PASSIONATE Ipswich Town fans are today hoping to raise the Portman Road roof after launching a bid to generate more vociferous support on match days.

PASSIONATE Ipswich Town fans are today hoping to raise the Portman Road roof after launching a bid to generate more vociferous support on match days.

The Blues' stadium has in the past been likened to a library due to the distinct shortage of singing during home games.

Now, die-hard Town followers are set to trial a bold initiative to inject atmosphere into the ground - and provide some much-needed noisy encouragement to Jim Magilton's faltering team.

A group of fans have formed Section 6 - with the aim of establishing an area where those who want to sing all game, every game, can sit together.

Section 6's initiative will be trialled at Ipswich's home game with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Group representatives have worked alongside Ipswich Town to ensure the club is supportive of the idea.

Section 6 founder Matthew Thompson said: “The idea is to try and make going to watch football a fun experience again.

“After all, you can't turn up at Portman Road in the hope of being entertained anymore.

“We came up with the idea about four months ago. We set up a website which has about 150 members.”

The group's name, Section 6, comes from the area of the North Stand that they intend to occupy.

It is currently the quietest and the least occupied part of the North Stand Lower, making it easier for people to relocate to.

Club chief executive Derek Bowden has already given his blessing to the idea, while stadium manager Mick Warden has agreed to relax rules on flag waving.

Fellow Section 6 member Daniel Gooch said: “There are many frustrated singers in the North Stand, people who want to make themselves heard but don't because of a lack of support.

“In addition, we want to provide inspirational visual support. Scarves, banners, flags - think of the Kop on a European night, or continental ultras groups.”

To take part on Saturday, fans should buy their tickets in the normal way asking to be situated as close as possible to Row R, seats 163-166.

Season ticket holders who want to get involved can transfer their seats for the game.

What do you think of the idea? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk