blues striker Liam Delap in the summer.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Ainsley Brothers New Felixstowe & Walton Bosses
Former Blues youngsters Stuart and Jack Ainsley have been named the joint-first team managers of Isthmian League North Division Felixstowe & Walton United.