He may have been frustrated at having to watch from the sidelines but David McGoldrick admits he loved being a fan during the latter stages of last season.

Now recovered from the knee injury he suffered against Blackpool in mid-February, he is close to returning to Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up even if Saturday’s opening day clash with Fulham will see him occupy a place on the bench.

McGoldrick said: “It was horrible not to be playing, especially when we had a chance to get into the play-offs. The home game against Derby was an incredible atmosphere and it was frustrating not to be out there celebrating with the boys when the winning goal went in.

“I was a fan then, supporting the boys before and after the games, but that’s behind me now and I’m glad I’m back training.”

But being a spectator underlined to McGoldrick how supporters see things and react to them.

He added: “When you sit up in the box it’s weird. You see the fans’ reaction to things on the pitch and how important it is to them.

“People could see me jumping up and down on my crutches. I was really supporting the team. I am a fan. I like Ipswich, they’ve taken to me and I’ve taken to the town. I like it here a lot.”

McGoldrick is open to the idea of extending his stay in Suffolk, his current deal was announced as a two-year contract when he signed following his release by Nottingham Forest last summer, although manager Mick McCarthy has hinted that there was an option for a further season.

But he says that as yet there are no developments regarding a new deal: “There’s nothing on that at the minute, I just want to concentrate on getting my knee better and I’m sure everything will work out.

“I’m happy here and I love working for the gaffer and TC. I’m not just saying that, all the boys say it — they’re top people. The gaffer has been so supportive over my injury.

“My family are down here now and settled. My kids are at school. I’m enjoying my football and had a really good season last year. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

When McCarthy and assistant Connor both agreed new three-year deals last month it made a huge impression on McGoldrick, who admitted: “The gaffer is the main man here, he makes all the decisions, so when you when you see him committing his future it’s a real boost for the squad.”

Photo: Action Images

Flewitt85 added 06:56 - Aug 8 Mcgoldrick is a blue, is a blue, is a blue. Mcgoldrick is a blue, he hates naaaarwich!! COYB!!
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BotesdaleBlue added 07:05 - Aug 8 As soon as McGoldrick proves his match fitness the club must act quickly to tie him down on a much longer deal, if nothing else other than to protect his transfer value. He seems happy here from what he has said, so fingers crossed it will happen.
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Len_Brennan added 07:09 - Aug 8 New contract immediately please.
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Popeye added 07:45 - Aug 8 Agree the club are playing a waiting game to see if he returns to full fitness etc before offering him a new deal which is sensible, no point having an injury prone player on a 3 year deal. The issue for me is if Town can't spend any money on transfers, how are they going to replace players like DIdsy in the future?
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Rentaghost added 07:51 - Aug 8 The club has learnt its lessons and tie down all their best players now. Good players will come to this club as we have a strong management team and Suffolk is a great county to live in.
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bluemagic74 added 11:52 - Aug 8 With didz fit all season could be great and hopefully it will be and plz sort his contract NOW.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 13:16 - Aug 8 DM is one of several now to praise MM and TC in this manner. Several posters on this site would do well to take these views into consideration, after all I think the players probably know a bit more than anyone on here.
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Monkey_Blue added 13:28 - Aug 8 I agree Dozells Bobblehat- The players clearly have huge respect for MM and we need to be relieved that's the case. I don' think that we've had such unity in that way since the burley promotion and 5th place in the prem times. Those criticising Mick should look at the players he's brought in for nothing that many clubs in this division would take in a shot. How much Smith, chambers and Cresswell improved under him. Loanees like tunicliffe who did so well wigan wanted him and then Fulham, then of course Johnny Williams. I think with the budget he has(Forest have just paid £5.5m for a league one striker) I can't think of many if anyone who would have done so well. I also disagree that MM doesn't like flair players, but he puts the team above the individual, flair players who don't work for the team don't get picked by top teams.

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