Ipswich Town youngster Charlie Wood hailed as ‘massively coachable’ by Needham Market manager Tom Rothery

Needham Market manager Tom Rothery has backed ‘massively coachable’ Charlie Wood to give himself the best chance of making a success of his move to Ipswich Town.

The 17-year-old, who recently had a trial with AFC Bournemouth, completed his switch to the Tractor Boys on a three-year deal last week.

And while he only made four senior appearances for the Marketmen, Rothery saw enough during that short stint to believe that the midfielder can thrive in a professional environment.

“It’s massive kudos to our academy, James Mant (academy head coach) and all of the staff there – they deserve a lot of credit,” said Rothery.

“He played four games for us in the first team, started one and scored a goal in one of his appearances of a sub.

“What I can say is that first and foremost he’s a really nice lad. He made a big impression, he showed in those four games that he’s willing to listen and that he’s massively coachable.

“That’s the one thing you need to be when you go into a professional set-up. He’ll listen, he’ll be sponge-like and that gives him a good chance.

“And he’s also got a lot of good attributes. He’s a big lad, he’s got energy and he’s technically good.

“It’s a brilliant story and I’m so pleased for him and his family. It’s also obviously good for the club, it shows the pathway we have and it’s nice to have played a small part in his journey.”