ENGLAND international Kieron Dyer has paid tribute to outgoing Ipswich Town coach Bryan Klug.

Mike Bacon

ENGLAND international Kieron Dyer has paid tribute to outgoing Ipswich Town coach Bryan Klug.

The 49-year-old Klug left Portman Road this week after almost 30 years with the club.

Dyer, 31, was, and has remained, one of Klug's biggest fans. "I will always be grateful to Bryan, I owe him so much," he said.

Dyer, now at West Ham United, was one of a succession of young stars who came through the Portman Road youth ranks under the guidance of Klug.

He was eventually sold to Newcastle United for �6m in July 1999, going on to gain 33 England caps.

And Dyer has no doubts of Klug's influence on his profesional career, if a little surprised Town have let him go.

"Bryan has been a big influence on my career," he said.

"Sir Bobby Robson was the biggest-ever influence on me, but Bryan is right up there.

"I know I will be speaking on behalf of Titus (Bramble) and Darren (Bent), although they will say it themselves, that Bryan was a huge influence on all of us.

"We all had great affection for him.

"He is just a very good coach, simple as that, and I always remember training was great with him.

"He loves one-touch and two-touch football and we all benefitted so much.

"George Burley got much of the credit for giving the likes of me, Titus, Richard Wright, Benty (Darren Bent) and Scowie (James Scowcroft), our big chances in the game, and in many ways he should have. But it was Bryan in particular, and Paul Goddard, who coached us.

"The amount of youngsters he has brought through at Ipswich and the club has sold on, has made, well I can't think how much."

However Dyer is realistic about the game today and Klug's departure.

"It will seem weird without Bryan at Portman Road, he was part of the furniture," he added.

"But that's part and parcel of the game I suppose, a new boss comes in and wants his own staff.

"I'm sure Bryan will soon be back in football with his track record."