 Tuesday, 26th Jul 2011 15:32 Town have announced that Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has signed a three-year deal, the Blues having agreed a fee of £1.5 million rising to £2 million with Arsenal for the 20-year-old late last week. Emmanuel-Thomas told the club site: "Obviously it came to the stage in my career at Arsenal where I needed to be playing games. I had a decision to make and Ipswich seemed the right place for me. "I had a good time at Arsenal and I'm going to miss all the boys, but my future is about me and I needed to move on. "I was impressed with what Paul Jewell had to say - and the team he is building. I know he is looking to bring in more players and it's the club's ambition to get in the Premier League. That's my goal as well - to play in the Premier League with Ipswich." The Blues' new signing added on Twitter: "Thank you to Arsenal FC for everything they have done for me and [for] making me the player I am today. I wish everyone there all the best. Peace and love. "My new club and home Ipswich Town. 6th August, let's get this season started! Let's go Tractor Boyz!" The Forest Gate-born midfielder or striker joined the Arsenal academy at the age of eight, progressing through the ranks playing in virtually every position. He skippered the Gunners’ U18s to the 2009 FA Youth Cup at the age of 16 having already broken into the reserves. The 6ft 3in tall England U17 and U19 international, who played under former Town coach Chris Kiwomya as an Arsenal youngster, made only one senior Gunners start, in an FA Cup tie, plus a further single Premier League sub appearance as well as three more cup games from the bench.
Last season, Emmanuel-Thomas scored two goals in nine starts and seven sub appearances during his spell at Cardiff with Michael Chopra, in addition to his four brief sub appearances for Arsenal. The 20-year-old previously played in the Championship during loan spells with Blackpool and Doncaster. Both today's new signings plus Ãvar Ingimarsson, who is over his thigh strain, are in the squad for tonight's friendly at Colchester (KO 7.45pm). Town are set to take more than 1,500 fans to the Weston Homes Community Stadium with tickets available on the night from the Colchester Ticket Office, not on the turnstiles. The Blues have been allocated a stand which holds 1,900 with additional capacity if required. Parking at the stadium is very limited and fans are advised to buy a permit in advance via the Colchester United Ticket Office on 0845 437 9089. There is also a shuttle bus service, which runs from Colchester Station, costing £1.50. Photo: ITFC
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