When Tyrone Mings signed for Ipswich for £10,000 from Chippenham Town in 2012 reaction was muted, with very little expected from the 19-year-old.
He went on to make 16 appearances in his first full season, but it wasn’t until the following campaign that he really held down his first-team starting berth.
This was due in part to Aaron Cresswell’s move to West Ham United, which handed Mings the opportunity to step into his favoured full-back position. At 6ft. 5″, he is a formidable figure showing himself as equally adept at occupying a centre-back position.
Like a surprisingly high number of stars, he started off within the now famed Southampton academy. At the time the Saints were in League One and were forced to cut their youth team budget, which saw Mings slip through their fingers as a 16-year-old.
He went on to represent Bristol Rovers u18s, where his father worked at the time, before playing for Yate Town, impressing whilst there. He then moved on to local side Chippenham Town in 2012. At this point the 19 year old was juggling his playing time with his occupation as a mortgage advisor while also chasing trials to get back into the Football League system.
Here was a determined young man who was willing to work hard, ‘pay his dues’ and put himself out there again and again for another chance. He clearly had his head screwed on. Feet on the ground and realistic in his ambitions, little did he know that his big chance would come whilst on trial with Ipswich Town in 2012. After impressing, manager Mick McCarthy he sealed a transfer for just £10,000, plus a friendly against the Tractor Boys.
Given the recent move to Bournemouth for £8million, this measly sum. Having rejected a £3m bid from Crystal Palace last year, Ipswich had hoped to keep the squad together for a promotion push. Unfortunately for the South East side, they lost in the Championship play-off semi-final to fierce rivals Norwich City.
The £8million price tag could rise to as much as £11 million with various add-one and this sum could go a long way towards investing in the squad to chase a promotion winning campaign. Ipswich will view themselves as having got the better end of the deal but will it be good value for Bournemouth?
Whilst the figure paid has been scoffed at in many circles, this too could prove a good move for the Cherries. The Premier League new boys will want to continue their work ethic and passing style that has made them such an attractive team to watch. Tyrone Mings shares these attributes so will settle in beautifully.
And who knows, if this term goes well for the Bath born defender, then maybe his father Adie, who is currently a scout at Chelsea, will be able to pull some strings and convince the club to invest in the promising defender and bring him to Stamford Bridge.
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