Legendary former Town player and manager George Burley has spoken of his gratitude after receiving a host of well wishes as he continues his battle against cancer.
In September it was revealed that Burley, 68, is undergoing treatment for the disease and the following weeks have seen an outpouring of support from fans of the Blues and other clubs, ex-teammates and players, as well as those currently working at Portman Road.
"So many people have got in touch to wish me well and people have been very respectful too,” the former Premier League Manager of the Year said.
"The club have been great as well and I’ve received messages of support from Kieran [McKenna] and Sam [Morsy] which means a lot to me. Ipswich has always been a family club and it’s important to see that continue.”
He continued: "I’m at Portman Road for every match willing them all on, wanting the team to succeed.”
Burley’s new book, All To Play For, which focuses on his eventful eight-year spell as manager, hits the shelves soon, in good time for Christmas.
It is a project that has provided the Scot with a welcome distraction during what has been a difficult time for him.
He said: "I’ve really enjoyed working on it. It’s very different to your usual type of football book. Everybody has been very supportive and we’ve managed to include interviews with 20 of the players from my time as manager, plus my former chairman, David Sheepshanks, and others connected to the club then, too.
"It’s packed full of great images and memories, and it covers every aspect of what was going on at ITFC during that period.
"I’ve seen a prototype of the book and it’s a very high-quality publication. I wanted to produce something special for Ipswich supporters to really enjoy and I hope they will.”
All to Play For is available for pre-order in collector’s and standard editions from TWTD here and is expected to hit the shops in November.