IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane delighted scores of young fans at the grand opening of a new sports and community pavilion.

Wickham Market Youth Football Club have been rasing money for the building for five years.

On Sunday former Ipswich Town chairman John Kerr was on hand to officially open the pavilion, which is on the field in Gelham Road.

He was accompanied by Keane, who was in high spirit’s following the Blues’ 2-1 win against Leeds United the day before.

His appearance was a huge surprise to the scores of youngsters who went along for the unveiling of the facility, which will also be used by members of the local community.

The opening ceremony took place after an exhibition match featuring the under 10s and under 11s football teams.

Colin Owens, chairman of Wickham Market Youth Football Club, said: “It was a huge surprise. We didn’t know Roy Keane was coming.

“He was very gracious and seemed in excellent spirits - he took time to sign anything that people put in front of him.

“He also had some pictures taken with the boys and girls. It was fantastic for them that he came along and they got to meet a true legend of the game.

“The project has been going on for about five years and we have had to raise �182,000.

“We almost weren’t ready in time for the opening, the electricity was only connected up 24 hours before. However we are now ready and raring to go.

“The pavilion will be a great facility for the whole community and it also means we can start to run a girls team, which is something we have been wanting to do for a while.

“I would like to say a huge ‘thank-you’ to everyone who has helped out.

“I think there have been 120 individuals and organisations. We couldn’t do it without them.

“The whole community has been extremely supportive and friendly.”

Mr Owens said the pavilion’s car park would also be home to the Go with the Flow youth bus when it visits the village to provide facilities for Wickham Market’s youngsters.

Anyone interested in joining Wickham Market Youth Football Club - especially any girls wanting to find out more - can contact secretary Kenny May on 01728 746798.