x

Fans Flock to Open Day - Ipswich Town News

More than 2,000 fans attended this morning’s Portman Road open day to watch Paul Jewell and his coaching staff put their players through their paces on the main pitch. The squad also signed autographs, while face-painting, a freestyle ball juggler and a balloon modeller were amongst the other attractions.

Chief executive Simon Clegg says the day gave some supporters their first chance to catch a glimpse of the new signings: "It is important to the club that we retain the ability to communicate with the fans.

"We've brought in seven new players over the course of the summer and for many fans this is the first opportunity for them to see those players.

"It is great to see them training and it is great for the Junior Blues members in particular, who have their own section here.

"What we intend to do is build on this programme and make it something really special because, of course, the Junior Blues of today will be our season ticket holders of tomorrow."

New loan signing David Stockdale tweeted that he was impressed with the crowd: "Good open day today at Portman Road. Great turn out!"

Tommy Smith added: "Nice to see so many faces at the open day today. The support is much appreciated by all the players and staff."


A run to loosen up, with new man Jay Emmanuel-Thomas leading the way


A few stretches


Lee Bowyer involved in passing routine


Keeper-coach Malcolm Webster watches new loanee David Stockdale in action


Then a short-pitch match


Shooting practice, Jason Scotland scores


The boss shows how it’s done


And joins the squad to sign autographs

Photos: TWTD

What to read next:

Former Town Academy Midfielder and Coach Manning Named Norwich Boss
Former Town academy midfielder and coach Liam Manning has been appointed head coach of Norwich City, leaving his role at Bristol City.
Wardley Fight Not First Time Portman Road Has Hosted Boxing
Saturday’s interim WBA World Heavyweight title showdown between Fabio Wardley and Justis Huni won’t be the first time Portman Road has hosted boxing with the stadium having previously staged fights back in 1946.
Thomas Targeting Second Jamaica Cap
Ipswich Town Women’s striker Natasha Thomas will be hoping to win her second full cap with Jamaica when they face the USA in a friendly in St Louis, Missouri overnight (KO 1am UK time).
Morsy: I Don't Think It's Momentum
A successful return to the Championship will not solely be down to Town’s ability to get their positive momentum back, according to Blues captain Sam Morsy.
Former Blues Youngster Knight Joins Cambridge United
Former Blues youngster Ben Knight has joined Cambridge United on a free transfer.
Released Harness Joins Grant at Huddersfield
Released forward Marcus Harness has joined Huddersfield Town, who are now managed by ex-Blues first-team coach Lee Grant.
U21s Forward Pitts in Maltese U21s Squad
Blues youngster Josh Pitts has been named in the Malta U21s squad for back-to-back friendlies with San Marino.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Wearing Forced Off By Early Injury in Scotland U23s Win
Ipswich Town Women’s centre-half Megan Wearing suffered a knock in only the fourth minute as Scotland’s U23s beat Iceland 2-1 in Falkirk this afternoon.
Harness and Luongo Depart and Baggott Option Taken as Blues Announce Retained List
Town have announced their retained list with Marcus Harness joining Massimo Luongo in being released, while the Blues have taken up an option in defender Elkan Baggott’s contract which will see the Indonesian international remain at Portman Road for a further season.