DESPONDENT Ipswich Town fans today fear the chances of promotion to the Premier League are slipping away, according to an Evening Star poll.A week ago, before two successive draws against Southampton and Sheffield United, supporters had been upbeat about their side's promotion prospects.

Stuart Watson

DESPONDENT Ipswich Town fans today fear the chances of promotion to the Premier League are slipping away, according to an Evening Star poll.

A week ago, before two successive draws against Southampton and Sheffield United, supporters had been upbeat about their side's promotion prospects.

However, a poll on The Evening Star website www.eveningstar.co.uk, held after Tuesday's game, asked whether Ipswich were good enough for promotion and the result was a resounding no.

Out of a total of 393 votes, an overwhelming number (332, equalling 84 per cent) believed Town would not achieve their goal of the promised land this season, while 61 remained optimistic of a positive end to the season.

In a previous poll, which ran on the website of the Star's sports paper the Green 'Un the week before, 148 (60pc) out of 248 supporters thought Ipswich would at least get into the play-offs, with 87 (35pc) believing they will finish below the top six. The remainder thought Town would get automatic promotion.

A leading Blues' supporter today said the polls were indicative of how jittery fans are now feeling with only ten games remaining.

Carl Day, chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters' Trust, said: “I think the general feeling among fans is one of frustration in that the team look jaded even though there is virtually a whole new midfield.

“There is a little bit of concern whether we will make the play-offs or not. Ipswich aren't necessarily out in front as strong contenders for promotion because they are starting to fade away at the wrong time.

“The biggest question I hear among supporters is why haven't we done anything about the centre half issue. The supporters have been talking about getting a new centre half for two seasons now but we still have the same players.

“All supporters are starting to look at the final run-ins though and, with the exception of Charlton, we have got one of the easier ones on paper.

“Personally speaking, I think that, if we can get another run going again, we could go up in the play-offs.

“However, if we don't strengthen we will be worse than Derby next year in the Premier League.”