This evening’s Ipswich Town Annual General Meeting took place in the Centre Spot restaurant. David Sheepshanks took centre stage in front of a star-field style backdrop, and addressed a crowd numbering some 200 shareholders. These shareholders eventually found their seats after traversing long lines of chairs. I hope the architects of the new South Stand are aware of the necessity of aisles.

The anticipated replacement of the successful five-year plan was detailed this evening, and the target was set to be the qualification to European competition in three years' time. I must confess that I was almost disappointed when this was announced. Such is the level of success that Town have achieved so far this season, that this goal sounds very achievable, but David Sheepshanks was quick to make sure that fans kept their feet on the floor. Consolidation is still the target this year, and we still have a long way to go. Nothing is taken for granted. Mr Sheepshanks wanted Town to be one of the best football clubs in the Premiership, and said would only be achieved by solid teamwork at all levels at the Club.

David Sheepshanks rejected the method of a floatation, as he was adamant that insufficient funds would be generated. The administration alone was claimed at being a six figure sum, and identified Manchester City as a case study to be looked at. They floated and only a figure of £1.5 million was raised (even with their fan base). The board had looked at other ways of raising funds, and the one they were most in favour of was a small-scale investment from the media. David stressed that no offers had yet been received, but any that did come in would be considered.

As from July, David Sheepshanks has been on the payroll at Portman Road. The figure is claimed to be at a chief executive level, so may be somewhere similar to the fee of £100,000 that was “earnt” by former chief exec, Howard Wells. There is also discussion that the other board members would also be remunerated, and invited comments from the floor. There were no objections on this occasion, provided they are set at appropriate levels.

100% of the Kieron Dyer transfer was reinvested in transfers and wages in a bid to achieve promotion. Funds are still available to strengthen the squad as demonstrated by the “public” transfer of Gert Verheyen. Sheepshanks reiterated that Brugge reporting Ipswich Town to FIFA was of no worry, as the club went by the book to attempt to achieve the Belgian’s signature.

The uncertainty of the transfer system was mentioned, but Mr Sheepshanks was confident that changes were likely to be minimal. Domestic transfers are likely to be unchanged, and international transfers where all three parties agree to the price will also be unchanged. Where there is a difference of opinion, the matter will go to a tribunal. Other measures such as no transfer of footballers under the age of 18, and transfer “windows” may be operated.

A new 125-year lease has been signed between the Club and the council. The ground developments were taking shape, with an estimated 24,000 available for the last 4 games of the season, rising to 26,000 at close season. The North Stand will be redeveloped once Premiership status has been secured, and will allow between 30,000 and 31,000 seats in total (depending on the development of corner areas). No grants will be available to fund this development. It was brought up that if the three-year plan was successful, it is possible given the large catchment area, that a 31,000 capacity would not be enough. David Sheepshanks suggested that in this case that the Cobbold Stand would presumably be next as this would be the eldest stand at that time, but no large risks will be taken. The ballot system was deemed to be a success by the board, and a number of other clubs had shown an interest in the scheme. David thanked the ticket office workers for their hard work, and said a number of unsuccessful season ticket applicants had been very abusive towards them.

With a 30,000 capacity a possibility in the near future, the topic of parking and traffic gridlock was mentioned. An additional 500 spaces is being made available at the maltings in the dock area, and any hotel development on the Cattle Market will have provision for 500 spaces available to fans. In a bid to monitor traffic movement, a police helicopter will be used to formulate a future plan. It was suggested that the closure of Museum Street has had an adverse affect on getting football traffic out of the area.

As you would expect, David thanked a large number of people at the Club, such as Paul Clouting, Alesha Gooderham, David Rose, and saved the highest praise for George Burley, for getting us out of the Nationwide. This naturally received a long period of applause, and was mirrored when someone from the floor praised David Sheepshanks for his efforts for his period as chairman.

In conclusion, David reiterated that consolidation is the key for this season, then onward and upward to qualify for European competition, and said “your football club is in good health”. He reminisced over the play-off victories, and recounted the major events in the Wembley Final: “It’s got to be our year! … It must be our year! … It IS our year!!!”. Not quite “We are Premier Leeeaaaaaaaaague!” but nearly.

Photo: Action Images

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