Terry Butcher backs Ipswich to continue their ‘relentless surge’ when they take on rivals Norwich in the East Anglian derby… as the Championship high-flyers look to score a first win over their bitter rivals since 2009
The town of Ipswich is buzzing with excitement as its beloved football club, Ipswich Town, is on a roll. Under the guidance of young and ambitious manager Kieran McKenna, the team has been playing some of the most attractive and fluent football in the Championship, leading to a resurgence in interest and enthusiasm among fans. As the team prepares to face off against arch-rivals Norwich City in the highly anticipated Old Farm derby, the mood is electric. Ipswich Town legend Terry Butcher, who was a key player during the team’s golden era under Bobby Robson, is confident that the team will come out on top, but also acknowledges that derby games are always unpredictable. “I’ve played in enough derby games to know you never know,” he says.
The team’s success is not just down to luck, but rather the result of careful planning and execution by McKenna, who has been hailed as a brilliant coach by fans and former players alike. Butcher praises McKenna’s commitment to playing attractive football, saying “they zip the ball about, they don’t lump it long in the channels. It’s lovely to watch.” The team’s playing style is reminiscent of the great Ipswich sides of the past, and it’s clear that McKenna has been influenced by the club’s rich history. The manager has even gone so far as to hang a photograph of Bobby Robson in his office, and has invited former players from that era to meet with him and the owners, seeking their input and advice. This approach has been welcomed by fans and former players, who see it as a nod to the club’s heritage and a sign of McKenna’s commitment to restoring Ipswich Town to its former glory.
The impact of McKenna’s management extends beyond the pitch, with the club experiencing a surge in ticket sales and a renewed sense of community engagement. The team’s success has brought a sense of pride and excitement to the town, with fans flocking to Portman Road to watch their team in action. The stadium is sold out for every game, and the atmosphere is electric. As former captain Matt Holland notes, “the buzz is back, and not just on the pitch. You see investment around the ground, the offices are being renovated. There’s wet paint everywhere.” The club’snew owners, who took over in 2021, have invested heavily in the team and the infrastructure, and it’s clear that their efforts are paying off.
One of the key factors in Ipswich’s success has been the emergence of talented young players such as Leif Davis and Nathan Broadhead, who have been signed for significant fees but have already shown their value to the team. The club’s transfer policy has been shrewd, with McKenna and his scouting team identifying talented players who can fit into the team’s passing style. The result is a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, with every player working together to achieve a common goal. As McKenna himself says, the key to success is the collective, and it’s clear that he has instilled a strong team spirit in his players.
As Ipswich Town prepares to face off against Norwich City, the stakes are high. The team has not beaten their rivals since 2009, and the pressure is on to come out on top. But with McKenna at the helm and the team playing some of the best football in the Championship, fans are confident that they can get the result they need. Former players such as Butcher and Wark are also optimistic, praising McKenna’s tactics and the team’s overall performance. As Wark notes, “everybody’s dreaming” of a return to the Premier League, and it’s clear that the team has the potential to make it happen.
The future looks bright for Ipswich Town, with the team on the up and a sense of excitement and optimism among fans. The club’s commitment to its heritage and its community is clear, and it’s evident that McKenna and his team are dedicated to restoring the club to its former glory. As the team takes to the pitch to face off against Norwich City, the atmosphere will be electric, and fans will be hoping that their team can come out on top. With the Tractor Boys flying high, it’s an exciting time to be an Ipswich Town fan, and it’s clear that the team is on the verge of something special. As Butcher says, “it’s too early to say we’re going back to the Premier League, but we’re in a great position. It’s a great feeling.” The town of Ipswich is buzzing with excitement, and it’s clear that the team is on the cusp of something big.
