BURY Town have signed former Ipswich Town defender Joe Whight.

The youngster, once tipped for the top at Portman Road, was released by the Blues at the end of last season without ever making a first team appearance.

Now the 19-year-old will play a key part in next season’s promotion push for the Ryman League Premier Division side.

Whight said: “I know a couple of the lads at Bury already in Billy Clark and Seb Dunbar and Billy in particular has told me how good the set up is.

“The list of players who have progressed on to the pro game from here is very impressive and therefore this is the best home for me.”

Director of football Trevor Collins added: “We have been pursuing Joe throughout the summer and have had to be patient whilst he explored the opportunity of getting back in to the pro game where he was in the first team squad at Portman Road.

“Joe is a big strong lad who will strengthen the defence as well as giving us options in midfield. One of the reasons he has signed for us is because of the reputation we have of helping players progress back in to the pro game.

“This is another major signing for the club and we look forward to seeing Joe pull on the shirt very soon, hopefully alongside another player who we are targeting.”