Ipswich defender Tommy Smith has praised the club’s loyal fans — in general for their continued backing but in particular for their treatment of home-grown players.
It was there for all to see at Portman Road on Tuesday with the reception afforded ex-Northgate High School pupil Luke Hyam when he fired his first goal for the club in an overall impressive display.
Smith, 22, whose introduction to the club came eight years ago, said: "I think you saw last Saturday that the fans gave Luke a great reception when he came on as a substitute against Peterborough and then obviously it was even better when he started — and went on to score — against Forest.
"He definitely repaid the faith that they showed in him. When you have been at the club from an early age you feel the closeness to the fans. I’ve come all the way through but I was a supporter first and foremost.
"I came to the club when I was 14 and when I watched the first team back then I was a fan too. It’s great to see the fans, especially after a win that clearly means as much to them as it does to us.
"We haven’t given them a great deal to cheer about this season but hopefully there are better times ahead for all of us.”