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Yao Signs Deal
Yao Signs Deal
Wednesday, 3rd Feb 2010 15:30

Trialist Devann Yao has finally signed his contract with the Blues. The free agent American joins Town for the rest of the season after the club finally worked through the paperwork relating to compensation due to some of his former clubs, French side Metz, Italian teams Livorno and Pisa and St Mirren in Scotland.

Yao, who TWTD first revealed was on trial back in November, told the club site that he has been getting on well in Suffolk: "I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm very happy that I now have the chance to play for Ipswich.

"I'm here until the summer and hopefully in that time I can break into the first team. If I can play one or two games then that would mean I'm making progress.

"The coaching staff have been pushing me and telling me what they want. They have been really positive to me and now the challenge is to keep improving and try and win myself a new contract in the summer.

"I've been to France and Italy to play but English football is the style I enjoy the most. I love the pace of the game here and it's a fantastic opportunity for me at Ipswich."

Yao admits that during the protracted discussions regarding his deal, involving his mum, who is his agent, he became concerned that the deal might break down: "There were times when I was worried it might not happen but the clubs I have been at have not stood in my way of playing here and the people at Ipswich have worked hard to make it happen. Now I can't wait to get going."


The 19-year-old wideman was born in New York to an Ivorian father and Italian mother, which qualifies him for an EU passport. He was with French side Metz’s youth academy for three seasons having joined them at 13.

A year in Italy playing in the reserves with Livorno and Pisa was followed by a short spell in Scotland with St Mirren’s youth set-up before he returned to the US, where he has spent time on trial with the New York Red Bulls.


Photo: Action Images



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legoman added 16:46 - Feb 3
He is going to be a crowd pleaser, I can feel it in my old bones.
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Hinesy_itfc1 added 16:50 - Feb 3
ITFC1981 - THAT IS PURE BRILLIANCE! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET THAT RINGING THROUGHOUT PORTMAN ROAD! Say boom boom boom, everybody say YAO...YAOO!!! haha genius!
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maximoalex added 16:55 - Feb 3
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ThatMuhrenCross added 17:15 - Feb 3
hopefully he will break into the first team, prove to be a revelation, get a world cup call up for U.S.A, and be involved against England.

England to win 3-2 - Yao to score twice!!
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ipswichmanx added 17:21 - Feb 3
what part of ireland north or south
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Eireannach_gorm added 17:26 - Feb 3
Who says Roy doesn't have a sense of humour!

You got to love the possibilities with his name and he seems a good prospect as well. All good.
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ITFCsince67 added 17:33 - Feb 3
Is this the same guy coloured guy who played for the reserves before Xmas? I thought he was from Sengal? I might have answered my own question!!!!
He was great though.
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Seasider added 17:36 - Feb 3
Suggest Google Devann YAO footballer,makes interesting if rather time consuming reading.Hope RK etc have read it.Perhaps thats where they found out about him!!!Had lots of trials including several in US but could have uncovered a diamond.
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itfccymru added 17:37 - Feb 3
Good signing, finally! Hope this kids worth the stress of work permits ect, Healy, Murphy and now Yao. Come on you blues, lets kick start our season now:D
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MaySixth added 17:40 - Feb 3
Good luck Devann. Work hard and you will be rewarded
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yorkshireblue added 17:44 - Feb 3
Am I correct in thinking the hold up was sorting out the compensation to be paid to Metz, Livorno, Pisa and St Mirren's. That seems a lot of effort just to sign him until the end of the season.
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corshamblue added 18:07 - Feb 3
Common Yao Blues ..... Taxi for CorshamBlue
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corshamblue added 18:13 - Feb 3
GIO II ??
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Guthrum added 18:35 - Feb 3
Hoorah - at last!

Welcome aboard Devann, hope things go well.
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marcoitfc added 19:06 - Feb 3
Ivorian and Italian parents but the article forgot to mention that he has an Irish Setter that answers to the name Murphy!!!
Welcome to Suffolk and God Bless America ..........but only if you can kick with your left foot!!
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La_Paz added 19:08 - Feb 3
His Mum's his agent? Ouch!

Could hopefully bring some much needed width and a few balls into the box for Mr. Healy to stick away. COYaoB.




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brittaniaman added 19:20 - Feb 3
Saw him play against norwich res. at portman rd. last year, he looked very useful,
up and down the left hand side like a young one should, good energy !!
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blueherts added 19:30 - Feb 3
Looks like a confident lad!!! love it most exciting signing yet!!!
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marcusevans added 19:48 - Feb 3
Luckily I am considerably richer than Yao

(Say in a Harry Enfield type voice)
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cbower added 19:59 - Feb 3
As with any newcomer, I welcome Yao to ITFC and hope that he becomes a star for us. Nevertheless, this does seem like a strange signing as it is only until the end of the season and in our current predicament we pretty much need an immediate impact. From the boy's own comments, he would be satisfied just to break into the first team and play a couple of games. Maybe he will be used from the bench as an impact player - young and hungry to impress for a longer contract. If he can bring some pace to our attacking play, that will be very, very welcome.
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Daleyitfc added 20:10 - Feb 3
Vemund Brekke-Skard. Come on down!
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elburro3 added 20:29 - Feb 3
YA......O Im tired of using technology.
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1Finshefki added 20:49 - Feb 3
he's probably, has to be Irish at heart (isn't everyone?) like that other feller, Jaime Peters. And Pablo is Spanish for Patrick.
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jas0999 added 20:58 - Feb 3
Great news.
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Strikes added 21:18 - Feb 3
One's father told me this guy was one to watch - my old man said follow Devann...

(I'll get me coat)
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