MAYBE Town's team could learn about commitment from their fans.After a season which promised so much, ended with so little, the die-hards at Portman Road could have been forgiven for tearing up their tickets in disgust.

MAYBE Town's team could learn about commitment from their fans.

After a season which promised so much, ended with so little, the die-hards at Portman Road could have been forgiven for tearing up their tickets in disgust.

But it seems many of the 19,000 or so souls who stumped for a season ticket this year will again be putting their hands into their pockets come the summer.

That news will be music to the ears of chairman David Sheepshanks and his money-men fighting Town's financial freefall.

And while those in the boardroom might not enjoy full support, the boot-room boys are much more popular.

Many are pinning their hopes on popular Joe Royle to lead a triumphant march back to the Premiership at the second attempt.

Guy Vincent, of Thornhill Road, Claydon, said: "I've had my doubts, but I've made my mind up and I'm still having my ticket next season. I've got hope for the future and we've got a brilliant manager now as well."

Simon Cansdale, of Bury Road, Stowmarket, said: "I'll definitely be getting my ticket. I'd like to be in the Premiership, but it really doesn't bother me, I'll always support them no matter what."

Aaron Davey, of Bennett Avenue, Elmswell, said: "I was always going to have one – no doubts. It doesn't matter to me what division they're in."

Wendy Willerton, of Woolpit, said: "I will keep my season ticket, I haven't had any doubts. I've been a season ticket holder for three or four years so I'll be keeping it for next year."

Nigel De'ath, of Balsham, near Cambridge, said: "I'll definitely keep it next year. I'd prefer it if we weren't in the second division, but really I don't care what division we're in."

David Freestone, of Bramford Lane, Ipswich, said: "I'm a bit undecided, but four months interest free on the tickets seems quite attractive. We've had two seasons of rubbish, but I'll probably be back next season."

Robert Buttigieg, of Purplett Street, Ipswich, said: "I'll probably get one next year. I can't think of anything else to do with my Saturdays and it's got to be better than listening to Radio Suffolk."

Andy Sherman, of Dryden Road, Ipswich, said: "I'll probably keep my season ticket, but I might wait to see if they have a real clear-out of players over the summer."

Fiona Warnock, of Coleness Road, Ipswich, said: "I'll keep it whatever happens, no doubts. I've had 15 years of ups and downs now, so a few more aren't going to make any difference."

Tim Metson, of London, said: "I'm tempted to change my mind after that load of old rubbish, but I'll always get one out of loyalty. They've frozen the prices as well, which is a bit of a bonus."

Rob Harris, of Colchester, said: "I've been coming to Portman Road for more than 30 years, so one bad performance and one bad season aren't going to stop me having a season ticket."

Steve Harris, of Colchester, said: "It's a family thing as much as a football thing. My dad's been bringing me since I was little and we go to games together no matter what the results."

Helen Norton, of Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, said: "It was a terrible game today, but I think they've played better under Royle and will probably go up next year. I'll still have my season ticket, but I think we need to be back in the Premiership sooner rather than later."

Alan Quinn, of Belstead Road, Ipswich, said: "I'll be here, rain or shine. I've seen plenty of dark days at Portman Road, but I've seen plenty of good ones as well."

Kevin Evans, of Lowestoft, said: "Sometimes I wonder why I bother when I get the train on a Saturday morning – especially after games like that. But I always moan and I still end up getting the season ticket."