ADAM Proudlock last night vowed not to let anybody down again as he looks to grasp the chance he has been given at Ipswich Town with both hands.The 24-year-old forward admitted being sacked by Sheffield Wednesday was a 'huge kick up the backside' and that it had made him take stock of his life.

By Derek Davis

ADAM Proudlock last night vowed not to let anybody down again as he looks to grasp the chance he has been given at Ipswich Town with both hands.

The 24-year-old forward admitted being sacked by Sheffield Wednesday was a 'huge kick up the backside' and that it had made him take stock of his life.

He said: “I have had the mishap of getting the sack and it did knock me for six at first. Luckily, my family and friends rallied round and have been very supportive.

“The first couple of days after the sacking I was in a bit of shock. It was a huge kick up the backside and really made me realise what I was throwing away.

“Anyone who gets sacked from any job finds it hard to take in and you wonder what is going to happen next.

“For me, it has been two weeks and now Joe Royle has given me two weeks to show I'm worth a contract and I intend to take it with both hands. Hopefully, I can do well and impress people enough to win a contract.”

Proudlock admitted he deserved the sack from Wednesday for breaking club rules but denied he had been behaving outrageously.

He said: “I was late for training a few times and missed sessions because I had slept in a few times. I know that was bad enough and yes, I was in the wrong, but I have not done anything outrageous and certainly nowhere near as bad as the rumours.

“My mum has now bought me three alarm clocks to make sure I'm not late for work again.”

Proudlock has had other offers from clubs but did not hesitate when Royle contacted him on Friday to offer him the trial.

He already had an inkling of what it was like at Portman Road, and the training ground at Playford Road, after former team- mate and next-door neighbour in Sheffield, Drissa Diallo, extolled its virtues.

Proudlock said: “It is a great chance for me and I'm determined to make the most of it.

“Ipswich are a big club that have been in Europe and the Premiership not long ago.

“I played here recently and can remember how good the pitch and the crowd were. Drissa told me all about the place and facilities when we were at Wednesday but, even so, you don't realise how good they are until you actually see them for yourself. I have had other offers but this is my first choice.”

Proudlock has two weeks to impress Royle and the coaching staff and will pull on the blue shirt of Ipswich Town for the first time on Wednesday, if the Blues can get clearance to play him in a reserve match at Crystal Palace.

During his stints at Wolves and Wednesday, and loan spells at Clyde, Tranmere and Nottingham Forest, Proudlock has hit 41 goals in 111 starts and 53 substitute appearances.