Latest Transfer Update at 23-04-2012

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Emmanuel-Thomas: Tipped for bright future

ELLINGTON HAILS EMMANUEL-THOMAS

Nathan Ellington insists Ipswich must keep starlet Jay Emmanuel-Thomas this summer if they're to launch a promotion challenge next season.
The 21-year-old starlet, who signed a three-year deal at Portman Road last summer following his move from Arsenal, has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs after catching the eye during Town's climb to safety since the turn of the year.
Emmanuel-Thomas has scored seven goals this season and manager Paul Jewell recently described him as an "unbelievable natural talent".
Experienced striker Ellington is also impressed by the youngster's attitude as well as his ability and thinks he has the potential to go far.
The 30-year-old said: "Even at the start of the season in some reserve games I could see his ability to create something from nothing and his power shots from distance.


"He's certainly got great potential and one to watch for the future for sure.
"The ability he's got allows him to take on anybody and he's got the eye for a pass as well. He can only improve and has the tools needed to play in the Premier League, definitely.
"He told me that being around the Arsenal team helped him a lot with his game. He will listen to any advice from more experienced players and take it on board to help him improve his game.
"He's a very confident lad as well and that certainly helps to succeed at this level. You need to believe you can do anything to anyone - and that's what he's got.
"He's one of our best players as he's proved this season and one of those the club has to keep if we're to push for promotion.
"It goes without saying he needs to stay and if he carries on producing the same performances next season, we'll be in good shape."
Ellington is confident the club only needs a few additions this summer to turn them into genuine promotion contenders.
He added: "Aaron Cresswell has come on really well having cemented his place at left back while I've also been impressed by Josh Carson and Luke Hyam, who has come through the youth ranks and is doing well.
"Players like Lee Martin and Carlos Edwards are also important to us. We've got a lot of talented players at the club and if we can just add to the squad in certain areas this summer, we'll do well next season."


"It's been a building project for the manager and I believe we're coming along nicely now."
Nathan Ellington is represented by S J Dent & Co Sports Management (Part of The ROAR Group - www.sjdentmgt.com)

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Appleton: Turns thoughts to next season

REBUILDING JOB ON FOR APPLETON

Michael Appleton has pledged to rebuild Portsmouth both on and off the pitch following relegation to League One.
Pompey's 2-1 defeat to Derby proved meaningless as Bristol City beat Barnsley 2-0 to consign both the south coast club and Coventry to the third tier.


But the Pompey boss feels relegation offers the opportunity to turn the club back into a top-class outfit.
He told the club's official website: "The players have given everything and been competitive. They've worked their socks off in the face of so many disappointments.


"But now we've got an opportunity to go and rebuild. And that means rebuilding the infrastructure of the club as well as what's happening on the pitch.
"A lot needs to be changed. We can't cope with the wage structure we have at the minute and something has to give, so players have to leave."

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Green: Set to move on

GREEN SET FOR RAMS EXIT

Derby midfielder Paul Green will leave the Rams on a free transfer in the summer after rejecting the club's offer of a new contract.
Green has been in talks with the Rams for several weeks but the Republic of Ireland international midfielder has now informed them he will not be staying at Pride Park.

"We made him an offer last week, which we feel was a fair one taking a number of factors into consideration, but unfortunately he has informed us that he won't be signing," Derby manager Nigel Clough told the club's official website.


"There is no malice from anyone at the club against Paul, he is a great lad and a very popular member of the squad."
Green, 29, joined the Rams on a free transfer from Doncaster in 2008.