Simon Copley, the Town fan behind the famed Jaime Peters petition, has warmly welcomed the Canadian teenager joining the Blues and has told TWTD he has plans to persuade other promising youngsters to move to Portman Road.

Copley started the light-hearted petition via the TWTD Message Board and as it grew it was picked up by the local papers. In the end, the online petition was 'signed' by 1179 Town fans.

The petition, which was sent to the player's agent Barry MacLean, cited Town's excellent record at bringing through youngsters and Simon says he hopes it played some role in the 17-year-old's decision to join the Blues: "I'm really pleased that Peters has signed and I'd like to think that over 1000 fans' signatures, with some very heartfelt messages of encouragement, played a small part in swaying him and his advisers.

"I certainly don't know if that is the case but it gives me hope that a late attempt to snatch Robinho from Real Madrid may be effective.

"Real are going nowhere, and once a few Blues can point out the relative merits of Ipswich over Madrid, I feel sure the boy-wonder will see the error of his ways."

Peters has committed to joining the Blues in May on his 18th birthday. Visa issues mean he is unable to sign before then.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls