It’s been a tough 16 months or so for everyone at Ipswich Wanderers.

But at last things are heading in the right direction.

Financial issues and managerial upheavals saw the Humber Doucy Lane club suffer it’s fair share of negative press in recent times.

Relegation from the Thurlow Nunn Premier last season was an inevitable consequence of all the off-field problems.

Trying times.

However, with three wins from their first four games in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North so far this campaign, the smiles are back at Wanderers.

And one person who has helped a great deal with that is joint manager Mark Goldfinch.

“Yes, Wanderers are in a better place right now,” Goldfinch, who is joint boss with James Buckle, said.

“We have a big squad again, training numbers are up. It’s a young squad but we are winning games.

“Certainly it’s a much happier place to be and play your football and that can only be good.”

Tomorrow, six days on from the ‘Old Farm’ derby at Portman Road, the non-league version takes place at Humber Doucy Lane as Wanderers take on Norwich CBS.

The Norfolk side are mid-table, with Wanderers up to fifth after a fine 3-1 win over King’s Lynn Reserves last time out in the league.

Goldfinch and Buckle are joined by David Head and Paul Cudworth on the coaching side.

It’s an experienced quartet and one that Goldfinch says the club needs.

“We have a very young squad and in our two cup matches in the FA Cup and FA Vase we were physically intimidated early on against stronger sides,” he said.

“We do perhaps lack a bit of experience in the team, but it’s an exciting team with so many young players.

“So much has turned round since last season and fair play to everyone who has stuck with it.

“There were times last season when players were getting paid, then not getting paid. But many have stuck at it. It was obvious we were going down last season, but that has probably been for the best.”