Town chairman David Sheepshanks has flown out to Monaco for tomorrow's UEFA Cup draw. The Town chairman hails tomorrow as an important moment in the history of the club.

Sheepshanks said: "This is a special moment, a poignant one in the history of our club. I remember in my days as a fan of the club reading about how then chairman, the late Patrick Cobbold, and David Rose were flying out to European draws."

Now it is Sheepshanks who is accompanied by club secretary Rose: "It was so exciting, and now I feel really elated that we are able to re-create that excitement in the modern era. For a delegation from our club to be en route to a European draw is a re-birth of a halcyon era that is such a big part of our history. Today is a landmark in a new era for Ipswich Town. The Premiership is of course our main aim, but to be in the UEFA Cup is so special and going out to Monaco is, for me, quite emotional really."

Town being back in Europe will inevitably have minds reflecting on the Robson era, Sheepshanks is hopeful of emulating that side: "Back in the Bobby Robson era the club had a good record in European competitions and won the UEFA Cup in 1981. We’re in a draw again and en route to see it. Hopefully we can achieve more success in Europe. I hope our supporters feel as excited as I do. You have to go back to 1982 for the last time we were in a major European draw. We’re on our way to see our team go in the hat with top continental clubs again and I can feel the true sense of the occasion."

Manager George Burley remains here and is hoping that new signing Sixto Peralta will be able to join the squad for the Charlton game. The club are waiting for clearance for the Argentinian. Like Mauricio Taricco Peralta has an Italian passport so a work permit is not a problem.

Burley is not so bothered who Town meet in the UEFA Cup: "We’re all looking forward to hearing the outcome of the draw in Monaco on Friday. I’m not bothered who we get. I’m just pleased and delighted that we are involved. The main thing that concerns me at the moment is our home game with Charlton at Portman Road on Saturday, but of course great interest will centre on the draw. Whoever we come up against we’ll look forward to playing and hopefully we can be successful."

Unlucky sub Fabian Wilnis will be missing from Saturday's game with Charlton. Wilnis pulled up late on in the Derby game after coming on as a sub. He has a hamstring problem.

Town will also be without John McGreal who is still not over his hamstring problem. Jim Magilton is rated as doubtful with the ankle problem picked up at Sunderland.

Matt Holland has a slight shin injury and Titus Bramble has an ankle knock but the pair of them are thought to be OK for Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

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