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Sorry Folks!
Written by stevieiriswattii on Sunday, 19th Apr 2015 16:25

For 25 years I have been away from the area and only able to attend a game or so a season, this was after previously being a season ticket holder in the late 80s.

I wasn’t sure how many games I would take in but in the end six is the number so far and despite a good winning season, my attendance doesn’t seem to be bringing much luck.

Unfortunately I haven’t seen a good and exciting performance in any of those games. In fact there has only been one win in those six, with one draw and four defeats without scoring.

I am being a little harsh, as the win was at home to Charlton, 3-0, but I was sat in Churchmans (no tickets in the North lower) and it was so chuffingly cold it was difficult match to enjoy.

The one draw was away at Southampton, which was a good first half performance, but the second half was essentially Southampton almost in permanent possession of the ball.

The four defeats were 0-1 at home to Nodge, Southampton, Derby and 0-2 away to Nodge. Of those the ‘best’ performance was away, up the road, although in reality that isn't saying much bearing in mind the insipid way we lost the home derby.

With those performances and a few other associated points, I wonder if I am falling out of love with watching live football. I am not enjoying the style of football which we are playing, if it was all about the result, I could just stay at home and listen on the radio.

That isn't meant to be a criticism of Mick McCarthy, he cannot please all of the fans all of the time and of course he has his direction from the club as to what is required. If I am going to spend the money to attend games, which if I include travel, programme etc then it's upwards of £35-40 for a home game, that is not value for money, nor particularly affordable. That would seem to be borne out by the gates which Town are currently attracting.

Equally important, is the concept of sitting down and watching live football. I feel lucky to have watched Town in the North on a standing terrace, along with standing in the Shed, Stamford Bridge, The Clock End, Highbury, the Kippax, Maine Road etc. For me it takes so much away from the game to sit, hence my preference for watching from the still standing North.

Of course, we are still standing where possible, but even with that, it has had and is still having a detrimental effect on the atmosphere on most games. Try watching some Bundesliga football to see what atmosphere can be generated on a regular basis.

It is no coincidence that the two games I have enjoyed most, despite the results, were away at Southampton and Nodge. Big away followings, the most vocal fans close to each other (unlike Portman Road), just a completely different experience.

What to do? Do I continue with a similar amount of home and away games? Just attend more away days? Or even, save all my money and go to Germany and watch a few matches there?

I am certainly not saying that I will stop supporting Ipswich, nor switch my allegiance, but I really don't know what I will do, regardless of which division we are in next season. However, that is easier said than done, once you have your club in your blood, logic doesn't really apply.

So, to contradict that last paragraph and to explain the blog title, I have just bought a ticket for the North, against Notts Forest! Also, if we get to the play-offs, particularly if we get to play Nodge, I suspect I will be there. Please, for your sakes and mine I hope my luck changes!




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Ipswichlove added 16:59 - Apr 19
What's the point in this blog?
-3

Ryorry added 17:02 - Apr 19
Welcome back to the fold Stevie, hope you sta; but meanwhile you might want to keep your eyes peeled for the forum's Attendance Police, who will probably have already earmarked you for attention ...
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Ryorry added 17:03 - Apr 19
*stay* even :)
0

stevieiriswattii added 17:18 - Apr 19
Thank you Ryorry, I wondered whether my spasmodic attendance would generate discussion!

0

noggin added 17:19 - Apr 19
Well done for tking a proper fan's Nodge away ticket 😉
-3

itfc1981 added 17:34 - Apr 19
Already a few losers have made some dense comments. Any Town fan is just that and better than any other football fan.
0

ParisBlue added 18:17 - Apr 19
Given you've had to pick and choose your games (as I do) I find it slightly odd that 4 of the 6 games you've watched live were televised.

We lost all 4 of those. Saturday isn't on TV so you'll be fine...
1

stevieiriswattii added 18:46 - Apr 19
That is an interesting point, ParisBlue, one I hadn't considered. I've never had satellite tv, & living out in the sticks in various parts of the country & abroad, you'd be surprised how difficult it can be to find a pub with Sky, & then one showing Ipswich! In future i should check the tv listings 😀
0

Ely_Blue added 18:49 - Apr 19
It's Nottingham Forest not Notts Forest!!

It would be Notts County & Nottm Forest if you want to abbreviate it!
-4

JamieD added 18:49 - Apr 19
A well written piece that I feel mirrors my view. Of the few games that I attend (that I can afford), I am left deflated and uninspired. I still love Ipswich but this season has been a little frustrating, yet successful, with the funds we have had. I am still optimistic about the rise up to the premier league but dread playing the other playoff contenders... Especially if we get the scum in the final!
Copying your conclusion, with a contradiction, I would LOVE to get Norwich in the final and beat them at Wembley to achieve, and reach the promised land.
2

stevieiriswattii added 19:13 - Apr 19
You are quite right Ely blue, Nottingham Forest. It was lazy typing!
0

bluebriggy added 19:22 - Apr 19
More luck than me! i have this site, Youtube, and BBC1 highlights, last 2 live games i saw was us getting thumped by Newcastle, and the cup game at PR v Southampton
I obviously cannot appreciate the highs and lows but i do still keep the fervent hope that we will get there, and not only survive, but play attractive fb as well. I echo Jamie D would love it to be Norwich at Wembley I started going to matches in 1973/4 and last season ticket 2003/4
COYB
1

rickw added 11:01 - Apr 20
You've picked some poor games to go to - you were lucky you missed Wigan at home - that's the worst I've ever seen!!

However some games we've been really good and entertaining, - Boro at home, Wolves home and even Birmingham (when we wasn't so good but won) + Brentford away.

I fear Norwich at Wembley - they outclassed us in the league games this season, and losing again to them at Wembley is unthinkable, however beating them would be the best moment ever for any Ipswich fan!!
1

Hegansheroes added 13:26 - Apr 20
noggin-pr1ck
0

TheBluesmith added 16:05 - Apr 20
As a student living in Germany with a Hertha BSC season ticket I can understand your point re. "The German Experience." However, there will NEVER under any circumstances be a better feeling than watching the Town win or score. You can go to pastures new for a better match day experience but you will never be able to recreate the emotion you feel for a town goal.
1

AwayDays added 08:52 - Apr 21
some of these comments are pathetic, the bloke has just written a blog about himself supporting our beloved club.....and people attack him for that. get a grip.

well done to everybody else....with a brain.

COYB
1

SouperJim added 12:08 - Apr 21
You've been unlucky with the games you've attended. It's true our football is far from Burley-esque, but I have been far more entertained watching us this season than any other post-Royle. The atmosphere at Portman Road has improved, as it always does when results improve, and Mick has very much restored my sense of pride in my club. Away games of course are always good fun as our away support is fantastic. I've managed half a dzoen away games this season and have my tickets for Blackburn, hoping we are all but mathmatically safe for that one!

Stick with it old bean. If you want my advice, try to get to Portman Road more often rather than away games. Mick's "don't get beat" mentality away from home can be dull to watch (though we've had some great last gasp winners and as I said earlier, the atmosphere away from home is always good).
2
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