Blues youngsters Tommy Smith and Alex Henderson have joined Bury Town on loan.

Smith (above), 18, who is from Bury St Edmunds and plays at left-back, and Henderson, also 18, a centre-back, are regulars in the U18s and have also featured for the U23s. They made their Bury debuts in this afternoon's 1-1 home draw with Coggeshall.

Bury boss Ben Chenery, whose side are top of the Bostik Division One North, is delighted that the Blues have allowed the duo to join his club following other academy youngsters to the Denny Bros Stadium.

"We have been trusted with Ipswich Town's players previously, having had Jack Lankester and Brett McGavin, who have both gone on to make the first team, and Riley Scott, who got another year on his deal after going back,” he told the Bury Free Press. [Academy striker] Colin Oppong has come over and is doing really well.

"We have had a really good relationship that [former Town striker and academy coach and current Bury director] Alan Lee has been helping with and Ipswich are seeing these players are moving in the right direction here and they are trusting us with their young talent which is really good.

"It is a win-win situation really as it helps us and exposes the lads to senior football and all the intricacies of playing 90 minutes at a competitive level.

"We are very proud of having that relationship with us and are grateful that they trust us with their young talent.”

Chenery added: "I have watched them. We make sure they are the right fit for us. Alex is a centre-half and Tommy a left-back. They are both good footballers who can almost defend and understand the game.

"I think they will certainly complement what we are trying to do at Bury and ensure we are able to get through this tricky period.

“What I don't want to do is get to December and January and we are suffering with injuries and we have not got enough players to cope. I am mindful of that."

Photos: TWTD

RaymondovicBlue added 18:08 - Nov 30 Great to see we've re-signed a young Tommy Smith
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enforcer added 18:24 - Nov 30 I've watched him play a few times, never puts a foot wrong. Quality player.
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MrTown added 21:46 - Nov 30 Seem to have a good little relationship with Bury Town, giving academy products men's football. Tommy Smith is a very exciting prospect, so consistent!
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herfie added 22:11 - Nov 30 All part of their ongoing development. Hopefully we will reap the rewards downstream. Best wishes to both lads for a successful loan stint.
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itfctim added 10:31 - Dec 1 A left back, and Centre half who can almost defend. Having watched them Ben, is that your conclusion?...proper ego boost for them there!
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LeBlue added 10:03 - Dec 2 …."they can almost defend".
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