Town have confirmed that youngsters Monty Patterson, Jacob Marsden, James Blanchfield, George Fowler, Chris Smith and Shane McLoughlin (pictured above, left to right) have all put pen to paper on one-year deals, which include an option for a further season.

Midfielder or striker Patterson, 19, is probably the most familiar name having helped New Zealand to the Oceania Nations Cup over the summer, after missing seven months of last season with a serious ankle injury.

Midfielder Blanchfield travelled with the senior side on a couple of occasions last season and was handed the number 43 squad number but didn’t break into a matchday 18.

The 18-year-old was with Arsenal’s youth set-up before joining the Blues in July 2014, having previously spent time on trial with Manchester United.

Central defender Fowler, also 18, who hails from Debenham, has been playing for the Blues’ U18s since he was 14.

Smith, another 18-year-old and a former Kesgrave High School pupil, is a midfielder or central defender who has been with the club since he was eight.

Irish U18 international midfielder McLoughlin, 19, joined the club in the summer of 2013. He was on the first-team bench for the first time for the FA Cup replay at Portsmouth.

Keeper Marsden, 19, has spent much of the last couple of seasons out with a knee injury but returned to action with the U21s during 2015/16.

Earlier this week keeper Michael Crowe, 20, and U21s skipper Joe Robinson, 19, also put pen to paper on new contracts, while midfielder Adam McDonnell, 19, is also close to signing a new deal, although Town have already taken up an option for a further season on his previous contract.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

BotesdaleBlue added 16:38 - Jul 1 Very good news. It is such a shame that we don't have a competitive league for our second string to play in nowadays, to allow these players the best chance of development whilst still wearing a Town shirt. Yet another example of how the game has become geared totally for the Prem league boys, whilst we and others, have to make the best of a bad job. Loaning players out can work in developing young talent, but in recent years it hasn't really helped our younger players in the main. Anyway, all the best to each and every one of you.

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hoppy added 16:53 - Jul 1 Good stuff. Hope they make the most of any chances they get to impress and improve. No doubt some will be along shortly to add some negativity.
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Wacko added 17:07 - Jul 1 No wingers what a joke.
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Kesblue66 added 17:30 - Jul 1 Fine,will they ever get a chance.This happens every year,then they just disappear.
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jas0999 added 17:59 - Jul 1 Good news. Fantastic news for the future in fact. Maybe a loan move for some of these lads to a division two side would be beneficial.
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jas0999 added 18:00 - Jul 1 Further, in regards to Patterson, I personally think he is worth a run in pre season. Good player with international experience.
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mutters added 18:14 - Jul 1 Welcome lads, looking forward to see you all progress. Onwards and upwards
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SurreyITFC added 21:14 - Jul 1 Great News! Good luck to you all. The future is bright the future is ITFC Academy
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unknown100 added 01:41 - Jul 2 It taught George Fowler when I was in year 11 and he in year 6 and he was phenomenal, I remember saying to my friend if he doesn't make it pro I don't know who will, congratulation fully deserved
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Seasider added 15:35 - Jul 2 After 4 years this Autumn of being in charge,looks at last that more emphasis will be placed on bringing through our youngsters this season. However with Micks record so far of just Bish,and then not regularly;although injury has played a large part,the proof will be when he actually gives them a game.
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hancockingoal added 16:48 - Jul 2 I agree fully with botesdaleblue! Young players need regulat competitive football like the old Combination League used to provide. Out of our squad of 22 players at least 6 will go through a whole season without playing a competitive game! It's not McCarthys fault, but the system controlled by the greedy premier league.
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