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Town Announce Needham Link-Up
Monday, 9th Mar 2020 14:17

Town have announced a new link-up with Needham Market, which among other things will see the club loan young players to the BetVictor Southern League side, who are managed by former Blues midfielder Kevin Horlock.

A pre-season friendly involving the two clubs is also being planned, while Town’s Community Trust will use Needham’s facilities, including their 3G pitch, for their coaching programmes.

Needham Market academy students will have the chance to take part in work experience coaching with the Community Trust, shadowing staff, providing a pathway into a career in coaching.

In addition, Needham will also be an option for released academy players wanting to continue tin football.

“We are delighted to be working with another great local football club like Needham Market,” Town’s general manager of football operations Lee O’Neill told the club site.

“[Operations and academy director] Rob Peace and [chief executive] Graham Emmerson, along with others at the club have worked hard to build a really good facility and programme at first-team and academy level.

“The relationship sits alongside Ipswich Town’s strategy to work closely with a number of good local organisations. Jason [Curtis, head of the Community Trust] will work closely through community aspects and the club with co-ordinate plans with sharing training facilities and coach/player development.”

Curtis added: “Ipswich Town Community Trust is delighted to be working with Needham Market Football Club. Their facilities are second to none, which will naturally create the right environment for players within our programmes.

“This will allow both organisations to provide endless opportunities and experiences which will be exciting for everyone involved.”

Peace said: “It is fantastic to be back associated with Ipswich Town. With us being located in mid Suffolk it is a perfect fit to work together with ITFC to best benefit Suffolk football.

“With the introduction of the Community Trust, ITFC have refocused on the community and look to be more inclusive to key clubs/organisations within the local area.

“This will benefit the vision we have within NMFC and benefit children within Suffolk, providing a high standard of football and a potential pathway into the professional game.”

Emmerson commented: “We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship developing between our clubs which can only enhance opportunities for aspiring youngsters in the county.”

Meanwhile, the Community Trust has appointed Bradley Joy as its new football development officer. Joy will also work within the academy.


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stewartm added 14:27 - Mar 9
'A pre-season friendly involving the two clubs is also being planned' finally a chance of scoring a goal.....
3

Blueknight85 added 14:32 - Mar 9
Be a bit Awkward when we start playing them in the League
6

Girthyguy added 14:33 - Mar 9
We will be playing them in a league match soon.
4

Cloddyseedbed added 15:15 - Mar 9
Just about the standard of most of our youngsters unfortunately.
1

Pencilpete added 15:24 - Mar 9
the way we're declining it won't be long before they're loaning players to us
3

Edmundo added 15:41 - Mar 9
On the plus side, Norwich have been sniffing around Needham and other local clubs for youngsters. We're finally taking some territory back. Hopefully we can push them all the way up the A140 and A11.
Some more positive news, off field at least.
3

wewerefamous added 15:47 - Mar 9
Do they want to swap 1st teams? 😁
1

Cakeman added 15:58 - Mar 9
Pleased for Needham but why do Ipswich not show any apparent interest in linking with clubs such as Lowestoft Town as well?
I am somewhat biased having been born and brought up in Lowestoft but sadly it annoys me when I see the efforts of Norwich City who do forge links with Lowestoft.
Over the past few years Lowestoft has been turning Yellow and Green and it seems that Lowestoft and district is not of interest to Ipswich.
It's not just football. Years ago my daughters had to fight through all sorts to get a chance to play Hockey for Suffolk. That was because the selectors did not look past Ipswich, Bury StEdmunds and Framlingham.
Lowestoft is by a long way the second most populated Town in the county, there is much football talent to be scouted. Clubs such as Lowestoft, Kirkley and Pakefield, Beccles Town and Mutford & Wrentham have considerable talent.
Basically wake up Ipswich Town you will need all the good local players very soon!
6

dirtydingusmagee added 16:07 - Mar 9
as has been said in previous posts , we are are heading that way unless things change. Is a merger in the offing ? Needham & Ipswich FC , THINK we Needham more than they need us .
-1

blues1 added 16:17 - Mar 9
Why are some of our fans so pathetic? Why csnt you just give credit where credits due. This a good move by the club, and yet theres still negative, ridiculous comments being made about it. Why cant the negative comments just be kept for stories that maybe deserve them. Just comment to whats apt for the story. This story is simply a positive thing from the club, and should be applauded, not derided as some on here are.
4

runningout added 16:23 - Mar 9
People are miffed that is why credit doesn't come easily. Understandable in my book
3

Freddies_Ears added 16:24 - Mar 9
Elbowed Norwich out of Needham Market. Good news!
0

norfsufblue added 16:38 - Mar 9
Cakeman......absolutely spot on ... back in the 90s Town used to run loads of courses at half term weeks fully subscribed up here... plenty of latent support and talent in North Suffolk but we seem to have surrender the area... I have posted similar to you in the past but the only thing up here recently was George B & Terry B up at Lowestoft Town... and it was a huge success. Come on Town be a club for the WHOLE of Suffolk...
4

blues1 added 16:48 - Mar 9
Freddie's ears. Sorry for down mark. Wasnt meant for you.
0

stiffy501 added 17:22 - Mar 9
Skuse and Chambers ?
0

ThaiBlue added 18:10 - Mar 9
Sorry guys but who really cares at the moment,more important bits to sort out on this once great lovely club.
0

Millsey added 18:19 - Mar 9
Come on Terry sort it out for Lowey 😉
1

Churchman75 added 19:53 - Mar 9
Can we loan players off them as well?
1

marco5113 added 02:31 - Mar 10
things are now looking much brighter. what next ffs
0

tearsofthetown added 08:46 - Mar 10
Lee O Neil describes Needham Market as " a great local club "! I dislike corporate media spin doctors, how stupid do you think we are? It`s a pity that the fans won`t or haven`t the option to buy and own the club. Perhaps the days of wealthy interests buying football clubs with a view of it being a cash cow only, needs to change? An impossible dream? Yes. Spin doctor? Needham Market? Pi$$ o££!
-1

blueboy1981 added 18:06 - Mar 10
Just how it should be with as many local Clubs as possible - not just one !
1

Steve_D added 23:30 - Mar 12
With a bit of luck we can get a central defender and a centre forward if we ask nicely
0


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