IPSWICH Town new boy Georges Santos today paid tribute to the"unbelievable" Portman Road atmosphere.Last season the French strongman was playing in front of meagre crowds atGrimsby.

By Dave Allard

IPSWICH Town new boy Georges Santos today paid tribute to the

"unbelievable" Portman Road atmosphere.

Last season the French strongman was playing in front of meagre crowds at

Grimsby.

On Saturday, the experienced campaigner had a sound debut as Town drew 1-1 at home to a lively Reading side on the opening day of the season in front of a crowd of 24,830.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable. The stadium is fantastic and the crowd of close on 25,000 really made it so special for me. They kept behind us right to the end," said Santos.

And it was right at the end when the home fans were rewarded as Tommy Miller stroked home a penalty after referee Brian Curson ruled that Blues skipper Jim Magilton had been fouled by Steve Brown.

Not long before the late, late leveller the Royals, who opened the scoring through Steve Sidwell in the 59th minute, had Nicky Shorey sent off.

Santos, who has also played for Tranmere and Sheffield United, added: "I thought I played OK, but I can do

better. I could have won more of the ball than I did, but I was not too unhappy.

"Our team never gave up and now we look forward to the home cup game against Kidderminster on Wednesday night. I think we deserved a draw."

Big Georges was desperately unlucky with a powerful

30-yard effort

that flew just wide in the first half.

"It was close, mighty close. What a debut it would have been had that one gone in," he admitted.