Jewell: Club Has Important Role in Community
Friday, 10th Aug 2012 16:49 by TWTD.co.uk

Blues boss Paul Jewell cited the importance of the club’s community ties after today’s open training day at Portman Road. More than 2,200 people attended in blistering hot weather.

Jewell said: “It was great to see so many people at the ground today and I hope everybody enjoyed themselves.

“I was also delighted to see so many families here, as it shows that today is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

“It’s well known that Ipswich Town is a family-orientated football club and it’s important we keep these community ties by providing events like today.”

The day’s main event saw the players put through their paces by Jewell and his staff on the main pitch.

Missing were Jimmy Bullard and Jaime Peters — whose contracts are in the process of being settled — and Andy Drury and prospective new addition Cheick Kourouma, who have minor knocks, while summer signing Elliott Hewitt was unwell.

In addition to the training session, there was a signing session afterwards as well as various attractions and events, including a performance by the Uptown Girls, Town’s new cheerleaders, on the practice pitch.