There can be little doubt that the real reason the Blues are fairing so well these days is because of their fantastic away support. An incredible 2,600 Town fans will travel to Colchester tonight to watch what is effectively a dead rubber. They are only too aware that manager Paul Lambert is likely to field many fringe players again, but this has not deterred the Town faithful. It really is a remarkable example of how a club can refinds itself through its supporters and their dedication to the cause is a testament to their collective resourcefulness.
Our manager, one could argue, was the instigator in many ways because right from the off he embraced, not only former players who had done the club proud, but also those loyal followers with a simple message. ” This is your club. Own it.” For his part, he ensured that Ipswich Town got back to playing free-flowing attacking football and although we have not hit full throttle so far this season, the results have been, in the main, very promising.
Contrary to popular belief, football is not all about winning but it is all about giving 100% and trying to provide entertainment in the process. At the Jobserve Community Stadium this evening Lambert will once again ring the changes. Some are enforced due to international call-ups and others to give the team some fresh legs. It is doubtful whether Emyr Huws – or indeed Will Keane will play from the start because two games in four days might be asking too much of the pair who are still trying to find full fitness. The counter-argument, of course, is that this is the way to do it!
Tomas Holy will be in goal tonight and Myles Kenlock and Toto Nsiala will start as well. Tommy Hughes and Brett McGavin should get some game time too but perhaps not from the start. I just hope though that the real winners tonight are the supporters. They deserve to see the Blues prove that we really do have strength in depth and this is a good night confirm it. A win would see Town winning the group stages and getting home advantage when the remaining 32 clubs are split into northern and southern sections.
F.W. – editor of Vital Ipswich
