Centre-half Tommy Smith says Town are aiming to make Portman Road a fortress once again this season. Smith nodded home from close range to secure Saturday’s 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday, the Blues’ first Championship home win of the campaign.
Town, who beat Stevenage by the same scoreline in the Capital One Cup at Portman Road on Tuesday, won 15, drew five and lost only three of their 23 home games in the Championship last season, scoring 40 goals and conceding 18, and Smith wants to see that good form continue during the campaign ahead.
"It was another home win, the second in a row, which is ideal as we are looking to make Portman Road a fortress this season,” he said, echoing comments made by manager Mick McCarthy on Friday.
"Sheffield Wednesday were a different proposition since we played them before. They have a new manager and a new style of play.
"We knew it was going to be difficult and we were going to have to be patient as they like to hold on to the ball and pass it around, and we had to be careful not to be sucked in and then they would play around us.
"There is a higher expectancy from other teams that we are a good team, which is a positive for us as it shows how successful we were last season.
"But at the same time we have to move on and build from that. We can’t stay still and we want to better last season.”
The 25-year-old says on-loan wingers Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ryan Fraser have already added something to last year’s team:
"We have lacked pace out wide for a few years now,” he added. "But Ryan has plenty and has the tricks too. Ainsley has a bit of everything and he can go a long way in the game.
"They are two really good acquisitions. Hopefully we can keep them fit and they go on to do well for us.
"They bring balance to the team. They can switch wings and that causes problems for teams. They are top lads in the dressing room too. You might think at 17 Ainsley may be a bit quiet but no way, he says his bit and joins in the banter with the rest of us.”
As for his goal, the New Zealand international was delighted to get off the mark for the season: "It was very pleasing. It is always nice to come away from Portman Road and with a good performance and a three points — long may it continue.
"It was a case of gambling and making the run. I know Ryan and can beat anyone in a one on one and he would get the ball in. It was a case of right place, right time for me as the keeper has parried the ball straight to my head.”
The goal puts him in front in the now-annual head-to-head with central defensive partner Christophe Berra: "I’m always looking to beat my best score, which is six in a season. Christophe might have had two [late on], but I’m still winning 1-0.”