IpswichTown have handed six academy players professional deals for 2016/17 - Monty Patterson, Jacon Marsden, James Blanchfield, George Fowler, Chris Smith and Shane McLoughlin. Photo: ITFC (Image: Archant)
Ipswich Town have handed six academy players professional contracts.
James Blanchfield, George Fowler, Jacob Marsden, Monty Patterson, Shane McLoughlin and Chris Smith have all penned one-year deals, with the option of a further 12 month stay.
McLoughlin, who can play up front or on the wings, was named on the bench against Portsmouth in the FA Cup last season, while Blanchfield travelled as part of the first-team squad for the clash with Huddersfield in February.
Striker Patterson has been capped at senior level by New Zealand, while local defenders George Fowler and Chris Smith, as well as keeper Jacob Marsden, are all highly rated at Playford Road.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here