Ipswich Town youngster Nico Valentine has re-joined Suffolk non-league side Needham Market on loan.

The 18-year-old winger spent last season with the Marketmen as he helped them win the Southern League Central Premier Division title.

 

 

Valentine is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that he suffered while playing for Town Under-21s in their pre-season friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach, but he is expected to return to action later this month. 

He now joins Kevin Horlock's side, who play in the National League North - the sixth tier of English football. They have won two of their opening eight games. 

Nico Valentine impressed during his previous spell at Needham Market.Nico Valentine impressed during his previous spell at Needham Market. (Image: Ben Pooley)

On returning to Bloomfields, Valentine said: “I'm buzzing to be back. Obviously, it's not coming the best scenario where I've been started off injured, but that's how it's happened. 

"I enjoyed it a lot last season, and I think over the summer I had some time to think what I wanted to do with my next step. I think this is the best step forward, so I'm looking forward to getting back and helping the team on the pitch."

Needham assistant manager Tom Rothery added: “Nico is a really good addition and from our point of view it’s somebody we have worked with before so we know what he will add to us.

“Personally for me, anybody who comes in now I think it is imperative that we know exactly what they will offer and add.

“He’s a really nice lad and popular in the changing room, still came to games last season despite being injured and has been at games this season too, so he’s well known around the club and clearly he’s invested and interested in us too.”

Ipswich Town players currently out on loan 

- Marcus Harness (Derby County)

- George Edmundson (Middlesbrough)

- Elkan Baggott (Blackpool)

- Cameron Humphreys (Wycombe Wanderers)

- Finley Barbrook & Edwin Agbaje (Sutton United)

- Leon Ayinde (Rochdale)

- Ryan Carr (Gateshead)

- Osman Foyo (Chelmsford City)

- Nico Valentine (Needham Market)

- Charlie Binns (Bishop’s Stortford)

- Harry Barbrook (Lowestoft Town)