Marcus Evans urges Ipswich fans to play their part next season

MARCUS Evans has today called Ipswich Town fans an “integral part” of next season’s planned promotion push.

MARCUS Evans has today called Ipswich Town fans an “integral part” of next season’s planned promotion push.

As supporters decide whether to take advantage of a price freeze for the 2012/13 campaign, the reclusive club owner has written a letter to all current season ticket holders encouraging them to sign up.

Evans reserved a special tribute to Town fans who have had to endure difficult times this season and insisted they have a key role to play in a push for the Premier League he maintains is possible next season.

In the letter, Evans wrote: “I have a long-term for the club based upon a sound financial business plan, developing players through our academy, acquiring young players hungry for success as well as some more experienced players who have been there before.

“I am confident that we will achieve promotion and I very much hope that you will want to be an integral part of that journey.”

The owner pointed to the 5-1 home win over promotion favourites West Ham in January as an example of what he wants to regularly see at Portman Road.

But Evans knows that is not possible unless Paul Jewell can find some consistency from within his squad – something that has been so clearly missing this year.

He said: “The one constant in any football club is the fans and whether at home or away I continue to be in awe of the support you have given the team, particularly when we went through the difficult phase before Christmas.

“Ipswich fans are no doubt special fans and your support makes a huge difference and the atmosphere that was created at Portman Road for the recent West Ham fixture is something I know we all want to be part of week in, week out.”

Town chief executive Simon Clegg last month announced that season tickets for next season would be frozen meaning they have gone up only once in the last six years.

The renewal pack for all current holders is expected to start arriving on fans’ doorsteps in the coming days and will also include concessions for Under-20s, a 12-month interest free payment plan and a ‘Premier pledge’ offering money off if Town are promoted.

And once again reiterating his desire to remain at Ipswich for the long-haul, Evans added: “I am still learning how best to achieve the success that we all crave, but my enthusiasm for the club has not waned over the last few years – if anything my appetite for success has got even stronger.”