Town academy director Bryan Klug said returning to Playford Road was like “coming home” after his appointment was confirmed this morning. The 51-year-old, who has previously spent more than 30 years with the Blues as a player and a coach, started his new job this morning on a rolling contract.

Speaking at a press briefing at Portman Road Klug said: “It does feel like I’m coming home. I’ve had a really good two years at Tottenham. At the time it didn’t really feel like a good idea but it was a really good thing for my personal development to go and work with some top, top coaches.

“When I left Ipswich it was one of the only clubs I would have gone to because of their philosophy with their academy. That has been a plus but all the time I was obviously hoping that I would be able to come back and carry on working for this club, as I have done for many, many years.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. The EPPP presents a lot of challenges because I think it’s geared to a model based on the top Premier League clubs.

"I think here at Ipswich we do things in our own way and we’ve obviously got to find a way, within the strict guidelines, to carry on what we do here, which is produce top footballers from this area. It’s a big challenge and I’m really, really looking forward to it.”

TWTD first reported that the Blues had approached Klug about returning the club in February, but it took several months of discussions involving Simon Clegg, manager Paul Jewell and owner Marcus Evans before they got their man.

Clegg says Klug’s job title illustrates the significance of the role he is taking on as youth football goes into a new era: “I’m absolutely delighted that Bryan has accepted the opportunity of coming back to the club into a new role of academy director. I think using that particular title demonstrates the priority we are placing on this position.

“Obviously EPPP is having a huge impact on youth development across the whole of England and all clubs in the Football League and the Premier League.

Back home

“When Sammy Morgan decided he was going to move on it was critical that we found someone who we believed had not only the right coaching background but someone who has the other skillsets that are going to be necessary to take the academy forward in the future, and I’m delighted that Bryan has come home to Ipswich.”

Former skipper Matt Holland added his wholehearted support for Klug’s return on Twitter: “ITFC have made their best signing of the summer by bringing Bryan Klug back as academy director.”

Ex-keeper Shane Supple, who was in the 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning side during Klug’s last spell in charge at Playford Road, added: “You’re not wrong. Great to see Klugie back.”

Another member of that team, full-back James Krause, who these days is a performance analyst intern back at the academy, was similarly pleased with the appointment: “Bryan Klug back as academy director is great news for the club.”

Photo: Action Images

irishtim added 12:55 - Jun 13 Welcome back. Maybe u can convince Shane Supple to return.
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bluelady added 12:57 - Jun 13 rather he convinced a young Striker from a team beginning with H to return :-)
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PJ_Needs_Duncan added 13:00 - Jun 13 Welcome back Bryan good to have you back, I agree with IrishTim Supple is the last good keeper we've had at Town
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simonsays added 13:02 - Jun 13 He may be delighted. I am not.
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Jesney_Havoc added 13:15 - Jun 13 Welcome back 'Sting' !
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marcusevans added 13:21 - Jun 13 This appointment clearly demonstrates that our beloved ITFC really does have a forward plan (which many posters on here have doubted) and that importantly it involves the production of young talent. Hopefully the good old days will soon return. I for one feel a lot more optimistic about the future now Klugie is back. Solid foundation.
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ArnieMsBigToe added 13:57 - Jun 13 Do you think he could convince Gio to follow him?
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Sindre94 added 13:59 - Jun 13 great
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irishtim added 14:07 - Jun 13 @Blue lady. That would be a dream would love it. @ PJ NEEDS DUNCAN. IF supple is approached a strong chance he might return. Wouldnt cost us so worth a try imho.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 14:11 - Jun 13 simonsays - ??
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BLUEBEAT added 14:36 - Jun 13 I'm so happy I could fly! Into the sky! Eating happiness pie!
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FenboyBlue added 15:21 - Jun 13 Spurs, give us a Klug Thanks very much.
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Tedsleftfoot added 15:57 - Jun 13 Welcome home Bryan, the way you were treated was shameful.
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IpswichFan26 added 17:00 - Jun 13 Welcome back! :)
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TangoAlphaNovember added 17:15 - Jun 13 what a touching story ...it shows sometimes dreams can come true lovely photo of him back home great news for the man himself and the club I am feeling a warm glow and like the changes I see at ITFC so far well done PJ SC and ME
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TheRef added 19:05 - Jun 13 Well if Mr Klug is reading this i need a job, i have seen plenty of crap players being a ref some just about young enough for the academy, but when i ref youth league i see some promising players, but i will only recommend them at a cost, lol
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TimmyH added 19:29 - Jun 13 Good to see you back Bryan after that plonker sacked you!
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Eireannach_gorm added 19:38 - Jun 13 Good news! Welcome back, Bryan. There seemed a little hiccup in the return. Wonder what clinched the deal?
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Talbs77 added 19:59 - Jun 13 Fantastic to see him back, hopefully you can help bring through some real quality players as that is as important in the future as it has been in the past for ITFC
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Ipswichbusiness added 20:26 - Jun 13 In the week that we learnt that our new full-back is crocked, some good news. Bryan Klug is a proven, quality act. It will take a few years for his work to be noticed, but noticed it will be. Welcome back!
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s6blue added 20:48 - Jun 13 welcome home
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ITFCsince67 added 20:55 - Jun 13 The first real positve piece of news to come out of Ipswich for over 2 years. Welcome back BK.
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ClassyCranson added 21:16 - Jun 13 Great news I am really pleased.
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h32 added 22:05 - Jun 13 Well this is good news - shame we have seen Sammy Morgan leave in the process though. The likes of these two the Club has to have onboard. TRUE PEDIGREE indeed.
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Warkys_Tash added 22:50 - Jun 13 Brilliant signing for Town. Welcome back Bryan!
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