DEFIANT Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks declared today: "I won't hide."The head of the Blues board was speaking in the wake of his surprise speech from the centre of the pitch on Saturday before the opening game of the season against Reading.

By Dave Allard

DEFIANT Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks declared today: "I won't hide."

The head of the Blues board was speaking in the wake of his surprise speech from the centre of the pitch on Saturday before the opening game of the season against Reading.

There was some barracking for the under-fire Portman Road supremo, but large sections of a crowd of close on 25,000 gave him warm applause as he left the field before a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Sheepshanks said today: "It was a spur of the moment decision, but one I'm glad I made."

He added: "I wanted to go out there and thank everyone personally for coming, particularly the 18,000 who have invested in season tickets.

"I also wanted to just say that the club is in much better shape and also to

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add that the reality of our financial situation is that tough decisions have had to be made as regards sales.

"I understand that I'm the butt of some people's frustrations, but difficult decisions have had to be taken.

"Now a new season has started and the club is in better shape. On the pitch I urged everyone to get behind Joe Royle and the team. I asked them to support the manager and his players to the hilt.

"We had the biggest crowd in the division by a long way. There was a magnificent response as the crowd gave the side great support against Reading.

"I'm chairman of this football club and I won't hide. I wanted to get out there on the pitch and make my points."

n ANDY Marshall, the Town transfer-listed keepe, could well find a new club this week.

Sheepshanks said: "I have spoken to Andy's agent and there is a club particularly interested. But I don't know which club it is. Something may happen this week but it's not certain by any means."