James Pullen, Heybridge Swifts' talented 16-year-old goalkeeper, will be joining Division One high flyers Ipswich Town in the next few weeks.

Following outstanding displays this season for the Swifts' first team against high class opposition including West Ham United, Pullen agreed to full time professional terms earlier this week.

Pullen, Heybridge's regular reserve goalkeeper for the past two seasons, joined the Swifts from Heybridge Boys.

Since playing against the Hammers in a pre-season friendly, James has been training with both West Ham and Ipswich.

Pullen becomes the second goalkeeper to pass through the Swifts' ranks into League football, following in the distinguished footsteps of Simon Royce, who is now at Charlton Athletic.

Ambitious Swifts have negotiated a deal to benefit all parties, with significant returns when Pullen makes his first League appearance.

Swifts' chairman Andy Barber said: "We are all thrilled for James and we are sure he has a bright future with Ipswich, hopefully in the Premiership.

''It's great for our many youth players to see one of their mates make it to the big time, and it is a credit to everyone involved with the club."

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