x

U18/U23 Friendly at Felixstowe & Walton - Ipswich Town News

Felixstowe & Walton have announced a pre-season friendly against a Town U23/U18 side at the Goldstar Ground on Tuesday 3rd August (KO 7.45pm).

A fixture away against the Seasiders has become a regular feature of pre-season with an U23s side winning last year’s match 3-0 with Zak Brown netting two penalties after trialist Jack Hanson had grabbed the opener.

The game is the first pre-season match to be confirmed but with manager Paul Cook having said prior to the final-day game against Fleetwood that his plans were essentially in place.

"As far as I’m aware I think nearly probably 90 per cent, 95 per cent is absolutely nailed down and done in terms of dates back, in terms of where we’re going, who we’re playing etc,” he said.

"I’m sure the club will be announcing all that stuff at some point because I think one of the most exciting things at the minute is the fact that fans are going to return. We’re all desperate for fans to return to football.

"I pride myself on fitness, I think as a manager, a coach, a club we want to know that our players will run a race, if you like.

"Football and sport now is an industry where data and analysis is so readily available and that comes from training, and we’ve got to work really hard.

"As you guys know, everyone wants to beat Ipswich and this team. Everyone wants to beat Sunderland, everyone wants to beat Portsmouth. That’s just part and parcel of working and playing and being involved with big clubs.

"So we’ve got to make sure that everything we can do that gives us that chance to just get ahead of our opposition, we make sure we do it.”

The squad will be back at Playford Road around the final week of June: "We actually report back six weeks before the start of the season [on August 7th], so whatever date that is, you can look at it six weeks before that.

"The reality for the lads is that they will have six weeks of intense training, doing all the tactics, all the fitness, all everything that we expect from them in the season.

"That first game of the season, hopefully we’re drawn at home. Hopefully to another big club in the league, ie whoever comes down, and we can see a packed Portman Road with a team on the pitch that we’re all excited about and looking forward to watching play.”

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.