x

Cook: I'd Love Norwich at Home in the Third Round - Ipswich Town News

Boss Paul Cook was delighted with the Blues’ home FA Cup first-round draw against Oldham Athletic and says he’d love a third round tie with Norwich City at Portman Road.

The Latics, who are 21st in League Two with relations between the owner and supporters currently very strained, are set to visit Suffolk over the weekend of Saturday 6th November.

"I think it is a great tie and I think the FA Cup is special for everybody,” Cook said. "I think for me as a manager, I'd love to get in the third round, I'd love to get Norwich at home, I think that would be great for us all, that's what I like to do.

"I think that would give our fans a really massive matchday feel that we probably haven't had for a bit. I think there is nothing better than having big games at your stadium.

"You know, in the first round, I'd have probably been happy with a Sunderland, Wigan or Portsmouth at home.

"I enjoy big games, I think big games are what we all live for, so I’m delighted to be at home and it's a cup competition we'll take seriously and we'll do our best to get in that third round, that's if we can get through the first two.”

The clubs have drawn one another in the FA Cup twice previously, in 1953/54 and 1963/64, both in round three.

On the first occasion the teams drew 3-3 at Portman Road - Neil Myles, Billy Reed and Tom Garneys the scorers - before the Blues won 1-0 away in the replay via a Garneys goal.

And in 1964 Town won 6-3 at home - the scoreline having been 5-2 at half-time - with Gerry Baker hitting a hat-trick and Danny Hegan two after Joe Broadfoot had given the Blues an early lead.

The most recent meeting between the sides was a 4-0 Town victory in the second tier in April 1997 when Mick Stockwell, Geraint Williams, Neil Gregory and James Scowcroft were on the scoresheet.

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.