Departing Blues youngster Jack Manly has signed a one-year permanent deal with Leiston, where he was on loan last season.

Midfielder Manly came through the academy ranks at Playford Road and made one senior appearance for Town, as a sub in the Papa Johns Trophy tie at Crawley in November 2020 when, at 16 years and 22 days, he became the the club’s second-youngest player after Connor Wickham.

The 19-year-old, cited as one to watch by Paul Lambert during his time as boss, signed a professional deal with the Blues in 2021 which wasn’t renewed this summer.

Elsewhere, academy midfielder Alfie Cutbush has joined Billericay Town. The 20-year-old, who spent 14 years at Playford Road, was released by the Blues a year ago but spent most of last season at the club recovering from injury.

Photo: TWTD

bournemouthblue added 00:34 - Jun 3 That's a shame, he showed signs of promise Will he have the talent to make it back to a professional side?
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 03:22 - Jun 3 Good luck, Jack. Most all of them have the talent. But it's the passion, drive and perseverance that separates most of the kids. That, and avoiding injuries. Injuries kill the passion and drive of many prospects.
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MaySixth added 08:56 - Jun 3 Good luck to these two lads.
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cantona11 added 11:34 - Jun 3 The thing is with academies that they string the kids on for years and yrs but when it comes to professional contracts hardly any make it most are only in there so the real good players have someone to play with and that's the truth but it shows persistents when the lads don't give up and believe in themselves
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Linkboy13 added 16:57 - Jun 4 Was regarded as a good prospect not so long ago but ended up at Leiston. Our academy isn't producing youngsters of top quality and needs a major overhaul. Gone are the days we produced players for the England national team. Our first team is Premier league but our academy is league two at best.
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