Town loanee Trevoh Chalobah is convinced the players he is leaving behind at the end of the season will be challenging for promotion from League One next term.
The 19-year-old, raised as a centre-back at Stamford Bridge but converted to a midfielder in his time at Portman Road, shares his team-mates’ devastation at being relegated from the Championship.
Chalobah said: "No footballer wants a relegation but, obviously, for me coming to this club and coming to the Championship was all about me wanting to play games and I thought I had done that well.
"I got my minutes but seeing the team relegated has left me very disappointed. Now I just need to brush that aside and concentrate on the next two games.
"It hit us very hard but all we can do is to make sure we focus on the next two games. The fans have been with us from minute one and that’s been the most disappointing thing, letting them down.
"The players and the fans must stick together into next season as well and try to bring this club back at the first opportunity. I’m sure they can bounce back next season.
"I think they will be alright. The players that they have at the club are really exciting and a good bunch of lads. They have a lot of desire to put things right after relegation.
"If they can show that next season, and if they can add a few goals from somewhere, I can see them doing well.
"We have carried more of a goal threat when we have played with two up top and if they do that next season it can only help.
"They can be a team capable of putting opponents under pressure and I’m pretty sure that will bring goals in League One.”
Like his colleagues, Chalobah has been overwhelmed by the fans’ support through the season and in particular by their reaction to relegation, cheering the players off when it was confirmed by the 1-1 home draw with Birmingham and then on Monday when the narrow home defeat was followed by a lap of appreciation for their backing during what goes down as the worst season in the club’s history.
Chalobah added: "It has been a strange experience for us all, to be honest. They are amazing supporters and I don’t think you would have scenes like that at any other football club.
"Anywhere else and the fans would be on the players’ backs but our supporters have backed us the whole season.
"The Easter Monday game and the fans giving us a clap, it shows how much they love this club and also that they are already looking forward to next season and, hopefully, a promotion challenge.”
Asked why the Town fans’ reaction bucked the normal trend, the player continued: "I think it has had a lot to do with the way we have been playing under the new manager. It has been something different for them to watch and at times it has been exciting as well.
"The lads have got to stick together for next season and I really hope they can bounce back.
"Relegation has been a massive disappointment for me and I can see how it has affected all the other players. I’ve played most of the games and gained a lot of very valuable experience with the amount of minutes I’ve got under my belt.
"I need to enjoy my football and it hasn’t always been possible, but I have gained a lot from the move and I’ll be going back a better player than when I arrived, so I thank Ipswich for that.
"I had a great run of appearances but in recent weeks I think the manager has been keen to change a few things and see what he is going to be working with next season.
"I fully understand that with me being here on loan. I’m grateful to him for the number of appearances I have made but the preparations for next season are already under way and when that comes round I don’t know where I’m going to be.
"My best moment of the season was getting the winner at Swansea. It was a big goal for me because it earned our first win of the season.
"Also, playing as a midfielder when I came here as a centre-back has been a big step for me. As a player I think it’s good to have two positions where I feel comfortable.
"I have learned a lot that will help me when I make my next move, because managers like to have some versatile players in their squads.”