GIVE Luke Hyam more than just a new one year contract.

That is the opinion of a vast number of Ipswich Town fans, on the basis of an eye-catching poll on our website.

A massive 97% voted in favour of offering midfield sensation Hyam more than just the one-year package that is currently on the table.

Former Town striker James Scowcroft, Suffolk born and bred like local lad Hyam, insisted in Saturday’s EADT that the 20-year-old

former Northgate High School pupil should be offered a longer deal.

And his “tie him down on a longer deal” plea has enjoyed landslide support amongst website readers.

Hyam has been a revelation in recent weeks, playing alongside Andy

Drury in central midfield, and has been a prime reason why Paul Jewell’s men have propelled themselves out of relegation danger and into the safety of mid-table.

His no-nonsense approach – closing down opponents quickly, breaking up rival attacks and intercepting opposing passes – has helped Town to gain the ascendancy in games and rediscover a much-needed backbone.

Hyam produced another superb performance in Saturday’s convincing 3-0 win over Cardiff City, just four days after delivering a

man-of-the-match display in a 1-0 win at Portsmouth.

The result is that Hyam is now one of the first names on Jewell’s teamsheet, while the team have recorded four wins on the bounce and are on the rise.

Which begs the question, raised by Scowcroft – why just a one-year deal?

Why, indeed.