VIDEO Fans at the big derby match were dreaming of the future with the arrival of billionaire Marcus Evans into the life of Ipswich Town.Steve Wightman, from Connaught Road in Ipswich, was heading to match with friends John and Aaron Button, and all welcomed Mr Evans - and his pot of gold.

FANS at the big derby match were united in welcoming the arrival of billionaire Marcus Evans into the life of Ipswich Town.

Steve Wightman, from Connaught Road in Ipswich, was heading to match with friends John and Aaron Button, and all welcomed Mr Evans - and his pot of gold.

Mr Wightman said: “It sounds like very good news for the club. I'm especially pleased that David Sheepshanks and rest of the board will remain in place. I think they've done a good job in difficult times.”

He accepted Mr Evans wanted to retain his privacy, and hoped he would not be put off getting involved in the club by the inevitable publicity it is set to attract.

Paul and James Garwood from Manningtree were also pleased that the existing board would remain in place - and hoped that the lessons of 2001 had been learned.

“It will be good to have a bit of money to spend, but I don't think we'll go out and spent millions on people like Finidi George and Sereni,” said Paul Garwood.

“It would be nice to get Ronaldhino,” joked James, “But seriously we need to look at getting one or two new central defenders and possibly a central midfielder - but overall I think we've now got one of the best teams in the league anyway.

“But the defence does need to be tightened up a bit.”

Andrew Fenwick travelled to the match with his family from Braintree and was delighted by the arrival of Mr Evans.

“This certainly will put a bit more pressure on Jim Magilton, but I think he will be able to cope with that and I don't see why we should not start pushing for promotion.

“We have the basis of a very good side, one of the best in the division going forward and with a bit of investment in the defence we should be able to do very well this season.”