Town boss Mick McCarthy wants to turn Portman Road back into a fortress after last year’s disappointing home form was a major factor in the Blues missing out on the play-offs.

In the 2014/15 campaign in which Town finished sixth their home record of 15 wins, five draws and only three defeats was the second best in the Championship behind Middlesbrough’s on goal difference.

However, last year, while their away form was the fifth best in the Championship, at home their record of nine wins, eight draws and six defeats from their 23 games at Portman Road was the ninth best in the division.

So far this season Town have recorded a 4-2 win and a 1-1- draw with Norwich in their two Championship home games.

Looking ahead to this afternoon’s third league game at Portman Road against Preston, McCarthy said: “It’s one of those really awkward, tough games because Preston had a great result away from home at QPR, they played very well [as they won 2-0].

“[U23s coach] Gerard Nash was at the game and we’ve got a report on that and watched them.

“But, of course, the difference between having eight points [going into the international break] is huge to not getting anything or getting one out of [the game].

“Whatever it is, we want to win at home. We want this place to be somewhere where people fear coming again because it was a couple of years ago and last year was different and we had a good away record. I want to get back to dominating teams at Portman Road.”

Photo: TWTD

battyblue added 06:20 - Aug 27 Sounds good to me just change the style and tactics then and there will be a lot more support from the supporters and a better atmosphere.
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planetblue_2011 added 06:42 - Aug 27 Yeah I agree we need to have good form at home & Micks tactics & game play should change from last year & hopefully get some wins at home & win some of our surporters back. Need to get a win today but will be a tough game, their a tricky team Preston. 1.0 town COYB👍🏻
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prebbs007 added 06:47 - Aug 27 Pick the right players in the right positions then. Stop playing your love children no matter what their form is and stop playing CB at RB stop playing centre kids and centre forwards on the wings and stop hoofing it. Easy !!!
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prebbs007 added 06:52 - Aug 27 Centre mids
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BlueySwede added 07:51 - Aug 27 Moan again...ffs, we had a really good game vs Narwich! Now, more of the same, please! Get the ball down when we can and play Bishop from start.
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PortmanTerrorist added 08:30 - Aug 27 Well set the tone boss. PNE difficult/tricky ? This is the sort of game that should be a home banker but already feels like we on the back foot. Let's set the team up to go for a win for a change and then who knows what might happen ?!
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jas0999 added 08:34 - Aug 27 Let's not forget the Stevenage defeat as well. They didn't fear us. A league two side. However, if we play a more attacking style and look for the win from minute one, then we will win more than we draw/lose that is for sure. To do that we need to play a goal scoring creative central midfielder.
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SheptonMalletBlue added 08:43 - Aug 27 Change you're appalling tactics then!!
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Brownie added 09:33 - Aug 27 Same attitude as Sunday and get Bishop in the team. Not sure Freddie is worth his place - loads of sympathy as he is always played out of position but he is not a left sided player and others could do a better job in that role.. Overall goals today please and lets get behind the lads..
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cats_whiskers added 09:49 - Aug 27 Fear Portman Road!!! you will find the price to watch the game is quite Scary and make you run for the hills
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blueboy1981 added 20:18 - Aug 28 Talk is cheap Mr McCarthy - show us what you mean. NOT - by putting every man behind the ball from the off please - which I am sure would be your prime choice. PROVE MY PESSIMISM TOTALLY WRONG - PLEASE. If you are as good as your word, many will return to Portman Road - and be very happy to do so. Me included.
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blueboy1981 added 20:24 - Aug 28 ....... and please have a more social attitude to Supporters than you do, to all who have a different opinion to your own. Your comments and attitude leave much to be desired - and show total contempt. Remember - Supporters pay your wages - and this Club has always had respect for the level of support afforded it. How many feel 'part of the Club' anymore ? - other than the 'nodding dogs' who agree with everything.

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