US A-League side the Charleston Battery have announced that Town will be playing them at their Blackbaud Stadium on May 9th. Town have a free weekend between the Manchester City and Derby games and the Battery, managed by former Bristol City manager Alan Dicks, offered us a friendly.
We heard a whisper last week that the club had agreed to the game, but now it seems it is confirmed. The Battery expect Town to bring a full strength squad for the exhibition game. Town will arrive in Charleston on May 7th and will be there for a week. They will use the Battery's state-of-the-art training facilities whilst in the US.
Battery President Nigel Cooper said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be playing a side of Ipswich's calibre here at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston. It is going to be a real treat for our fans who can honestly look forward to seeing some of the best soccer players around, in one of the best soccer venues in the United States. Hopefully we can bring even more teams of this stature to Charleston."
Alan Dicks said of Town's visit: "Having coached and played in England, I know exactly what these teams are looking for. The Charleston Battery can offer the perfect package. We have a first-class complex that includes good training facilities and of course, a great stadium. The weather here is ideal for soccer, I think that clubs like Ipswich can really benefit from this type of visit."
It is not now thought that another game will be involved in Town's trip. Earlier their had been rumours in the States of another game with DC United.
Bluey is to take part in a mascot race this Thursday, 10.30am. The Town mascot joins loads of other gonks in a charity-related run in Trafalgar Square.
The race is in aid Cystic Fibrosis and will be started by by Lisa Rogers and Nick Hancock. Don't expect too much from Bluey. In a previous race of this type he was well back in the field.
We've got a Town Topic up on the site to discuss Town hat-tricks of the past. Which was your favourite? Add yours to http://www.twtd.co.uk/towntopics