Soldiers Put Through Their Paces at Playford Road - Ipswich Town News

The Town squad gained their revenge on the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery for last summer’s gruelling two-day trip to Colchester Garrison when the soldiers joined them at the Playford Road for today’s training.

With manager Roy Keane keeping a watchful eye, reserves coach Steve Foley took the session having promised the players that he would give the visitors a tough workout: "A lot of the lads remember the army training and wanted me to make sure there was a bit of payback — and there was.”

The soldiers, along with more than 800 of their comrades from 16th Air Assault Brigade and 1st Battalion Royal Anglians, will be at Sunday’s game against Sheffield United, the match having been designated Town’s Help for Heroes game. Help for Heroes is the Football League’s charity for the season with Town chief executive Simon Clegg an ambassador.

Central defender Gareth McAuley says he has great admiration for the soldiers: "These lads go away on duty and risk everything for us and there is only one word for them - heroes.”

Captain Greg Pillinger of the 7th Para Royal Horse Artillery says he’s pleased to see football backing the charity: "We’re all looking forward to going to Portman Road on Sunday and we appreciate all the support Ipswich Town are providing.

"It’s great to see the football fraternity embracing the Help for Heroes charity.”

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