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US Game Off
US Game Off
Tuesday, 24th Apr 2001 10:32

Town's game with US side the Charleston Battery has been put off until next summer on the advice of Town's medical men. The game was set for the fixture gap between the Manchester City and Derby games, but the flights presumably were thought too gruelling ahead of Town's important last game of the season at Derby.

Town manager George Burley said: "We are extremely sorry to have made this decision, we were all looking forward to the Charleston game and the break before the Derby County fixture. Unfortunately our medical staff is now strongly advising us, not to travel before this game. With a Champions' League spot on the horizon I have to do what is best for Ipswich Town"

A TWTD poll of fans showed that supporters were also concerned at the effect a trip to the States might have on our players, although those based in America will be obviously be very disappointed. George Burley again: "I am particularly sorry for the many Ipswich Town fans based in the US, I know that many were planning on travelling to the May 9th game. I’d like to thank them for their support and hope that they understand why I made this difficult decision. We will visit Charleston next summer and play the Charleston Battery."

Match tickets will be refunded, however some States-based fans will not be able to get refunds on their airfares. The game will be played in 2002.

Charleston President Nigel Cooper said: "This is a huge disappointment for us, we were all very excited about this match. Hopefully our fans will understand Ipswich’s decision and join us in wishing them the best of luck for the rest of their season. We will issue full refunds for all tickets purchased for the Ipswich Town game."

Town's reserves drew 0-0 with Wimbledon at Sutton last night. If anyone was there feel free to send us a report. The game saw Dutchman Guillermo Graaven make his first reserve start since the ankle operation required after injuring it in the Leicester game right at the beginning of the season.

Town side: Salmon, Artun, Croft, Miller, Moffat, Van Eijk, Abidallah, Nicholls, Friars (Dickinson 75), Logan (Burton 85), Graaven (Bent 65).

Two more Town youngsters could be joining Ashley Nicholls on loan in Scandinavia over the summer, Nicholls is likely to go to IK Brage, while James Pullen and Justin Miller and perhaps others are likely to spend time at other clubs.

Town has tried to forge links with a number of sides throughout Europe with the aim at helping youngsters as they come through. Swedish club Giffarna Sundvall is one such club, while Dutch team Heerenveen currently have two players training and playing with Town.

George Burley said: "Nothing has yet been finalised but we are considering allowing some of the younger players in the squad to play in Scandinavia in the summer. The season there has just got under way and it will allow players like Ashley, Justin and James an opportunity to play competitive football abroad."

Alan Hansen has joined the legion of people in football calling for George Burley to be given the Manager of the Year award. Already Gordon Strachan, Alan Green (I know, unbelievable) and many others have put Burley forward for the award which is usually won by the manager of the Premiership Champions.

Asked if Burley should get the award Hansen said: "Without a shadow of a doubt. The big boys will probably take it but because of the achievement of George Burley and Ipswich, he should run away with it. It's a fantastic story, a fantastic acheivement."

Town '81 star Steve McCall is to start a new job with the club in the summer. Recently McCall has been the Blues' South-West Scout, but he has now secured the job of Scouting Co-ordinator. McCall will pull together all corners of Town's scouting operation to save the time of the manager and Chief Scout Colin Suggett.

McCall said: "What we are aiming to do is make sure that we have scouts out there watching the games where we want them, watching the players we want them to watch and getting the information back to us."

Steve is getting to grips with a new computer programme which helps him pull all these elements together and starts on May 1st.


Photo: Action Images



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