Blues legend Frans Thijssen said he’d signed more autographs than in the previous 10 years after yesterday’s fans’ match between Town supporters and followers of Helmond Sport. The Blues side, which included 60-year-old Thijssen for some of the first half, ran out 5-1 victors.
The Dutch midfielder, a member of Sir Bobby Robson’s 1981 UEFA Cup-winning team, was greeted warmly by his old supporters having agreed to play in the match after initially being asked to manage the team.
The game, organised by Spirit of 78, had been due to take place on Helmond Sport’s main pitch but was moved to one of their training surfaces after heavy rain during the morning.
Unfortunately a calf injury suffered at the weekend restricted Thijssen’s involvement to the first 20 minutes of the first half, by which time the Blues were already in front.
A legend watches on
Thijssen, who until recently was assisting Patrick Kluivert with FC Twente’s U21 squad, was delighted be back amongst old friends: "I enjoyed seeing all the supporters back again.
"You feel the difference between Holland and England because in England you’re much more popular than you are in Holland.
"I signed a lot of autographs today, more than in the last 10 years or so! I have a good feeling about of Suffolk and everything about those days. It’s great to see everybody.”
The former Holland international says he hopes the Blues will soon be back in the top flight where they belong: "I hope Ipswich will do better this year and play for the play-offs.
Helmond prepare to defend a second-half Town corner
"It’s great that when you talk about Ipswich that you're talking about a Premier League club and it would be great to see them go back to the Premier League.
"Hopefully there will be improvements in this pre-season and all the supporters will go into the season with a good feeling.”