Make some noise for the Tractor Boys!

Ipswich Town, former players and The Star have joined forces to send a clarion call to fans to get behind the boys in blue ahead of Town’s first game of the new season tomorrow.

Renewed optimism has struck Portman Road this summer after Blues boss Mick McCarthy rescued Town from the depths of Championship despair last year, hauling the Blues from bottom place in November to mid-table safety in May following Paul Jewell’s departure earlier in the season.

His no-nonsense philosophy and pragmatic approach earned far-reaching plaudits, while a raft of changes in the off-season has seen controversial figures depart and 10 new recruits take their place.

It all adds up to a feel-good factor, one which has prompted fans to snap up a twice-extended allocation of 2,700 tickets for tomorrow’s opener at Reading. It is expected to be the biggest travelling support in the Championship this weekend.

It has left many believing that this – the club’s 12th successive season in the second tier – could finally herald a promotion push.

Liz Edwards, chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters’ Club, said: “The main difference is the transformation of our fortunes under Mick McCarthy and [assistant manager] Terry Connor.

“Off the field we are certainly continuing the momentum from the second half of last season, and there is every reason to expect us to at least match that best form.

“Let’s hope the effect translates into home gates above 20,000. That seems to be the level where the noise really starts to be noticeable at Portman Road.

“Our gates were up and above this level towards the end of last season, and it really made a difference to the atmosphere.”

Malcolm Thompson, secretary of the Spirit of ‘78 fans’ group, said: “For the first time in a long while I am optimistic heading into a new season.

“I think it’s a good time to face a newly-relegated side tomorrow and I can’t wait to be part of what should be an incredible atmosphere. Hopefully we can be the 12th man.”

In an online poll run by The Star yesterday, 90% of fans said they were more confident of success than this time last year, while 39% believed Town will finish in the top six, achieving promotion. Just 4% said Town would finish in the bottom half.

Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, McCarthy said: “Can we challenge? I’d like to think so – that’s what we’re aiming for.

“There might be a bit more pressure on to push for the top six, but I’m not bothered about expectations. People pay good money to come and watch us, we’ve given them some reason to have expectations, so if we’re victims of our small bit of success then so be it.”

Ipswich Town media manager Steve Pearce said there was “plenty of optimism” at the club.

“Being backed by 2,700 Town fans tomorrow is a fantastic following,” he said. “It will be the biggest travelling support in the Championship this weekend.

“We have already sold close to 1,000 tickets for the Capital One cup tie at Stevenage on Tuesday as well so the fans are certainly getting behind the team.

“There’s definitely a buzz of anticipation.”

David Ellesmere, Ipswich Borough Council leader, said the Blues were a “major asset” to Ipswich and the authority wished them every success this year.

“Promotion would have a big impact on the local economy and the standing of Ipswich as a regional centre and visitor destination,” he added.

Check out our 20-page Kick Off supplement in today’s Star, plus more on McCarthy’s first press conference ahead of the new season on the back page.