Chairman David Sheepshanks has commented on the protests after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Watford. Around 150 North Stand fans stayed behind after the game to call for the chairman's head, continuing protests which had begun during the match.

The dissenting fans, who varied in age from children up to senior citizens, were eventually told to leave the ground at around 5.30pm after a statement via the Portman Road Tannoy.

A fan who wishes to be known as 'Gareth from Ipswich' told TWTD that the message suggested protesting supporters might face bans: "The announcement went something like this: 'The football match has finished, this is now private property and you are now trespassing. You may be ejected and could be banned from future games.''

He added: "It was very peaceful, no violence or vandalism, just chanting like 'Sheepshanks out', 'We want Sheepshanks out', 'Gone with the Burley, you should've gone with the Burley' and 'Sheepshanks show your face, Sheepshanks, Sheepshanks show your face'."

After leaving the North Stand some made their way around the ground to the main entrance on Constantine Road, causing the club to call what stewards referred to as a "major security alert".

All fans remaining in the ground were then evacuated including supporters waiting for autographs by the away players' entrance behind the Greene King Stand. Long-time fan Andy Button was unhappy with the way he and other supporters who weren't even involved in the protest were treated: "We were basically thrown out by heavy-handed stewards. This has left me with a very sour taste towards the club and after 40 years of support I am seriously considering not coming again."

Chairman Sheepshanks said in a statement on Sunday afternoon that he has some sympathy with unhappy supporters: "I have been an Ipswich Town fan all my life, through the good times and the bad, and as a fan I understand the frustrations of the supporters and personally I feel them just as deeply.

"I think the vast majority of supporters understand the reality of the situation and the consequences of having missed out on promotion last season.

"Neither my fellow directors nor I can wave a magic wand. Having said that, we have stabilised the economy of the club and we actively continue our efforts to substantially improve the financial capital of the club. Everything else is in place for a bright future.

"Speaking as a fan, I would want to know if there is hope - there is! We have every belief in Joe Royle who has done a marvellous job.

"I am confident he will turn it around and that this group of players will gel into the better unit that we hope for and have come to expect. Meanwhile, there is and remains some limited scope for a further loan or loans.

"I am an Ipswich person, a Suffolk person who cares passionately about our club and the chanting at the Watford game only strengthens my determination to see Ipswich Town rise again... and we will."

Photo: Action Images

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