Blues Future Is In Its Youth

Blues number two Chris Hutchings has defended Ipswich’s Dad’s Army and insists the club’s latest crop of youngsters will get their chance.

Ipswich have taken pride in their youth system ever since it was first set up by Jackie Milburn in the post-Sir Alf Ramsey reign.

Sir Bobby Robson rejuvenated it and the Blues have won the FA Youth Cup three times, more latterly in 2005 when Joe Royle was boss.

As Paul Jewell was away attending to ‘family commitments’, Hutchings told shareholders last night that the old boys in the side were not the reason for seven straight defeats as they had been in the side when Town had their purple patch.

And he pointed out that Josh Carson was a regular in the first team squad after emerging from the academy system.


Town CEO Simon Clegg also weighed in and said: “Every single person in this room would love to see a starting 11 come through the academy.

“We will continue to invest and prioritise the academy accordingly and we will continue to select players when it is right and when they are ready to move into the first team.”

Town fans can see the emerging talent tonight as the Under-18s play Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup at Portman Road.