Former Apprentice Tommy Smith has signed a new contract with Ipswich Town that will keep him at Portman Road until the summer of 2014.
The 22-year-old, who is set to represent New Zealand in this summer’s Olympics, has put pen to paper on a two year deal, with an option of a 12 month extension.
“I’m obviously delighted to have signed the contract and sorted out my future,” Tommy told the Club’s official website.
“When I wasn’t in the squad for a few months, it crossed my mind that I may have to move on. That’s not something I wanted to happen. I got my head down though, worked hard and changed the Manager’s views of me.”
“It was a year of ups and downs but I was pleased with how I performed at the back end of the season – and how we played as a team as well. There were definite signs of progress and I think we reaped the benefits of having a settled side.”
“It’s important we start next year well. We’ve not done that for a while but there are a lot of positives we can take from the way we finished the season and I’m looking forward to being involved.”
Tommy, who graduated from Town’s Academy in 2008, has made 71 appearances for the first team. He has been named in New Zealand’s squad for the Oceania Nations Cup, which is also acting as the first qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.
