Just over 2,000 fans turned up to Town’s third annual open training day at a sweltering Portman Road this lunchtime.
After the traditional photocall, the squad and staff signed autographs before they took part in a training session. Outside on the practice pitch the club laid on plenty of stalls and activities.
Manager Mick McCarthy was fully behind the event: "It’s great for them to come, they’re all on holiday and they’re going to need a bit of after sun one or two of them, it’s been a beautiful day and I think they’re all enjoying it.
"It’s always nice for them to bring along our photographs and get our signatures. I’ve seen some dodgy photos of me from a long time ago, I have to be honest. That’s not very flattering!”
McCarthy spoke to the media prior to putting his squad — which included new signing Jordan Adekunle, trialist Luke Dobie and former Blue Alan Lee, who is currently training with the first team squad while coaching in the academy - through their paces.
He says fans would get a better idea of what goes on on a daily basis at Playford Road.
"It’ll give them a bit more of an insight into what we’re doing,” McCarthy said. "They might be surprised at how long we train or how intense it is, or maybe how short we train. But they get to watch us, which is a good thing.”
Blues legend Ted Phillips watched on from the directors’ box, a day before his 80th birthday, while John Wark also popped along and signed a few autographs.
Players and staff hold a lengthy signing session with fans
New signing Jordan Adekunle
Mick McCarthy speaks to the media
Mick and Mark Kennedy prepare for the training session
Spot of head tennis
Light run to get things going
Under instruction
Legend Ted Phillips watches from the directors’ box
What to read next:
Hull City manager Liam Rosenior said he couldn’t have been prouder of his players following last night’s 3-3 draw with Town which keeps the Tigers hopes of making the play-offs alive going into their final match and wished the Blues well for the remainder of the campaign.
Highlights of yesterday’s 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Town midfielder Massimo Luongo says the squad are enjoying the ride of playing in high pressure games as the Blues moved a point closer to the Premier League following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Town boss Kieran McKenna says left-back Leif Davis was limping heavily following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Town boss Kieran McKenna reflected on the wonderful position his side is in following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Town moved level on points with second-placed Leeds United following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium having been in front three times. Returning striker George Hirst put the Blues in front in the 19th minute but the Tigers levelled on 40 through Ozan Tufan before Omari Hutchinson put Town back ahead with the first of two brilliant goals. However, Hull equalised again through Liam Delap in the 56th minute, then Hutchinson’s second put the Blues ahead again, however, Tigers sub Noah Ohio grabbed a point for the East Yorkshire side with three minutes remaining and the Blues were unable to take late chances to win it.
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Goals from George Hirst and Omari Hutchinson have given Town a 2-1 half-time lead over Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
George Hirst and Wes Burns both start for the Blues in this evening’s live-on-Sky game at Hull City.
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.