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Matt Out? - Ipswich Town News

Town skipper Matt Holland misses training today with a thigh strain. His fitness will be assessed on Friday and if the thigh is still a problem he will miss what would otherwise have been his 123rd consecutive appearance for Town. It would be the first game Holland would have missed since his transfer from Bournemouth at the beginning of the 97/98 season. Jim Magilton would almost certainly start in his place.

Other questions for Saturday's side surround the right wing-back position. Will it be Mickey Stockwell as on Tuesday? Or will it be Fabian Wilnis as at Portsmouth? Manu Thetis seems set to keep his place with Wayne Brown, excellent at Portsmouth, on the bench as at Crewe. James Scowcroft will start in midfield after starting on the bench at Crewe.

George Burley has confirmed that Town scouts were watching both Grimsby and Luton recently. Town have been linked with the Mariners' Jack Lester and the Hatters' Matthew Spring. Burley indicated, however, that these scouting trips were just two of many and that not too much should be read into them. Expect them both to sign next week then.

Contrary to reports earlier in the week Town are not going to complain to the FA about John McGreal's disgraceful sending off at Portsmouth. Moron referee Paul Alcock refused to look at the video and re-assess his decision which changed the game. McGreal will miss one game, the home match with Man City.

David Johnson will receive his Nationwide Player of the Month award before Saturday's game with Birmingham.

Tickets for Saturday are going like warm buns, if not hot cakes. There are still around 6,000 left, although a lot of these are in the Cobbold Stand. Birmingham have sold their 1,700 allocation.

Issue 51 of TWTD will be on sale around the ground before the game on Saturday. This long awaited issue (sorry) includes an insight into the world of injuries with Town physio David Williams as well as all the usual jokes, whinging and typos.

What to read next:

U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.