South Stand for a change, hoping it'll be more sheltered from the rain. Also hoping to see us win for the first time in a couple of years. Well, I can but hope ...
I don't watch other teams live other than Town, except on TV, but I'd be surprised if there was many teams who are as shot shy as we are. I find it incredibly sad how few and far between our shots from outside the box are.
How often is there an "ah" or an "ooh" at Portman Road after a good hit nowadays? More to the point do we actually have anyone capable? The two centre mids just don't find the space for it. Sears I suppose? We play with so little space no one ever has enough space in front of them. Must be so frustrating as an attacking player.
Now I know this is only a small sample, and in fact I quite am optimistic about our chances today, but I'm starting to realise just how deep the Mick entertainment/style is hitting the fan base.
First off Mick claims wins will get the fans back, and no doubt the high priests of Mick - Mullet and cardinal Darth and their ilk with batter people who don't agree - but even in our playoff push we only averaged 18,500 home fans 2 seasons ago.
But 4 things have struck me this week, first off my son despite extreme persuasion just can't face the hoof expected at the Hudds game
I bought tickets for a Hudds fan and myself, at £32.50! THIRTY TWO POUNDS FIFTY for poor fare is outrageous.
Having paid 32.50 I found out some people I know have 3 spare season tickets!! for Saturday as they "just don't fancy it anymore" despite so early into the season and plan to give up tickets at end of season.
And then I find out my mums friends, 3 lovely old ladies in their 70s who've been sitting in the pioneer upper for decade (and are always so knowledgeable about Town, gave up their season tickets over the summer!!! Based on the style and excitement levels!!!!
The latter has shocked me.
Now I'm an addict an opiate addled blue, and its as much about just going to Portman road than anything else. But really ME and mick have been destroying the fan base.
Look at Hudds - progressive manager, low season tickets, top of the league and 20k+ crowds.
Mick needs to turn this round fast - I know he understands the problem, despite the public message.
Laurence, ward are the only thing keeping me going - there were green shoots on Tuesday.
But we need to start bishop, get ward and Laurence clicking and jonas and Emmanuel moving up the field.
We have to turn the energy not just into closing but into forward momentum.
If not and mick stays longer, Portman road is going to be a very empty ground, and our fan base will not be renewing itself.
