The Blues have invited Evostik South Premier League Stratford Town's top scorer Ben Stephens to spend two days training at Playford Road.

The 21-year-old striker or wideman has scored 17 goals in 32 appearances this season and turned down a move to Banbury United earlier in the week.

Stephens, who was previously with Oadby Town and Kettering, says he’s happy at Stratford but flattered by the Blues’ interest.

“I see no reason to leave this club. I love being at Stratford, I enjoy our style of play which suits me and they are a lovely bunch of lads and we are actually mates and socialise together whenever we can,” he told his club’s official site.

“The club and the fans have always been great to me and have been very supportive since I arrived here.

“The gaffer has always offered me really good advice and plays to my strengths, playing me in my best and favourite position in the team. I am delighted to be invited to train with Ipswich but I still remain committed to Stratford.”

Manager Carl Adams was pleased Stephens rebuffed the Banbury approach: “I am delighted that Ben chose to stay here and by keeping him we showed that we are determined to retain our talented players.

“However, Ben’s excellent form and goals are naturally going to attract attention from other clubs and we are keen to encourage players to develop their careers when the right opportunity arises.

“We wish Ben all the best with his two-day training invitation at Ipswich but he’ll still be playing for us and hopefully will continue scoring goals as we seek to achieve the club’s highest ever league finish.”

Photo: Action Images

iaintaylorx added 18:07 - Jan 18 “I enjoy our style of play which suits me”, could be a slight dig at Mick already, love it!
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Kulturarv added 18:30 - Jan 18 "The gaffer/.../playing me in my best and favourite position" No, no, no. That is not how we do it in ITFC. Why play someone in his favourite position when you have the possibilty of playing him out of position?
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CanadianBlue added 19:54 - Jan 18 Good luck to the lad.
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shefkuqi32 added 19:57 - Jan 18 To be or not to be, that is the question for Mick. (Stratford Town is upon-Avon and not Westfield)
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OsmansCleanSheet added 20:10 - Jan 18 Can we swap him for Sears?
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GiveusaWave added 20:50 - Jan 18 He'll end up in defence the way we are going....
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Seasider added 17:14 - Jan 19 Good goalscoring record;but would he be happy playing anywhere other than his favourite position I wonder,which does often happen here at Ipswich ?
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