A look ahead to Saturday’s away trip
Town’s next challenge on their Championship journey is away at Ipswich Town this Saturday; kick-off at Portman Road is 3pm.
Town recorded their first three points of the season last weekend when they cruised to victory against Burnley.
Ipswich on the other hand suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Blackpool and were then dumped out of the Capital One Cup in midweek by npower League 1 side Carlisle United.
Officials
Mick Russll
Matthew Buonassisi and Matt Foley
John Hopkins
Ispwich’s latest results:
Carlisle (League Cup) L – 2-1
Blackpool (Championship) L – 6-0
Watford (Championship) W – 1-0
Blackburn (Championship) D – 1-1
Bristol Rovers (League Cup) W – 3-1
Town’s Team news:
Sean Scannell is unlikely to feature after picking up a hamstring injury against Burnley while Oscar Gobern is still recovering from a knock he collected against Preston.
As Town confirmed earlier today Simon Grayson will have to cope without Jordan Rhodes after the striker joined Blackburn Rovers.
Ipswich’s Team news:
Skipper Carlos Edwards is a doubt for the game after limping off during the Tractor Boys 2-1 defeat in mid-week.
Manager - Paul Jewell:
Paul Jewell is a former Wigan and Bradford City striker who began his rein as Ipswich manager in early 2011.
Jewell had already started his coaching career before hanging up his boots in 1998 and went on to take charge at Bradford City in the same year. The Liverpudlian made the Premier League dream a reality for City fans in his first full season in charge and managed to keep the Bantams up on the final day of the season. However, City struggled the following season and after handing in his resignation Jewell joined Sheffield Wednesday.
Jewell repeated the same trick at Wigan in the mid-2000s when he got them promoted to the Premier League and kept them up, but again he resigned the following the season.
After spending a brief period at Derby County he joined Ipswich Town in January 2011.
Ipswich transfers 2012/13:
IN
Luke Chambers – Nottingham Forest – free transfer
Scott Loach – Watford – signed
Elliott Hewitt – Macclesfield - signed
Massimo Luongo – Tottenham - loan
OUT
Ibrahima Sonko – Akhisar B
Jimmy Bullard – MK Dons – free transfer
Richard Wright – Preston – free transfer
Grant Leadbitter – Middlesbrough – free transfer
RELEASED
Mark Kennedy
Cody Cropper
Lee Bowyer
Key man – Michael Chopra:
Goal poacher Michael Chopra joined the Tractor Boys in June 2011 on a three year contract.
His career started as an apprentice at home town club Newcastle where he worked under Sir Bobby Robson. In total he made 32 appearances for the St James’ Park based outfit.
After loan spells with Warford, Forest and Barnsley he joined Cardiff permanently before stepping up to the Premier League with Sunderland. After scoring on the opening day of the season for Sunderland goals dried up for the striker and he returned to Cardiff before signing for Ipswich.
He finished as the Club’s top scorer last season.
Directions to Portman Road:
Station: Ipswich
By Rail Ipswich station is about a 5 minute walk from the ground. Go straight out of the station, over the bridge and past two sets of traffic lights, then turn left into Portman Road. Trains leave London Liverpool Street station for Ipswich every 15 minutes.
By Road:
Take the A12 to big roundabout (by Tesco) on A14 junction. Take 2nd exit (sign posted Ipswich West A1214) into London Road. Follow Ipswich A1214 signs for 2 1/2 miles, straight over roundabout to junction at bottom of hill. Go straight on to the next set of traffic lights. Turn right and follow the signs to the ground.
Parking - Street parking in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is problematic. However there are plenty of Pay and Display car parks within walking distance of Portman Road. In any case the ground is within easy walking distance of the town centre.
Ticket information:
Tickets for the match can be bought before you travel by calling 01484 484 123 (available until 4.30pm) – places on Town’s official coaches are still available.
Tickets can be bought on the day however prices will incur an increase. Adult tickets will go up by £2.50 whereas concession prices will be £1 more expensive.
If you can’t get to the game remember to follow us on @htafcdotcom for match updates and post-match reaction!