Ipswich Town 1st, the Town supporters trust, is looking for more fans to get involved as it plans a relaunch ahead of the start of next season. Having held their AGM on Wednesday, they have scheduled another meeting for July 5th.
In a statement following this week’s meeting, the trust said: "With the club at a crossroads after a difficult season where the relationship with supporters has been sorely tested over the performances and entertainment value, season ticket pricing and caustic comments from the manager towards supporters and vice versa, the Ipswich Town independent Supporters Trust met to reinvigorate the organisation.
"Several new people were co-opted onto the committee to join some of the existing members, while others stepped down to allow new blood and new ideas to take the trust forward.
"Last weekend three clubs faced relegation, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers and many feel that the problems that exist at these clubs are also prevalent at Portman Road, such as distant ownership and lack of leadership.”
The trust cite four main areas it will be looking to pursue, communication, ticket pricing, club leadership and community.
The statement adds: "Communication with supporters is strained and supporters feel disenfranchised. Supporters want to be involved, it is their club. Owners, managers and players are transient but supporters are always there, they are the backbone of any club.
"The 2017/18 season tickets announcement was poorly handled and created much bad feeling with a significant number of supporters not renewing their season tickets as a result.
"This is a downward spiral that needs to be reversed. With a half empty ground it is ever more difficult to create a positive atmosphere.
"With the owner taking a back seat there appears to be a lack of leadership. We would like to understand how the current leadership is going to lead to a successful football club.
"Following the closure of the Charitable Trust a few years ago the club has gone from having one of the best community operations to one that is poorly resourced. Ipswich Town is an important part of the community and we want to see it reclaim that role.”
The trust, which will be launching a new website soon and will be lobbying the club for a meeting the close season, says it welcomes the views of all supporters. For details of how to join email Alasdair Ross via alasdairross@hotmail.com.