Kevin Beattie says victory for Ipswich Town in the derby on Sunday could be a huge turning point for the new-look Blues.
Paul Hurst’s rock-bottom Championship team entertain Norwich City in the first ‘Old Farm’ clash of the season, (12 noon kick-off).
No wins in five Championship games, Town and their fans would love nothing more than to pick up a first victory of the season over Norwich – and a first victory in 11 attempts against the Canaries.
Town legend Beattie is in no doubt it can be done, Norwich having won just one league game themselves so far this campaign.
“I think we’ll win,” said Beattie.
“It’s a huge game. There will be a big crowd and what a day it would be if Ipswich did get that victory.
“The players must be getting frustrated at where they are in the table and not getting the results.
“I mean, it’s not as if Ipswich are playing bad.
“But it’s a new system, new players, it takes time.”
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Beattie was quick to point out that, despite concern over results, no-one should be getting carried away with Town’s current situation. And certainly not getting on the backs of the players or manager.
“No-one should be knocking the players or the boss right now. We are only a few games in,” Beattie added.
“I haven’t met Paul Hurst, but from what I have seen and heard of him, he seems a good guy.
“He will want to win the game. His players will want to win the game, not just for the fans, but for themselves.
“Victory could be a big turning point for the team.”
For many Town players the East Anglian derby will be a new experience, but as striker Kayden Jackson admitted over the weekend: “I may be new to it (the Ipswich v Norwich rivalry) but at the end of the day I’m a football fan and I know what it’s all about.”
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Town’s performances in their first five Championship games have probably warranted more than just two points.
However, while Hurst’s early tenure is very much a work in progress, Sunday is all about the result – performance matters little.
“There is no doubt Sunday is absolutely vital for the Town, the fans, the whole club, really,” said Beattie, who played in 17 East Anglian derbies, only losing two.
“This could be a big boost for the team and just what they need if they win.”
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