Town chairman David Sheepshanks has revealed that his and George Burley's trip to the World Cup was almost called off in the wake of Town's relegation. Sheepshanks and Burley fly off to the Far East on Wednesday and will take in England's game with Argentina, Japan against Russia and Saudi Arabia versus Matt Holland's Ireland.

Sheepshanks says he considered whether to drop the trip in the wake of Town's drop to the Nationwide League: "I thought long and had about it, and came to the conclusion that if we believe in ourselves, as indeed we do, it can be fully worthwhile and beneficial.

"The trip for George and myself was originally booked back in February when we were hoping to broaden our knowledge on international teams.

With Town dropping out of the Premiership Sheepshanks admits that it is unlikely that any of the players that they will watch will move to Portman Road over the next year.

However, he feels that it is a chance for Burley and himself to network and make contacts who may be useful in the future: "Obviously relegation has been a big setback. But it is still important to get to know our way around the world soccer scene."

"Despite relegation, we have go to look forward and plan forward. It is important to become more expert internationally. We have learned lessons from one of two foreign signings in the past year.

The Town chairman says that he and Burley have already thought ahead to next season: "Obviously a great many of our plans are already in place for the new season. But it will be good to continue discussions in a different environment."

He also praised skipper Matt Holland, not just for his performance and excellent goal, but for the way he spoke after the game.

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