The Club announced the new intake of full-time scholars in the matchday programme vs Charlton.
The new scholars officially signed their Academy contracts at Portman Road, after receiving a welcome from Mark Ashton and Lee O’Neill.
The group, along with their family members, then had a tour of the stadium before enjoying lunch in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite.
Finally, Kieran McKenna popped along for a chat in the Directors Box.
A total of 10 players were welcomed to the Club, with biographies about each player below.
- Name: Danny Cullum
- Position: Goalkeeper
About: Danny has been at the Club since the age of eight and has played a number of games in the U18s this season, as well as the U16s. Danny’s strengths include his range of passing and variation of distribution and he plays with both energy and a good tempo. Danny has shown real improvement this year when dealing with crosses, especially under pressure, and is a very good shot-stopper.
- Name: Woody Williamson
- Position: Goalkeeper
About: Woody signed for the Club two years ago having previously played in Arsenal’s Academy. He has featured in both the U18s and U16s this season and his strengths include his shot-stopping, having made a number of key saves during games. Woody makes good decisions on when to play out from the back and when to go longer, and deals with crosses well too.
- Name: Nick Nkansa-Dwamena
- Position: Defender
About: Nick has only recently joined the Football Club, having previously been at West Ham United’s Academy. Nick is an athletic and attacking full-back who is positive when in possession of the ball and boasts a good range of passing. Out of possession, Nick is continuing to learn his roles and responsibilities within the defensive unit. He shows his understanding and uses all of his physical attributes in one v one battles in wide areas.
- Name: Jesse Ayoola
- Position: Defender
About: Jesse is a tall and powerful centre-back. He is comfortable in possession of the ball and has a great range of passing. Jesse is a committed and resolute defender but also likes to find the right opportunities to go forward and join attacks, especially from set pieces due to his physical stature.
- Name: Emmanuel Okunowo
- Position: Midfielder
About: Emmanuel has been a constant performer in the U16s where, due to his ability and understanding of the game, he has been involved regularly since he was an U14. This season, he has broken into the U18s side and has also trained with the U23s. Emmanuel is calm and composed with a great level of attacking awareness in addition to his strong physical attributes. His strength makes him a presence out of possession too.
- Name: Tom Taylor
- Position: Midfielder
About: Tom is a creative and intelligent footballer who exhibits good quality in possession of the ball and has been involved with the U18s over the second half of the current season. He is able to play anywhere in the midfield or forward unit. Out of possession, Tom’s positioning and understanding of the game is constantly improving.
- Name: Steven Turner
- Position: Midfielder
About: Another consistent performer, Steven boasts a good tactical understanding of the game. He is calm in possession and has an eye for a pass. Steven has the ability to break up play and pinch possession, while he is both a versatile and creative player. He has featured a number of times for the U18s this term.
- Name: Alex Graham
- Position: Midfielder
About: Alex is a hard-working attacking midfielder that shows a good understanding of his roles and responsibilities both in and out of possession. He has the ability to play in a number of different positions and, he has done throughout the season at both U16s and U18s level. Alex is a tricky player who is always dangerous with the ball at his feet.
- Name: Rio Oudnie-Morgan
- Position: Forward
About: A Northern Ireland U17 international who has played for Town U18s this season, Rio is a creative and technical player on the ball. In possession, his eye for a pass is an asset in the forward line.
- Name: Oli Davis
- Position: Forward
About: A clever centre-forward, Oli can alter his game to come short and link up play, as well as getting in behind the defence. He has an eye for goal and is composed when opportunities arise, particularly from inside the 18-yard box. His ability is matched with a desire to learn and continually improve every single day.