New League Cup sponsor Capital One has produced what it claims is “football’s first sleep therapy audio tape” to help Blues supporters get some shut-eye on their way back from Tuesday’s mammoth 620-mile round trek to Carlisle United. Featuring the dulcet tones of Town legend John Wark, the nodcast has been put together by sleep expert Nick Littlehales, who regularly works with top level professional clubs and individual athletes.
With the Town coaches not expected to make it back to Suffolk until 5am following the second round tie, travelling fans will be wanting to get their heads down on the way home, in many cases in preparation for a full day at work. The techniques on the tape include guided imagery, progressive relaxation and deep breathing.
Littlehales, a professional sports sleeping consultant, said: "A good night’s sleep has not only become important for professional footballers, the exertions, emotions and travelling fans put themselves through during 90 minutes on a match day means that they need to get the necessary rest in order to recover fully.
"I am delighted to be involved in this project and hope all the Ipswich fans see a great game, enjoy a safe trip and sleep well.”
Capital One’s chief marketing officer Michael Woodburn added: "A trip of that magnitude is not one for the faint hearted and fans are bound to have made many sacrifices to attend the game.
"The fans will be arriving back in Ipswich in the early hours of Wednesday morning with many of them having to travel straight to work. We wanted to make their journey home as restful as possible. ”
Town’s press manager Steve Pearce said: "We’re really grateful to Capital One for acknowledging our dedicated supporters making the long trip to Carlisle. Hopefully the tape will get some further use — all the way to Wembley!
You can download the nodcast featuring Warky here.