x

Vincent-Young: Important to Have That Relationship With Supporters - Ipswich Town News

Blues right-back Kane Vincent-Young has stressed the importance of the relationship with supporters having been named the club’s PFA Community Champion for the 2020/21 season.

In March last year, following the Covid-19 outbreak, the Blues launched their Keep the Town Talking initiative which saw players, coaches and off-field staff call elderly season ticket holders.

Vincent-Young forged strong bonds with several of his callers and continued to have regular slots each week when he would get in touch and chat. He still continues to talk to at least two of those supporters now, including long-time season ticket holder and Naked Football Show stalwart Gerry, who he spoke to in a Zoom call released by the club.

The former Colchester man has also agreed to become the Junior Blues ambassador for the 2021/22 season.

"To be chosen for this award is really nice," Vincent-Young told iFollow Ipswich. "It’s important to have that relationship with the supporters so to be a part of that is great.

"We’ve seen during the pandemic that football is nothing without the fans. The stronger the relationship with the fans, the more it helps everybody.

"It’s a relatively small town compared to what I’m used to so you see it when you’re out; you see the flags everywhere, signs everywhere, people recognising you and giving you a smile on the street. It is very much a community club."

Regarding the Keep the Town Talking scheme, the Londoner added: "I thought it was a great initiative. Living by yourself, you can see in a pandemic how easy it is to become lonely or isolated. 10 minutes out of your day is nothing to cheer somebody up.

"I didn’t really think too much of it but it went from there. You have a conversation then you want to check up on them and it ends up being really nice.

"I only really speak to people who are my age or a few years older, not that kind of demographic. To speak to them was really nice, they had a lot of nice things to say about the club and their memories growing up.

"You want to make sure that they are alright because it’s testing times for everybody and before you know it, a year later you’re still talking! It did fly by but it’s been absolutely lovely.

"It’s great to be able to give back. It puts a smile on their face and puts a smile on my face as well. It was something that I was really proud to do. It did cheer me up. We had quite a lot of laughs.”

Speaking about his fitness having suffered a shoulder injury at the end of last season, Vincent-Young says he’s making good progress.

"It’s on the mend, thank you. I saw the surgeon yesterday and I’ve taken the sling off, which is really good, so I can kind of get back to normal, just build up and hopefully for pre-season I’ll be ready and, touch wood, that’s the end of the problems.”

What to read next:

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.
Aberdeen 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Jaden Philogene scored twice and George Hirst once as Town beat Aberdeen 3-1 in their friendly at Pittodrie. Philogene stroked home from close range after good work from Sammie Szmodics and Hirst on 28, then Hirst added a second with a predatory rebound 10 minutes later, before Philogene netted the third just before the hour with Aberdeen pulling one back in the 79th minute remaining and the Blues having replaced their entire starting XI.
Aberdeen 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst have given the Blues a 2-0 half-time lead in this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.