Town have confirmed that as we reported last night academy second-year scholars David October, Jonny Leddy (pictured), Jack Marriott, Mark Timlin and Tom Winter have been offered one-year professional deals at Town. The quintet met with manager Mick McCarthy on Thursday when they were given the good news.

Academy director Bryan Klug told the club site he is delighted: “The whole group we have at the moment have been superb - their work ethic, their willingness to learn.

“I have been delighted with the way they have applied themselves. There is still a lot of room for improvement but they want to learn.

“It’s not been easy for the group. Some of them have had three managers in their time here. There have been changes at various academy levels as well. They are being judged by the first-team manager at the end of the day.

“Mick is the one that they need to impress and the second-year scholars have not had that long to do that.

“We want to be known as a football club that believes in developing young players though and giving them the very best chance of progressing into the first team. Mick buys into that and so does the owner.”

Photo: Action Images

arc added 15:22 - Feb 15 Presumably this news implies bad news for others. But congratulations to these lads.
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MaySixth added 16:20 - Feb 15 This means very little money in the summer I reckon for transfers but good to see youth being given a chance. Hope they are good enough.
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mostyn55 added 16:49 - Feb 15 Really glad the "Ipswich Way" is starting to return. Low risk and high potential. Hopefully one or more of these boys can make the step up and prove to others that it can be done! COYB
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AbujaBlue added 17:04 - Feb 15 "Academy director Bryan Klug" Not long ago in the dark days those words would have been just a pipe dream. We may not be excelling on the pitch but at least there are some areas to look up to.
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gypo added 17:27 - Feb 15 guess who jonny leddy looks like http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1091914/
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gypo added 17:28 - Feb 15 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1091914/About-Roy-From-United-
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itfc789 added 17:48 - Feb 15 gypo if he plays near as good as Roy they better get him signed up quickly or there will be a rush on other clubs to grab him-- he has the potential--good luck to Jonny and all the lads--may they make the right decision for themselves and their future career in football.
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gypo added 17:56 - Feb 15 itfc789. Just see him now crunching on a budgie (they need to get relegated first though)
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muccletonjoe added 18:59 - Feb 15 Anyone who has seen these lads play will be over the moon at this news , they really are some very very good prospects , and i wish them all the luck in the world , all of you can make it and i sincerely hope you all do
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Ipswichbusiness added 20:09 - Feb 15 Well done to them and good luck for the future; they'll need it in a trade where it hard to make your mark. I just hope that they realise that this is where the really hard work starts, not where it ends.
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RYITFC added 08:57 - Feb 16 Good lads, would be really good to see if any can break into MM first team plans over the next couple of seasons.
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