Boss Joe Royle has given the new Portman Road pitch the thumbs up. Groundsman Alan Ferguson and his staff have spent the week laying a new surface ahead of the club's Championship campaign.

Royle told the club site: "It looks terrific and Alan and his team are pleased so that's a good sign.

"The pitch has been among the best in the country for a while now and I'm sure it will be no different this season."

The pitch will be in use for the first time when Town take on Rangers in a pre-season friendly next Tuesday.

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