And so, the starting line fast approaches. Whereas in past times we may have approached it with trepidation, we feel this unfamiliar sense of optimism. In a year ravaged by loss and isolationism, we return to our cathedral of wonder, revived. I don’t know about you, but this wave of Goosebumps runs through my arms and back every time I think about that first goal celebration. The season starts here, and without the need of a ball being kicked, I can firmly say that it finally feels good to be a Town fan.
Jaded as we are, I imagine there are plenty of nerves heading into this new chapter. When you consider all that’s been said, it’s not a great surprise that we approach with caution, asking the simple question: is it all too good to be true? I think back to the fans forum held recently and find a firm answer, no. The people that hold the keys to our club are people with passion in their hearts that matches the knowledge in their heads. The funding helps, of course it does, but that almost falls by the wayside when you hear the way that Mike O’Leary, Mark Ashton, Paul Cook and co. all speak about the club we love.
They speak like fans; they speak like we do. I remember months ago crying out for a beating heart to be revived, and that moment has arrived. Whilst the true measure of success will be quantified by on-pitch performances, there simply cannot be enough words of gratitude to thank the new regime for swaying the tide of negativity and replacing it with one of hope. Of course, new seasons arrive with all the nerves and anticipation that we’ve come to expect but finally, this one feels different.
Ever since I started writing these columns, harkening back to a drab 0-0 draw with Wimbledon, I’ve been laboured with articulating negative thoughts. The majority of conversations surrounding our club have possessed little talk of pride, but these past few months have totally changed that. Over the summer, I’ve been able to write positive and optimistic articles about Town’s recruitment and future prospects. Across many interviews conducted by the fabulous creative community that surrounds our club, I’ve read and listened to quotes from passionate people that care deeply for Ipswich Town and its surrounding community.
I find myself thinking: is this really happening to us? Do we really have a CEO in place who has a burning desire to take us forward? Do we really have a manager that plays exciting football, as well as understanding the very essence of fandom? Are we really supported by a fund with deep pockets that allows us to be active and competitive in the transfer market? All of this, and more, has contributed to the rejuvenated sense of connection with my club. Hopefully, the dark days of silence, poor results and mossy stands are a friend of the past. We have a bright new future to look forward to, and it all starts when Morecambe visit this Saturday.
Writing this now, the hairs stand on the back of my neck, thinking about what could be. Of course, there is so much work to be done, but I find myself bestowing nothing but faith upon those with the power to change our fortunes. Now, as fans, we play our part. For too long we’ve been kept from those seats, restrained from cheering on the team. No longer are we stuck behind screens waiting for the cameraman to catch up with the ball, we are finally able to see our friends and embrace the game, and the team, that we love.
On the 7th April 2020, exactly one year before the takeover was confirmed, I wrote this:
‘Life is cyclical. Good times arrive, bad times follow, with a few slices of mediocrity thrown in for good use. The wheel spins, the world keeps turning and we all eventually come back to where we started. That can be viewed as a frustrating truth or seen as something that can provide hope. It harkens to the times that we find ourselves in now, isolated from friends, family and loved ones. The cyclical nature of life dictates that the good times will come back. The same can be said for our football club. We all slump and feel low, but we should always be reminded that the bad times aren’t a permanent fixture. So however negative you may feel now, about life, about isolation, or even about Ipswich Town Football Club, take comfort in the fact that the wheel keeps spinning and there’s always better times to come.’
16 months on, the wheel has spun… and it finally feels as if the good times are back. Now the real action starts… and I can’t wait to be there!
Thank you for taking the time to read my column. If you enjoyed, feel free to share it around. I’ll see you soon!
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