Former Ipswich Town favourite Chris Kiwomya may be plotting the Blues’ downfall today, but the Notts County boss is convinced that good times are just around the corner for a club so close to his heart.

Mick McCarthy’s side complete their pre-season campaign with a trip to Meadow Lane this afternoon. And a victory over the League One side would mean a 100% record in the friendly preparations heading into next Saturday’s Championship opener at Reading.

Granted all of the warm-up matches have been against lower level opposition, but there is a real wave of optimism sweeping around Portman Road following the strong finish to last season and some shrewd transfer business in the weeks which have followed.

“I’m excited for the game,” said Kiwomya, who scored 64 goals in 261 appearances for Town, firing them into the inaugural Premier League season in 1992 before later making a £1.25m switch to Arsenal.

“It’s going to be weird! I’ve got a lot of friends coming to the game and I’m looking forward to welcoming Mick McCarthy. He had a great end to last season and he’s got them organised. I’m sure all Ipswich fans have got something to look forward to with him in charge.”

Huddersfield-born Kiwomya returned to Town as reserve team manager under Jim Magilton in 2008, leaving the position under Roy Keane before becoming Notts County boss in February last year.

“It’s a great club,” said Kiwomya, speaking for today’s Notts County programme. “Bobby Ferguson was a great manager and signed me up as a 16-year-old, with Bobby Robson as number two. I really enjoyed my time there.

“Then John Lyall came in and he changed my career as a footballer. The year we went up to the Premiership and I was top scorer, it was such a good time. I can remember my first goal against Walsall and then two against Villa in the quarter-finals of the cup and then scoring at Old Trafford.

“Those are great memories. We were playing against all the big sides and the town was buzzing.”