Former Ipswich Town youngster Olly Davis has signed for Braintree Town on a deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season, following his release from Portman Road earlier this summer.
The 19-year-old forward, who spent more than a decade in the Ipswich academy, links up with Steve Pitt’s Iron side for their second consecutive National League campaign. They’re currently struggling at the foot of the National League table, despite the presence of some former Town big hitters.
Davis had been with the Blues since the age of seven and became a full-time academy scholar in 2022, progressing through the U18 and U21 ranks before departing in June.
From Portman Road to Cressing Road
Davis’ move marks a fresh start after a long spell at his boyhood club. He spent the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at St Albans City, where he gained valuable senior experience. His next step comes at Cressing Road, where Braintree are looking to build on their solid showing in the fifth tier last season.
Braintree boss Pitt has looked to blend experience and youth across his squad, and Davis will now work alongside two familiar faces for Ipswich fans: former Blues duo Alan Judge and Tommy Smith, who both signed for the Essex club earlier this year.
Academy product continues his journey
While Davis never made a senior appearance for Ipswich, his long association with the club saw him rise through the ranks in a highly regarded youth system that has produced talents such as Luke Woolfenden and Elkan Baggott. His technical ability and eye for goal at youth level caught the attention of non-league scouts, paving the way for this latest opportunity.
Braintree’s emphasis on developing emerging players within a competitive National League setup could provide the ideal environment for Davis to take the next step in his career. The Iron currently sit 21st, four points off the bottom 3, but have targeted a push into the upper half of the division this term.
Ex-Blues influence growing at Braintree
Judge, now 36, brings significant EFL pedigree after spells with Brentford, Colchester and Ipswich, while Smith, capped 56 times by New Zealand, has returned to English football following time in the MLS and A-League. Their experience will be invaluable to a young forward like Davis as he adapts to senior football full-time.
The presence of multiple former Ipswich players highlights the growing connection between the Suffolk club’s alumni and Braintree, whose proximity and National League status make them an attractive destination for ex-academy talent seeking a pathway back up the pyramid.
Writer’s View
Olly Davis’ move to Braintree Town makes strong sense for all involved. The 19-year-old gets his first real chance at senior consistency, while the Iron gain a technically skilled forward developed in a Championship-standard academy.
Surrounded by experienced former Blues in Judge and Smith, Davis will have strong mentors as he adjusts to the demands of National League football. For Ipswich, it’s another example of their youth system producing players who can carve professional careers beyond Portman Road, a sign of long-term development paying off even after players move on.
