IPSWICH Town legend Matt Holland today spoke of how he's looking forward to returning to Portman Road next season - as captain of Charlton Athletic!He has also sent a message of support to the Tractor Boys as they gear up for the match of the season on Sunday against Brighton - but told them not to be downhearted if they do not gain automatic promotion.
IPSWICH Town legend Matt Holland today spoke of how he's looking forward to returning to Portman Road next season - as captain of Charlton Athletic!
He has also sent a message of support to the Tractor Boys as they gear up for the match of the season on Sunday against Brighton - but told them not to be downhearted if they do not gain automatic promotion.
He said: “I really hope Town go up. I'll be rooting for the lads on Sunday.
“They have every chance of beating Brighton if they play like they did on Saturday - and that would give them a good opportunity of going straight up.
“Of course it's slightly out of the club's hands because if Wigan win they're up.
“But Reading will need the points to get into the play-offs when they go up there, so it won't be easy for Wigan and if Ipswich win then they could well make it straight up.”
The former Town captain, who led the club to play-off glory in 2000, still has a strong affection for the club where he really made his name and where he established himself as an Irish World Cup international.
When the club issued shares following its period in isolation, Holland bought some - even though he had moved to the south London club by then.
He said the team should not be too downhearted if results don't go right for them on Sunday.
He said: “In 2000 we had finished a clear third and had to go into the play-offs, but our spirit took us through and the final was amazing.
“If Ipswich keep up their good form, there's no reason why they shouldn't carry on through the play-offs if needed.
“I'm really looking forward to playing them in the Premiership next season.”
n. Send your messages of support to the Blues to Evening Star News Desk, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
n. See Opinion page six.
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