IPSWICH TOWN: Luke Hyam has much to thank Northgate School head teacher David Hutton for as he prepares for a possible recall to the Blues team for Saturday’s npower Championship game against Coventry City.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has taken to first team football like a duck to water this season, missed the 2-1 home victory over Leeds on October 2 because of a one-game suspension.

Hutton may be an Arsenal season ticket holder but he played his part in Hyam’s development when he jointly ran his year group football side that also included Hyam, and fellow Town first year professional Billy Clark from year seven to year 10.

“We are so proud of Luke at the school,” said Hutton, who was deputy head at the time he managed Hyam’s year along with Andrew Rutland, who is second in charge of mathematics.

And Hyam and Clark, who broke into the Ipswich senior side first at the end of last season, have much to thank their former football managers for.

Not only did the school produce two grounded and dedicated individuals, Hutton and Rutland went out of their way to provide a platform to play football.

“I’m pleased I ran the football team, but it was hard work and four years was long enough,” added Hutton, who taught business studies to another ex-Northgate pupil Liam Trotter who was transferred from Town to Millwall last summer.

“The boys were great, but it often meant returning to school after games at 7pm and still having more work to do.

“I sent Luke a card after his great start to life in the Ipswich first team, and although I have not yet seen him play at Portman Road because of my Arsenal commitments I am well aware of how well he has done.

“Perhaps he did not have the same ability as Billy, but he showed no fear with his tackling and was an inspiration to others and compensated for a couple of weak positions in the team.”

From year seven to year 10 at Northgate, Hyam’s year won the league and cup double on two occasions and the league once.

“There were some other talented lads in the team as well, and it was not just the Luke and Billy show,” said Hutton.

“I had nothing to do with their success as we did not coach them – we just did all the work that goes on to get matches played. Both lads were with the Ipswich Town set-up from an early age.

“It was the best football year I can remember at the school. We have other skilful lads with us now and they can see from Luke’s example what can be achieved.”

Skipper David Norris is also eligible after suspension to face Coventry as Town look to gain three points to cement their top five position.