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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhun and Tom Ball answering questions 18:47 - Dec 9 with 10392 viewsPhilTWTD

I'll summarise some of the main answers. Just starting.

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:50 - Dec 9 with 6780 viewsPhilTWTD

MA talking about pillars of the football club which were mentioned last year. First, appointment of Kieran and footballing areas of the club. Since then further work, Kieran new deal. Recruitment, hardest summer of his career, in most cases happy with what he has recruited.

On the pitch for the first team, difficult, but I'm delighted with the performances, but results haven't followed as we'd like. But belief in KMC and staff doesn't move one millimetre. Yesterday, but for the width of a post. But don't forget where we've come from. More than happy with the performances of Kieran and team.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:51 - Dec 9 with 6763 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:50 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

MA talking about pillars of the football club which were mentioned last year. First, appointment of Kieran and footballing areas of the club. Since then further work, Kieran new deal. Recruitment, hardest summer of his career, in most cases happy with what he has recruited.

On the pitch for the first team, difficult, but I'm delighted with the performances, but results haven't followed as we'd like. But belief in KMC and staff doesn't move one millimetre. Yesterday, but for the width of a post. But don't forget where we've come from. More than happy with the performances of Kieran and team.


Academy will go to cat one, training ground currently worst in Premier League, seen plans, would like to be on site asap. Footballing side of club continuing to move forward. Will be active in January.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:52 - Dec 9 with 6737 viewsbluelagos

Anything yet on the free BJs being offered?

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:53 - Dec 9 with 6731 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:51 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Academy will go to cat one, training ground currently worst in Premier League, seen plans, would like to be on site asap. Footballing side of club continuing to move forward. Will be active in January.


Second platform, the Foundation, area most proud of. Commercially moving forward, continuing partnership with Ed Sheeran. All areas moving forward. Ticket prices competitive, probably lowest in the league. Know there is a cost of living crisis. Trying to make affordable for everyone.

Portman Road has changed immensely and over last six months has changed incredibly. Incredible feat to get the 100+ projects done over the summer.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:56 - Dec 9 with 6699 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:53 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Second platform, the Foundation, area most proud of. Commercially moving forward, continuing partnership with Ed Sheeran. All areas moving forward. Ticket prices competitive, probably lowest in the league. Know there is a cost of living crisis. Trying to make affordable for everyone.

Portman Road has changed immensely and over last six months has changed incredibly. Incredible feat to get the 100+ projects done over the summer.


Revenues were £13m, now £153m. Rocket ship not going to stop. Will move forward with power and pace. If not, those up the road will move ahead of us. Not on my watch. This board wake up every morning aiming to make this club better.

Getting success is relatively easy, sustained success harder. Results not what we want but not far away. Learn about staff, club and everyone in this circumstance. Club special, only way we can move forward is together. We move as one, stay together as one through good times and tough times. Club is too big to back to where it was.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:01 - Dec 9 with 6645 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 18:56 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Revenues were £13m, now £153m. Rocket ship not going to stop. Will move forward with power and pace. If not, those up the road will move ahead of us. Not on my watch. This board wake up every morning aiming to make this club better.

Getting success is relatively easy, sustained success harder. Results not what we want but not far away. Learn about staff, club and everyone in this circumstance. Club special, only way we can move forward is together. We move as one, stay together as one through good times and tough times. Club is too big to back to where it was.


Now answering questions. First question not a question but thanking MA for success over last couple of seasons. Applause

Second questioner sends best wishes to Simon Milton. Asks about MA being chairman and CEO.

MA: Role hasn't changed. Mike is a very close friend, remains one, but the way we run the business hasn't changed. Split business in two, Tom Ball responsible for finance and business and Luke Werhun in charge of football. A team behind the team. I manage the people who run the business. Culture is key. I'm the key link up to the US, to Ed Schwartz and Bright Path.

Matt Holland added to board to keep a link to the club's traditions. Learnign curve for Matt. But my role hasn't changed.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:04 - Dec 9 with 6609 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:01 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Now answering questions. First question not a question but thanking MA for success over last couple of seasons. Applause

Second questioner sends best wishes to Simon Milton. Asks about MA being chairman and CEO.

MA: Role hasn't changed. Mike is a very close friend, remains one, but the way we run the business hasn't changed. Split business in two, Tom Ball responsible for finance and business and Luke Werhun in charge of football. A team behind the team. I manage the people who run the business. Culture is key. I'm the key link up to the US, to Ed Schwartz and Bright Path.

Matt Holland added to board to keep a link to the club's traditions. Learnign curve for Matt. But my role hasn't changed.


Cobbold Stand update assurance name will be maintained.

MA: One of the things we have to do is make stadium work financially. Not spoken about name. Really important to tread sensibly around tradition. Reality is that it can be called whatever we want, it will still be Cobbold.

Plans, everything has slowed down from when we got promoted as we needed to work on getting up to date. Talks about land secured behind. But not an immediate thing.

Looked at potentially expanding West Stand first. No desire to do it urgently, other projects, such as training ground, which will come first.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:04 - Dec 9 with 6591 viewsParisBlue

MA spoke about expanding the West Stand before knocking down and rebuilding the Cobbold, potentially adding 4000 seats.

Is there a timescale on this? Presumably it's not dependent on Cobbold rebuild and a smaller project, but the additional 4000 tickets would be beneficial.

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:05 - Dec 9 with 6585 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:04 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Cobbold Stand update assurance name will be maintained.

MA: One of the things we have to do is make stadium work financially. Not spoken about name. Really important to tread sensibly around tradition. Reality is that it can be called whatever we want, it will still be Cobbold.

Plans, everything has slowed down from when we got promoted as we needed to work on getting up to date. Talks about land secured behind. But not an immediate thing.

Looked at potentially expanding West Stand first. No desire to do it urgently, other projects, such as training ground, which will come first.


Alf Ramsey Stand roof leaks. MA moves question to Tom Ball. TB says some work has been done but to properly fix it will need roof replaced, not cheap. So trying to minimise problems. Total solution a while off. Someone was repairing West Stand roof before yesterday's game.
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Leaking roofs on 19:06 - Dec 9 with 6522 viewsDyland

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:05 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Alf Ramsey Stand roof leaks. MA moves question to Tom Ball. TB says some work has been done but to properly fix it will need roof replaced, not cheap. So trying to minimise problems. Total solution a while off. Someone was repairing West Stand roof before yesterday's game.


Upper North also leaking on Tuesday night, when it wasn't raining.

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:07 - Dec 9 with 6518 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:05 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Alf Ramsey Stand roof leaks. MA moves question to Tom Ball. TB says some work has been done but to properly fix it will need roof replaced, not cheap. So trying to minimise problems. Total solution a while off. Someone was repairing West Stand roof before yesterday's game.


Not little Ipswich. MA: Felt in Champ that you could hear whispers in corridors that Town would fall away. Not this football club, not this manager. As long as I'm here I'll fight for this club.

Re meetings with referees' association. All asking for is transparency and couldn't have made that point any more strongly. Things I've not liked. We have to be heard, have to do it in the right way. No chance I'll let this club go quietly into the night.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:09 - Dec 9 with 6472 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:07 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Not little Ipswich. MA: Felt in Champ that you could hear whispers in corridors that Town would fall away. Not this football club, not this manager. As long as I'm here I'll fight for this club.

Re meetings with referees' association. All asking for is transparency and couldn't have made that point any more strongly. Things I've not liked. We have to be heard, have to do it in the right way. No chance I'll let this club go quietly into the night.


Wheelchair away access at Forest through home fans, supporters got abuse. Could that be raised. TB: Not acceptable, pass that on to disabled officer. Sympathy with Forest as they have limitations re ground, same as Town. Town had away disabled fans in with home supporters last season. But obviously negative experience and they need to do better.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:10 - Dec 9 with 6452 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:09 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Wheelchair away access at Forest through home fans, supporters got abuse. Could that be raised. TB: Not acceptable, pass that on to disabled officer. Sympathy with Forest as they have limitations re ground, same as Town. Town had away disabled fans in with home supporters last season. But obviously negative experience and they need to do better.


Praise for adding a Suffolk punch to the players' entrance.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:10 - Dec 9 with 6430 viewsMullet

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:01 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Now answering questions. First question not a question but thanking MA for success over last couple of seasons. Applause

Second questioner sends best wishes to Simon Milton. Asks about MA being chairman and CEO.

MA: Role hasn't changed. Mike is a very close friend, remains one, but the way we run the business hasn't changed. Split business in two, Tom Ball responsible for finance and business and Luke Werhun in charge of football. A team behind the team. I manage the people who run the business. Culture is key. I'm the key link up to the US, to Ed Schwartz and Bright Path.

Matt Holland added to board to keep a link to the club's traditions. Learnign curve for Matt. But my role hasn't changed.


Why do people go just to do that? (Not you Phil obviously)

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:11 - Dec 9 with 6413 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:10 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Praise for adding a Suffolk punch to the players' entrance.


Somewhere we can put a champions of England badge, UEFA Cup, FA Cup in the ground? MA: Good question, will look into it.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:12 - Dec 9 with 6377 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:11 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Somewhere we can put a champions of England badge, UEFA Cup, FA Cup in the ground? MA: Good question, will look into it.


Asked about Pat Godbold as not been in her seat. MA says in good health.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:15 - Dec 9 with 6310 viewsFrimleyBlue

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:10 - Dec 9 by Mullet

Why do people go just to do that? (Not you Phil obviously)


Quite a big point from that. Luke werhun in charge of football. Has that been long term or started last season?

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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:16 - Dec 9 with 6289 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:12 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Asked about Pat Godbold as not been in her seat. MA says in good health.


Question on PLC shareholders no longer receiving dividends. TB: Came as condition of fundraising. If someone is willing to put £120m into the club as equity with alternative option debt, seemed was the best approach.

Questioner says small shareholders have been sold down the river TB: Football clubs very rarely pay dividends and didn't envisage doing so. PLC was illiquid at time of takeover, Gamechanger opted to keep the PLC but not as a financial decision, more for goodwill.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:17 - Dec 9 with 6260 viewsChris_ITFC

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:12 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Asked about Pat Godbold as not been in her seat. MA says in good health.


Saw her with a "McKenna Out" banner outside Isaacs on Sunday night.

Probably explains it.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:20 - Dec 9 with 6198 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:16 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Question on PLC shareholders no longer receiving dividends. TB: Came as condition of fundraising. If someone is willing to put £120m into the club as equity with alternative option debt, seemed was the best approach.

Questioner says small shareholders have been sold down the river TB: Football clubs very rarely pay dividends and didn't envisage doing so. PLC was illiquid at time of takeover, Gamechanger opted to keep the PLC but not as a financial decision, more for goodwill.


Next questioner, five-year plan, got there in three. Happy to give up my dividend. Going to cat one. LW is leading that. Says made sense in Premier League. If we can develop talent here with development in infrastructure, we're going to attract talent to play in Premier League with Town.

MA: When KMc is brought in as manager, part of role to develop people. Woolfy, Cam Humphreys, now we need a new wave. One club county, have opportunity. Cat one attracts talent, but have to develop. Can't wait for U9s to develop, so we're going to have to bring players in at higher levels so we've got talent coming through sooner.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:24 - Dec 9 with 6129 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:20 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Next questioner, five-year plan, got there in three. Happy to give up my dividend. Going to cat one. LW is leading that. Says made sense in Premier League. If we can develop talent here with development in infrastructure, we're going to attract talent to play in Premier League with Town.

MA: When KMc is brought in as manager, part of role to develop people. Woolfy, Cam Humphreys, now we need a new wave. One club county, have opportunity. Cat one attracts talent, but have to develop. Can't wait for U9s to develop, so we're going to have to bring players in at higher levels so we've got talent coming through sooner.


New sponsor for West Stand? TB: Yes, will reveal all done and dusted. Also asked re ME land at Bent Lane, which was bought more than a year ago:

Ashton: Purchase of Training Ground Land From Evans Complete 9th Dec 2023 12:38
Town CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that the Blues have completed the purchase of the area of the training ground former owner Marcus Evans held onto following the 2021 Gamechanger 20 Ltd takeover. 3



MA praise for Ed Sheeran for his role in sponsorship. Shirt sales will probably break 100,000. Can come and talk here next year!

Reiterates no gambling sponsor. Commercial team doing well, down line with an opportunity. Wants to do it the Ipswich way, this club is special. Doesn't want to replicate any other club. We appointed Kieran McKenna as manager. Want the academy better than everyone else's, Foundation the same. Everything done in Ipswich way.

This post has been edited by an administrator
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:26 - Dec 9 with 6068 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:24 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

New sponsor for West Stand? TB: Yes, will reveal all done and dusted. Also asked re ME land at Bent Lane, which was bought more than a year ago:

Ashton: Purchase of Training Ground Land From Evans Complete 9th Dec 2023 12:38
Town CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that the Blues have completed the purchase of the area of the training ground former owner Marcus Evans held onto following the 2021 Gamechanger 20 Ltd takeover. 3



MA praise for Ed Sheeran for his role in sponsorship. Shirt sales will probably break 100,000. Can come and talk here next year!

Reiterates no gambling sponsor. Commercial team doing well, down line with an opportunity. Wants to do it the Ipswich way, this club is special. Doesn't want to replicate any other club. We appointed Kieran McKenna as manager. Want the academy better than everyone else's, Foundation the same. Everything done in Ipswich way.

This post has been edited by an administrator


Praise for KMc as best signing of summer and MA as best signing of earlier summer, now watching Premier League football. Pleased academy is going to be developed. Wants to see us becoming a club people fear in the Premier League again. If we go down, then not become a Luton or a Norwich but come straight back up.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:28 - Dec 9 with 6035 viewsPhilTWTD

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:26 - Dec 9 by PhilTWTD

Praise for KMc as best signing of summer and MA as best signing of earlier summer, now watching Premier League football. Pleased academy is going to be developed. Wants to see us becoming a club people fear in the Premier League again. If we go down, then not become a Luton or a Norwich but come straight back up.


MA Clubs promoted alongside us, had been in the Premier League recently, so from FFP perspective we start behind them because they'd got parachute payments. We start from a position of disadvantage, so have to do it our way. Heart and soul will make sure we move forward.
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At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:29 - Dec 9 with 6008 viewsIllinoisblue

At AGM, Mark Ashton, Luke Werhen and Tom Ball answering questions on 19:15 - Dec 9 by FrimleyBlue

Quite a big point from that. Luke werhun in charge of football. Has that been long term or started last season?


If he’s overseeing the sports science team he needs to give answers on why so many injuries this season. We’ve bought a number of players made of glass.

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Leaking roofs on 19:29 - Dec 9 with 5986 viewsstonojnr

Leaking roofs on 19:06 - Dec 9 by Dyland

Upper North also leaking on Tuesday night, when it wasn't raining.


thats called humidty and caused by the cool temperatures, the metal framework of the stand being very cold, and with thousands of people breathing out air beneath, which is around 60-90% humidity, it rises up meets the really cold beams, condenses back into water on the beams, that then drop on people.

just physics, not leaks.
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