An interview with a Rival... Ipswich Town

Head of Content Keith Ingham spoke to Aisleen Connelly who is extremely excited for Saturday's clash at Elland Road.

How long have you been an Ipswich Town fan? I have followed Ipswich all my life since I was old enough to say the word football!

When was your first game and who are your favourite players?

My first game was John Wark's testimonial against Arsenal in august 2006, we drew 1-1. I was 5 at the time and have probably never shouted so much in my life!

Favourite players for me (that are within my lifetime) would be Pablo Counago and Martijn Reuser. I also loved Matt Holland too, that was when we had so much passion in team!

When was your favourite era as a Town fan?

Best era for me was when we got promoted in 2000. The trip to Wembley on a double decker bus was definitely a day I will never forget! and the 2000/01 season where we finished 5th and Leeds finished 4th, that was a great season!

What is your favourite away ground?

I would say from personal experience Derby was the best for me. Was a few years ago I went but was a very enjoyable day out. And of course I am excited to go to St James' Park as I have never been so will be heading up there in October.

What's your opinion on your gaffer?

My opinion on Mick McCarthy? this is a tough one. I personally have nothing against the man I think he is doing the best he can with what he has been given to work with.

As a team who have been in the championship 16 years, we are in a place that isn't going to change over night. I think he needs more money to bring in players. we need a shake up to be able to get anywhere, and anyone can see that just looking at the standard of football in the Championship.

I can understand our fans frustration with the situation and another year mid-table potentially. But I do like Mick McCarthy and I think given the chance he could do the job... let's face it anyone is better than Roy Keane!!

What's your opinion of Luke Varney? Is he any good?

Varney- this is quite funny as all I have heard up until the Derby game was that he is rubbish! Even when he came on... and he scored! I think he can play really well, consistency is the issue.

Who should Leeds be looking out for?

Player to watch for me this season is Adam Webster. He's only 21 and I think he has some real strength on the ball as well as some great clearances so far. Against Villa he was brilliant.

Who are your Champions, runners up and relegation contenders?

Champions - I'm gonna say Newcastle, I can't see them staying down.

Runners up- It pains me so much to say this but Norwich... parachute payments and good results. I can see them up there again.

6 playoff contenders- Brighton, Reading, Huddersfield, Leeds, Brentford and Forest.

3 to go down- Blackburn, Rotherham and Preston.

What are your predictions for Saturday's game?

Predictions for match day? I'm going for a sneaky 0-1 to us with Ward scoring. Being a town fan I am forever an optimist :)

We'd like to wish Aisleen good luck for the season and hope that Ipswich, like Leeds, gets a chance at the big time once again.

By Keith Ingham