Tyreece John-Jules impressed on loan at Ipswich Town in the early stages of last season before some cruel injury set-backs. The Arsenal youngster, 22, spoke to The Beautiful Game Podcast about his future.
Tyreece John-Jules says Ipswich Town is like a 'big family'. (Image: Steve Waller)
ON HIS TIME AT IPSWICH
I enjoyed every minute of Ipswich, to be fair.
As soon as I went to Ipswich, the love and support I got was great. The manager (Kieran McKenna), I have nothing but good things to say about him and I hope he has the same to say about me.
I felt the love as soon as I went there. The manager showed nothing but faith in me on the pitch and off the pitch he's such a nice guy, you can talk to him about anything. All the staff are like that and the fans were great as well.
When you're all so together it's more like a big family than a club.
MORE: Stuart Watson's verdict on whether John-Jules will return to Portman Road
The run-in was nuts. There was no room for error. I was watching every game on the edge of my seat. Every game was a final.
Knowing you can't help was very tough. But the boys did their job and we sealed the deal.
When I could make it after (Arsenal rehab) training I would get to the home games and see my team-mates and the manager after. I always stayed involved.
Every week someone was always checking in on me from Ipswich. I got a call to say 'make sure you come celebrate with us'. That was nice.
Tyreece John-Jules saw his loan spell at Ipswich ended by hamstring and quad injuries. (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976935738)
ON REPEATED INJURY SET-BACKS
Since I was 17/18, every season I've had a big injury.
I played one game at Sheffield Wednesday. I came on and in the first two minutes I got injured (quad).
At Ipswich I had back-to-back injuries (hamstring and quad). I missed six months of the season, so it's be tough to say the least.
The second injury came on the last day of my hamstring rehab. The next day I had been due to train with the team.
Tyreece John-Jules (right), pictured in the stands with Greg Leigh. Injuries prevented him playing beyond October 29 last season. (Image: Ross Halls)
When that happened my head was gone. I didn't know what to do. Thankfully my family were there to pick me up.
It's been bad. All the time questioning myself. 'What am I doing wrong?' 'What do I need to change?'
This can't keep happening. I can't keep having month after month of not playing.
I've been changing my diet, I've seen two specialists and trying lots of new things.
You can't keep dwelling on the past, you have to keep looking forwards. There's no time to be down. You just have to look to the next objective.
Tyreece John-Jules is now heading into the final year of his contract at Arsenal. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
ON HIS FUTURE
I've got one year left on my contract at Arsenal.
I've had five loans now and each one feels like you're getting further from the first team.
That said, my boy (Folarin) Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment (at French club Reims) and I'd say he's getting closer.
I guess everyone has their own path.
Right now I'm just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
Ipswich was the fifth loan club of Tyreece John-Jules' young career following previous spells at Lincoln, Doncaster, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday. (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976935738)
Talks will have to happen at some point - whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent.
I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.
Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
I'm all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here