Danny's delight at new Town deal
SOUGHT-after Danny Haynes has turned his back on the chance of immediate Premiership football to sign an extended contract with Ipswich Town.A number of Premiership clubs have been linked with an interest to Haynes, with Aston Villa and Everton the latest, although Town have had no official approaches, and Haynes last night penned a new deal, adding two years to his current contract and so keeping him at the club until 2010.
By Derek Davis
SOUGHT-after Danny Haynes has turned his back on the chance of immediate Premiership football to sign an extended contract with Ipswich Town.
A number of Premiership clubs have been linked with an interest to Haynes, with Aston Villa and Everton the latest, although Town have had no official approaches, and Haynes last night penned a new deal, adding two years to his current contract and so keeping him at the club until 2010.
The Blues striker has enhanced his popularity with Town fans by scoring at every level against bitter rivals Norwich City, significantly the controversial late winner in February last year and then two more in November last season.
But it has been his all-round improvement and asset as a squad member, with a supersub tag, that has earned him the new deal despite interest from elsewhere
Haynes said: “I'm happy at Ipswich and I can't see me being happier anywhere else at this moment in time so I wanted to sign.
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“I have heard rumours about other clubs but to me that is all they are - rumours.
“It makes no difference to me because I'm here at Ipswich Town and I'm happy here which is why I've signed.”
The 19-year-old former Charlton Academy player, who was over-looked by Norwich City after a trial match, made his Blues debut against Leeds two years ago, and inspired a victory at Elland Road. He has since made more than 50 appearances and scored 11 goals - including those three against the Canaries.
Haynes is hoping he can win a starting spot and has been buoyed by the new deal.
He said: “It makes you feel really good inside when you get offered a new deal. You feel wanted and it gives you a lift.
“The contract talks went on for a while so I'm glad it has all been sorted out and I just want to kick on further now.”
Haynes was forced to miss most of September due to a suspension but intends to make the most of his return.
He added: “It is good to be in the squad again after being out for a while. I'm happy enough being on the bench at the moment but I fully intend to push myself forward and try and win a starting spot and then keep it.
“I'm just waiting for that day when the manager says 'go on Danny you're starting' and when that happens I'm going to perform and show that I can survive for the 90 minutes.”
The speedy youngster's performances for Town have also brought him international recognition with the England Under-19s.
He made his debut in a 4-1 win over Poland last February and was miffed not to be credited with a goal that went to James Vaughan.
He now hopes to join his clutch of Irish Town team-mates, playing for his country's Under 21s.
He added: “The England thing was great. I really enjoyed myself and now I want more so I can learn and be even more settled there too.”
