Left-back Jonas Knudsen believes he is a better player now than when he joined Town just over a year ago from Esbjerg.

The 23-year-old Dane said: “I am definitely a stronger player and I know the Championship much better than when I first came over. I had a lot to learn, including adapting to the style of football, and I think I have done that.

“I believe I have improved step by step but there are still some other steps to go — like reaching the play-offs with the team and progressing from there. I think it was a great first season and now we have to aim to do better this season.

“I think the culture, the fans and the atmosphere, both at Portman Road and the other grounds, is better than I expected it to be. Everything about English football is bigger and better than I thought it would be and I like it very much.”

While a regular choice over the past 12 months, Knudsen missed two games at the end of last season through injury and that handed an opportunity to Myles Kenlock, and he admitted: “Myles has done well when he has played. I had a little injury and we decided it was best not to risk making it worse.

“It is good to have a young player coming through who can push me every day. That’s fine and I think he has done well.

“I know what I have to do, play well in every game, to show the manager I should keep my place in the team. I have to make sure Myles doesn’t get a chance to take my place.”

Knudsen acknowledged the support he has received from both boss Mick McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor. “They have both been brilliant with me from day one,” he said, “and I have always said that they played a big part in my decision to join Ipswich last year because I could feel they wanted me and trusted me.

“I have tried to give them everything back in every game and every day in training. My team-mates have also been great and I am really delighted to be here. I feel very settled.

“I think it is a nice area and I like it very much. My girlfriend finished her studies at the start of the year and has come over to join me.

“We both like the area and think it is perfect for us. It is also easy for my parents and other members of my family to come over from Denmark to visit and see games. It is a brilliant place to live and we are very happy.

It is important that things off the pitch are right. If you are not happy off the pitch I don’t think you can do 100 per cent on the pitch.

“My family can fly into Stansted for the home games and they try to see as many as they can. That was another reason for me to sign for Ipswich — the flights are only one hour and 30 minutes and it only takes five hours from their house to mine.

“That is perfect and they often stay for more than a day with us. My family is very important to me and it is the same for my girlfriend too so it is good that we can see them regularly.”

Photo: TWTD

thundercat600 added 13:26 - Aug 16 So, there you have it, a player who is saying what he feels, then you get the know it all so called supporters who reckon they know better than TC and Mick. These supporters could not run a booze up in a brewery, why they go to watch Ipswich Town play is beyond me as all they do is moan
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johnnyTGrotten added 15:06 - Aug 16 @thundercat600 Because we have a right to voice our opinions as fans and as a season ticket holders? It would be a bit boring if everyone thought the same now wouldn't it.. Funny how some people don't understand how a forum works 😂👍
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thundercat600 added 15:15 - Aug 16 Correct, every one should be able to voice their opinion, its the way that its done and the words used that I find obnoxious.
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Count_Arthur added 16:32 - Aug 16 I think he has some big boots to fill, and he can't be doing too bad when his 'player ratings' are often better than the majority of the rest of the side. Voted for by TWTD members! Always applauds the fans, decent bloke, decent player, and is it solely his fault we can't make anything of the long throws!?
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alfaitfc added 17:05 - Aug 16 If where all honest with our self's it is start of season wait to 10 or so games in then comment I reckon. The problem areas do still need to be attended too. Right back and maybe berra swap for Smith. Douglas for me has had better years. Sears lost confidence Murphy has left his scoring boots at home for past 4 months. It's tough one think this eve a draw would be nice as don't feel confident for a win seeing our current form. Up the town tho still love the club either way :)

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thebeat added 18:14 - Aug 16 Here come the super fans again moaning when other fans point stuff out. He is bang average, slow, cant cross a ball, one footed, gets caught out of position. Doesnt make me a bad fan for pointing it out. I want better, which means i care.
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