‘I couldn’t think of a better fixture for Ipswich to be going into.”
So says former Town star Russell Osman ahead of the big East Anglian derby clash between Town and Norwich at Portman Road on Sunday, 12 noon kick-off.
The Blues haven’t beaten Norwich in their last 10 attempts.
And while one look at the Championship table – which shows Town bottom – would suggest by 3pm on Sunday afternoon that may well have stretched to 11 – Osman doesn’t necessarily think so.
“It’s a cup game on Sunday. A one-off,” said the ex-Town and England defender, who won 11 caps for his country.
“Both teams are trying to find a bit of form.
“I don’t think Norwich will be especially cock-a-hoop about playing Ipswich this weekend. They were well beaten by Leeds on Saturday. I think it’s a real opportunity for Ipswich.
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“In fact I couldn’t think of a better fixture for Ipswich to be going into.”
Osman, who will be at Sunday’s game, is hoping Paul Hurst’s new signings understand the passion of the ‘Old Farm’ derby.
“I don’t think people realise the passion that is an Ipswich/Norwich game,” he said.
“Like Man U/Man City, Arsenal/Spurs, the Sheffield derby, this game is huge for the supporters.
“I hope the players who have arrived this season understand that. The importance of pulling on that blue shirt against Norwich and giving it your all.
“I hope no-one just treats it as just another game.
“Because games against Norwich are always the biggest, they are never ‘just another game’.
“The team don’t have to be brilliant. They don’t have to be outstanding. They just need to roll their sleeves up and get that victory.
“If the team play well and win, they can be heroes.
“It could turn the season around just like that.
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“By Sunday afternoon, let’s hope there is a huge sigh of relief around Portman Road and Ipswich have won because a win will be a great boost to everyone.”
Osman played almost 300 times for Town in a career that included almost 600 Football League appearances, including more than 100 at Leicester and almost 100 at Southampton.
“This will be my first time watching the team this season and I’m looking forward to it.
“Obviously, I hope Town get the result.”
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