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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16_Jack_ken_16 added 21:58 - Feb 3 come on yao bring us the goals my sun and bring the songs with ya
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strikalite added 22:26 - Feb 3 We've actually signed a talented left sided player from overseas eh...how long did it take?? You see they're out there...hopefully! Put the flags out, he's worth a punt!
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PutYaBootsOnKeano added 22:51 - Feb 3 1981 - legend
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Tractorog added 23:28 - Feb 3 @Strikes: "My old man says follow Devann... " No. Just no. Anyway shouldn't it be for him "His old Mum" No you've got me doing it now. I'll stick to UEFA1981's fabulous chant.
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yun added 02:33 - Feb 4 Smart signing. Pacy, unpredictable forward = bums on seats. Let's hope he brings a bit of Reuser-eque magic to Portman Road.
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Dubzy_69 added 08:06 - Feb 4 Boom boom Yao would sound awesome!quality chant!just a shame it's like a library at portman road unless we are playin the scum!
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MAVERICK added 08:09 - Feb 4 I've been chanting the YAO thing since 21st Nov, ''US YOUNGSTER ON TRIAL'' report. lol . At least he's got us all singing and smiling again, God bless America ! All the best son, work hard you might get a place in the USA World Cup squad. Welcome Bro
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peakyboy added 08:32 - Feb 4 doubt his that gd, if he hasnt made it at any of those clubs
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FriskinPriskin1 added 08:36 - Feb 4 Devann Yao's I'm miserable now.... I thank yao.
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FriskinPriskin1 added 08:52 - Feb 4 Devann Yao's I'm miserable now.... I thank yao.
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ITFCHollywoodGT added 08:52 - Feb 4 You could change the words from 'Jai Ho' - Slumdog Millionnaire YAO! Reminds me of the hype when Peters came in, hopefully he can fulfill his potential a tad better. Don't get me wrong, Peters does a good job when he comes in. But all the talk that Man United and Chelsea were interested in him, he never reached that level. COYB!
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marcusevans added 08:58 - Feb 4 And the final word on this is: Thank YAO and goodnight!
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italiano added 09:02 - Feb 4

A friend of mine who is a Livorno fan (yes, he's a communist haha) said this guy was a bright spark in their youth setup but was just never ready for the first team at a time when the team were floating between Serie A and B.

Let's hope we've signed him at the right time, it's worrying to see the other clubs that he's "failed to make an impression" at, but I have a good feeling about this one.

5tractors added 09:14 - Feb 4 This guy needs to change the access restrictions on his facebook account! Lmao
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MyBlueHeaven added 09:51 - Feb 4 christ.... what's all the fuss over an unproven journeyman trialist? admittedly time's on his side and perhaps all he ever needed was a keane style boot up the ar$e. he's only looking to get near the first team by end of season, so i don't think we should be expecting too much of him. as someone else posted... remember the norweigan fella skarde.
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Bergholtblue added 10:02 - Feb 4 Like I said about Healy and Murphy, I am not going to get excited nor write the lad off until I have seen him play a couple of matches
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