IPSWICH TOWN: Blues fans were queuing round the block to renew their season tickets on the eve of the club’s ‘Early Bird’ discount deadline.

And the Championship club has confirmed that they have as many as 10 sacks of application forms still to open.

The number of fans renewing their seats for next term is not expected to be known until next week.

A high percentage of supporters left their decisions late on whether to take up the option of gaining a discount by renewing by April 10.

But the six points gained over Easter with wins against Reading and Derby County have added to the faith Blues supporters have in the ability of manager Roy Keane to lead his troops to a successful 2010/11 campaign.

Ipswich sold around 15,000 season tickets this season, and it is looking likely that next year’s figure will not fall far short.

The first direct debit payment for ‘Early Bird’ customers is not until next month with fans in line for 50% rebate if Town reach the Premier League for the 2011/12 season.

A club spokesperson said: “We cannot give an indication yet on how the sales of season tickets are going.

“We expect to come up with a figure of the number of ‘Early Bird’ sales at the beginning of next week.

“Fans were queuing around the block at the ticket office last Friday and there is up to 10 sacks of applications still to be opened.”

Town finish this season with home matches against Doncaster and Sheffield United and an away fixture on Saturday week at champions-elect Newcastle United.

Despite the worst start in the club’s history Town will go into the top half of the table if they overtake Doncaster at the weekend, and Keane has managed to keep supporters on his side.

Such is the depth of feeling still towards the ex-Manchester United star that Ipswich would possible lose more season ticket sales to dismiss him than to keep him onboard.

Keane will certainly be in charge next season although a failure to push on in the opening two months of the campaign might put him under pressure.

Town defender Damien Delaney underwent a scan yesterday on the ankle he damaged in the 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He has ligament damage and is unlikely to play again this campaign with Tommy Smith set to come in and rookie Tom Eastman to be standing by as cover.