New Blues recruit Callum Page, who has joined from Needham Market following a lengthy trial last season, says signing a professional contract with Town is a dream come true.

The 19-year-old penned a two-year deal last week, with the club having an option for a further season, having spent virtually the whole of 2020/21 training and playing with the Town U23s.

“It feels like a massive weight is off my shoulders. I’m really happy to have got it sorted,” he told Suffolk News.

“This is what you dream about doing as a kid — getting that contract at a big club.

“It was a bit different to a normal trial. Needham couldn’t play so I just got my head down at Ipswich and worked hard. I never got to ahead of myself — even when things were looking good — and just kept pushing every day.

“Everyone’s goal when they go pro is to make the first team and I’m the same. But I’ve just got to keep working hard.

“I would imagine I’ll start out playing and training with the 23s, but if the chance comes my way I’ve got to be ready to take it — that’s how football works.”

Page, who revealed he had had an unsuccessful two-week trial at Colchester a few years ago, paid tribute to Needham manager and former Town midfielder Kevin Horlock for his role in his progress.

“Before Kev came in I was struggling to get a game for the reserves. I was on the bench a lot,” he added.

“But he watched me play for 10 minutes, started me in the next game and I scored a hat-trick. I’ve haven’t looked back since then.

“When you’ve got people like Kev, [Town U23s coaches] Kieron [Dyer] and Terry [Butcher] giving you advice and believing in you, it means a lot. These are people who have played at the very top of the game, they’ve been there and done it.

“And Needham have been fantastic. They’ve done so much for me and have always been there if I’ve needed help. They saw the potential in me and have given me the confidence to perform well.”

Photo: Instagram

Linkboy13 added 09:38 - Jun 18 Massive leap from Needham to Ipswich first team but he's only 19 and got plenty of time. I regularly watch Needham's home games and for a 19 year old the lad appears to be very mature for his age so i hope it works out for him.
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LesTibbetsbrokenleg added 09:45 - Jun 18 Congratulations on signing your contract with Town Callum. It's really good to hear your appreciation of Kevin Horlock and Needham Market, as well as Kieron Dyer and Terry Butcher, who I'm sure will continue to be of great assistance (and inspiration) to you Good luck!👍
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SouperJim added 10:00 - Jun 18 What a fantastic example of what you can achieve with a little bit of hunger, hard work and self belief. Some of our departing players could learn from this lad. I wish him every success.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 10:08 - Jun 18 Kevin Horlock wasn't with us terribly long but he's still something of a Suffolk ledge now.
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PackwoodBlue added 10:42 - Jun 18 Good luck Callum. Go and write history. The hard work starts now.
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Barty added 11:59 - Jun 18 Well done Callum and all the very best to you
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timetraveler added 12:18 - Jun 18 I must admit I am getting a little concerned that we haven't finalised any more signings. I am just hoping that it will like busses: none for ages then they all turn up at once.
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Monkey_Blue added 15:12 - Jun 18 It's good to hear him appreciate the help he's had, let's hope he works harder than the talent he has. That's a principal all those who get the best out of their career follow even when you look at the likes of Ronaldo…. Works harder than anyone.
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algarvefan added 00:01 - Jun 20 All the very best at Town Callum, keep working hard and learning and your opportunity in the first team will come, look forward to seeing you play soon.
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