Irish youngster Ronan Murray has confirmed he will join the Blues' academy set-up on Monday. TWTD reported in April that Town had fought off competition from Chelsea and Liverpool to sign the Republic of Ireland U16 international striker.

Murray will join the Blues for his Transition Year, a scheme in Irish schools for 15-16-year-olds.

The youngster from County Mayo has spent several trial spells at Playford Road and says the club made a big impression on him from the start: "Ipswich is a homely kind of town and everyone at the club are very friendly. On my first trip I was made feel so welcome and by the time I was leaving I knew everyone in the place.

“I had trials at other clubs but none of them had the same atmosphere. They were colder, more clinical places and I didn't feel as comfortable there as I did at Ipswich."

The Erris United player says former Town striker Robin Turner - now a referee in Murray's native west of Ireland — saw him in action and recommended him to the Blues: "I got a trial after that and I thought I'd made it to the big time.

“Little did I know all that lay in front of me. I must have been over 20 or 30 times since that, with trials at Chelsea, Liverpool and Blackburn as well as Ipswich. Those clubs wanted me back, but I liked Ipswich and that's where I'm going on Monday."

TWTD understands that Murray, who is also a talented Gaelic football player, will be joined at Playford Road by Republic of Ireland U16 international team-mate David Cawley, who currently plays with Ballina Town. Cawley, who was previously with Shelbourne, is a midfielder.

Town's new intake of full-time scholars included another Republic of Ireland U16 international, striker or wideman Paul Murphy.

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