Blues legend Frans Thijssen said he’d signed more autographs than in the previous 10 years after yesterday’s fans’ match between Town supporters and followers of Helmond Sport. The Blues side, which included 60-year-old Thijssen for some of the first half, ran out 5-1 victors.

The Dutch midfielder, a member of Sir Bobby Robson’s 1981 UEFA Cup-winning team, was greeted warmly by his old supporters having agreed to play in the match after initially being asked to manage the team.

The game, organised by Spirit of 78, had been due to take place on Helmond Sport’s main pitch but was moved to one of their training surfaces after heavy rain during the morning.

Unfortunately a calf injury suffered at the weekend restricted Thijssen’s involvement to the first 20 minutes of the first half, by which time the Blues were already in front.

A legend watches on

Thijssen, who until recently was assisting Patrick Kluivert with FC Twente’s U21 squad, was delighted be back amongst old friends: “I enjoyed seeing all the supporters back again.

“You feel the difference between Holland and England because in England you’re much more popular than you are in Holland.

"I signed a lot of autographs today, more than in the last 10 years or so! I have a good feeling about of Suffolk and everything about those days. It’s great to see everybody.”

The former Holland international says he hopes the Blues will soon be back in the top flight where they belong: “I hope Ipswich will do better this year and play for the play-offs.

Helmond prepare to defend a second-half Town corner

“It’s great that when you talk about Ipswich that you're talking about a Premier League club and it would be great to see them go back to the Premier League.

“Hopefully there will be improvements in this pre-season and all the supporters will go into the season with a good feeling.”

Photo: Action Images

rayman_10 added 12:17 - Jul 18 What a legend!
0

SouperJim added 12:22 - Jul 18 Future ITFC manager?
0

BotesdaleBlue added 12:37 - Jul 18 A fantastic player and man
0

robblue added 12:45 - Jul 18 A True Blue Legend!! if he was 'until recently assisting Patrick Kluivert with FC Twente's U21 squad, was delighted be back amongst old friends: “I enjoyed seeing all the supporters back again' then why not get him in to the ITFC academy and involved in the club again?? he would certainly help inspire the youngsters and form an academy dream team with Klug!!
0

JewellintheTown added 12:54 - Jul 18 Sign him up.
0

We_hate_Norwich added 13:03 - Jul 18 Legend is a phrase that is used to often for my liking................ However, in this case fully justified!!
0

norfolk_mighty_horse added 14:15 - Jul 18 he can be the Dutch scout for ITFC!
0

itfc1981 added 16:15 - Jul 18 Wheres the tash?
0

raycrawfordswig added 17:00 - Jul 18 Was a pleasure to watch playing
0

solemio added 22:19 - Jul 18 The person on the message board who said a day or two back that Darren Currie was the best dribbler ever to play for Town was clearly too young to have seen Frans. Great at beating people with amazing close control, but equally good at producing an end product.
0

h32 added 22:28 - Jul 18 True Legend - this man would be such an asset to the Club attached to the Academy. Anyone who didn't see Thijssen and Muhren play for us - will sadly never know what they missed. Awesome.
0

h32 added 22:30 - Jul 18 ..... typical of the pedigree we continuously need BACK at the Club.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls