Town manager Paul Jewell says he has detected a change in the mentality of the Portman Road crowd and not just his players during recent home games. Having said he felt that there was a fear factor going back over a number of seasons earlier in the campaign, the Blues boss has seen his side win their last four matches on their own turf with a crowd of around 24,000 expected for this afternoon’s game against Crystal Palace.

Jewell said: “I think you can sense a change in mentality, not just with the players but with the supporters. The fans are coming to the games now because they’re looking forward to them not just because they’ve got season tickets.

“Last year, people were thinking they’ve got to go to the game on Saturday because they’d bought their ticket. I think at the minute they’re coming here looking forward to seeing the team perform.

“They didn’t perform the other night as far as football was concerned but we couldn’t be accused of a lack of determination and effort.”

The Town boss says that keeping the current winning run going is important if the Blues are going to be challenging at the right end of the table come May: “The basis of anyone being successful is their home form.

“How many times do you hear the old cliché about making Portman Road a fortress? We want to make Portman Road a place where people don’t think it’s easy to play and away teams aren’t looking forward to coming here. Our fans have a huge part to play in that.”

He says they played their role during the recent 3-1 victory over Brighton: “In the Brighton game there was a great atmosphere. We went a goal behind, the crowd picked us up and got us over the line on that one. Hopefully we won’t go a goal down on Saturday.

“We want to be playing in front of big crowds at home and the way we can do that is by winning games and getting people to come along and bring other people.

“We want a party atmosphere at Portman Road. We’re a long way from that at the minute but we are making progress.”

Today’s crowd will be boosted by a ticket promotion with adult seats reduced to £10.

Photo: Action Images

BrightBlue added 09:33 - Oct 22 There were very few games to enjoy last season and there has been a noticeable nervousness amongst the crowd this season. I have started to look forward to matches over the last few weeks and today I just can't wait. We must become the 12th man and get the atmosphere back within PR.
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petermorris added 09:45 - Oct 22 Town fans will never get excited watching hoofball. After going one down v Brighton I remember thinking I didn't care if we lost or drew the match as we were playing so well. Proper footy is back at PR - thats why the atmosphere is returning.
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hogster1970 added 09:50 - Oct 22 well exactly peter, good exciting play spur the crowd on and the crowd then spur the team on it is a snowball effect, so come on boys come out all guns blazing and keep the ball down and play from the back, and stockdale when ball in hand try and release quickly and go for the counter, at times he is to slow at that and then its to late.
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BlueysNosebag added 09:52 - Oct 22 Paul Jewell has summed me up there! I've held a ST for 25+ years and dreaded home games last season. I know things take time to settle but losing 5-2 at home to Southampton and then 7-1 away to Peterborough made me wonder what the heck was going on this season. But because I support the Town I kept the faith and kept going to matches.I am now enjoying watching Town again, not just cos we are winning (although it helps) but because the football is good to watch. Tuesday night wasn't a classic but we dug in & even when Portsmouth did get in on goal I had confidence in the defence to deal with the situations. Aaron Cresswell is my Player of the Season so far and every time he gets the ball I get excited. I'm not the biggest fan of Edwards at right back but I thought he was great on Tuesday. Sonko & Collins have formed a good partnership & even Delaney looked OK when he came on. Of course, it's not just the defence but I think that was the area that filled me with most dread under Keane. Yes Mr Jewell, I am enjoying my football at Portman Road again. Is it time for kick off yet? BLUE ARMY!

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brogansnose added 10:48 - Oct 22 Nail - head. For so long I've been going to PR every week and really doing it out of habit certainly not because of the standard of football but now we are playing something approaching football............Plus ca change. As PJ says its clearly discernable that progress is being made.
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pazelle added 11:33 - Oct 22 “How many times do you hear the old cliché about making Portman Road a fortress?" Yes, I hear that cliche very much - please elaborate "We want to make Portman Road a place where people don't think it's easy to play and away teams aren't looking forward to coming here." Thanks
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irishtim added 12:14 - Oct 22 good passing footie always pleases town fans. The crap footie under keane was shocking &thats being kind from a fellow irishman who by the way never liked keane since saipan bloody traitor. Rant over
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oldtimer3 added 12:53 - Oct 22 Going to match today I love to cheer on the team, not one who keeps quite. It should be a good game. Come on you blues!
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BlueBadger added 14:18 - Oct 22 Boooooooooooooooooooooo
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suffolklad added 11:01 - Oct 24 It does not take long for an attitued to change for some,just one game it seems!!
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