Cole Skuse has revealed a guilty secret ahead of his trip back home for today’s clash with Bristol City, the club from whom he joined Town in 2013.
The midfielder, a staunch City supporter as a youngster, remembered an incident that took place during his time as a regular on the Ashton Gate terracing.
He recalled: "I used to stand with my dad behind the goal near where the tunnel is now. There was a gap between us and the away fans, and the players would warm-up and take a few shots at that end before the kick-off.
"There were always a few balls that ended up in the crowd and I have to admit I took one home with me once. I was so young at the time that it felt as hard as a medicine ball when I kicked it. I’ll take a new one along this weekend to replace it.”
Skuse’s dream to play for City not only came true, he clocked up an impressive 307 first team appearances, but all that seemed a long way off when he was invited to become a part of the Ashton Gate set-up at the tender age of 10.
He added: "My dad was thrilled when I joined City and he has hardly ever missed a game since I started playing in a team at about the age of eight.
"Even since I’ve moved to Ipswich he has hardly missed a game but, would you believe, he missed the game against Cardiff when I scored my only goal so far.
"When I got in the car after the game there were quite a few missed calls and a message, which wasn’t that polite because he’d missed a goal. ‘You little so-and-so’ he said. He has only missed another couple of games due to weddings and other family commitments.
"When I was a kid he didn’t miss a training session, never mind a game. He’s a builder and he was able to leave work early to get me to the other side of Bristol to make training three times a week.”
Skuse knows it will be a strange feeling to head for the away dressing room at Ashton Gate before lining up against his former club. He admitted: "As much as you can say it’s just another game, it isn’t for me.
"I obviously have a huge attachment to City but it’s often said by players that as soon as you cross the white line you forget about things and I’m sure I will.
"I’d like to think I will get a decent reception. Last season I was injured but still travelled with the lads. I went on to the pitch at half-time to pick out the winning raffle tickets and I got a very good reception then.
"But it might be different when I’m playing because I could upset them if I score or go into a crunching tackle and pick up a yellow card. Then they’ll be on my back, I would imagine.
"It will be an emotional day, not just for me but also my family. But I can confirm I’ll be celebrating if I score. I served my time with Bristol City and they’ll always be my team but I’m very much an Ipswich Town player.
"I don’t get many goals, as I’m sure you are aware, but if I do get one at Ashton Gate I will relish every moment of my celebration.”