He may have been frustrated at having to watch from the sidelines but David McGoldrick admits he loved being a fan during the latter stages of last season.
Now recovered from the knee injury he suffered against Blackpool in mid-February, he is close to returning to Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up even if Saturday’s opening day clash with Fulham will see him occupy a place on the bench.
McGoldrick said: "It was horrible not to be playing, especially when we had a chance to get into the play-offs. The home game against Derby was an incredible atmosphere and it was frustrating not to be out there celebrating with the boys when the winning goal went in.
"I was a fan then, supporting the boys before and after the games, but that’s behind me now and I’m glad I’m back training.”
But being a spectator underlined to McGoldrick how supporters see things and react to them.
He added: "When you sit up in the box it’s weird. You see the fans’ reaction to things on the pitch and how important it is to them.
"People could see me jumping up and down on my crutches. I was really supporting the team. I am a fan. I like Ipswich, they’ve taken to me and I’ve taken to the town. I like it here a lot.”
McGoldrick is open to the idea of extending his stay in Suffolk, his current deal was announced as a two-year contract when he signed following his release by Nottingham Forest last summer, although manager Mick McCarthy has hinted that there was an option for a further season.
But he says that as yet there are no developments regarding a new deal: "There’s nothing on that at the minute, I just want to concentrate on getting my knee better and I’m sure everything will work out.
"I’m happy here and I love working for the gaffer and TC. I’m not just saying that, all the boys say it — they’re top people. The gaffer has been so supportive over my injury.
"My family are down here now and settled. My kids are at school. I’m enjoying my football and had a really good season last year. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
When McCarthy and assistant Connor both agreed new three-year deals last month it made a huge impression on McGoldrick, who admitted: "The gaffer is the main man here, he makes all the decisions, so when you when you see him committing his future it’s a real boost for the squad.”