FORMER Yate Town defender Tyrone Mings has joined Championship side Ipswich Town.

The 19-year-old cut his teeth in senior football at Yate in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West after joining them in the summer of 2011, immediately becoming a regular member of the side.

He left the club in September to join Southern League Premier Division side Chippenham Town and his shock move to Ipswich means he has climbed six divisions in four months.

Mings signed an 18-month contract with Mick McCarthy's side after impressing the former Republic of Ireland manager in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Nike Academy.

“It’s just been a crazy time really,'' Mings told Ipswich Town's official website.

“This time last week I was putting a suit on and going to work as a mortgage broker.

“Then I found out at the end of last week that Ipswich wanted me to come in and play in a friendly.

“The manager was speaking to me as the game was progressing and at half time. After the game he said he’d like to sign me and here we are. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.”

The move was facilitated by Portman Road legend Russell Osman, with whose son Toby Mings played at Chippenham.

Mings, who was released by Southampton as a youngster, added: “I’ve had a few clubs watch me over the last year or so. I went to Hereford for a couple of days but they had a transfer embargo at the time and they had financial problems as well.

“There have been a few clubs said to be interested but nothing has materialised until now. This is a life-changing opportunity for me and I’ve got to make sure I take it.”

Ipswich boss McCarthy told his club's website: "Tyrone has a pedigree of being at a club with his time at Southampton and through Russell (Osman) and Steve McCall, who became aware of him, we brought him here on Monday to have a look at him against the Nike Academy.

“He played at left-back. He’s quick, he’s 6ft 3in, he loves a tackle. He’s only 19 but plays the game like a bloke. He’s a good talker, organises and we’re delighted to have him in.

“He’s going to be in and around the squad pretty quickly if he shows everything he did on Monday. There is loads to work with. We are going to give him an opportunity and it will be great if it works out.”