Ipswich Town Back In Hunt For Noel?

News today that Leeds United have terminated with immediate effect the contract of striker Noel Hunt.

Mick McCarthy stated the other day that the ball was in the Leeds court and it looks as if the door is once again ajar for a quick return to Portman Road!

There are compelling reasons for thinking this might happen and I am not just referring to the positive vibes from our manager.

Noel Hunt loved his time here and his Roy of the Rovers start,when he came on in the dying moments of the game to score the winning goal away at Charlton, endeared him to the fans immediately!

He may not get us many goals but at the very least,he is surely a lucky omen. Who knows, that goal and that win might just be the difference between success and failure this term so we are all collectively indebted to him.

I like the player and if Terry Connor can work his magic on him the same way he appears to have done with both Daryl Murphy and Darren Ambrose then his appetite for the game will be instantly renewed!

On Saturday of course in the live televised game between Town and Derby County at Portman Road means old chums Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent will come face to face with each other.

Bent has a habit of scoring on his debut but if the other Darren gets a chance, I fancy him to get on the score sheet too in what promises to be an exciting affair and if the Tractor Boys are victorious then they could open up a bit of a lead on the chasing pack it is hoped.

Automatic promotion is still a very long way off but another big crowd at home and an early goal could see us on our way!

One thing is certain and that is Derby County won’t be looking forward to it but it if it ends all square then it would not do too much damage to our promotion aspirations.

And then on Wednesday we continue our F.A. Cup story with another bumper crowd at Portman Road as Southampton are the visitors.

The BBC have decided today to show it live, which means that with global coverage the blues have the chance to impress on the world stage again so here’s hoping for a fantastic few days of football!


Frank Weston – Editor Vital Ipswich