Town supporters groups have paid tribute to club chief executive Derek Bowden, who is set to leave Portman Road at the end of the season. Bowden has been with the Blues for seven years, joining the Blues shortly after the 2001/02 relegation from the Premier League.
Carl Day from Ipswich Town Ist told TWTD: "Ipswich Town 1st are saddened by the news that Derek Bowden will be leaving the club at the end of the season. The Trust has always found Derek very approachable and prepared to discuss and resolve issues, whilst not necessarily agreeing with all the Trust has had to say.
"He has presided over a difficult time in the club's history, arriving around the time the club dipped into administration and has handled the transfer to new ownership well.
"The Trust has found him supportive and as open in his communications as it has been possible for him to have been.
"Following the announcement of his departure, the Trust is concerned at the opaque nature of communications at the club because, despite many entreaties, Marcus Evans and his representatives have shown no inclination to communicate with supporters over issues where there are valid concerns. We wish Derek well in his future career.â€Â
Liz Edwards from the official Supporters Club paid similar tribute to Bowden's role in seeing the club through difficult times: "Derek has done a fantastic job for Ipswich Town. He took over just as our financial crisis was coming to a head. He learned the job. He managed us through the administration and out of it, and helped to secure the future.
"Look at how many clubs have had similar problems - and how many of them are still in a huge mess. We have a secure future, and Derek has been instrumental in that success.
â€ÂOn a personal note, Derek has been involved with fans and supporters groups from the very beginning. He has always understood the importance of communication, and has always been as open as he possibly can be.
"He has committed time and effort to understanding fans' issues and has taken the trouble to work with us, even when the easy route might have been to keep his silence and avoid debate.
â€ÂAs a football fan, I hope Derek continues his career in our industry - any club that employs him will be very lucky indeed.â€Â