BLUES season ticket sales are down 1,800 on last year's early bird deadline with discounted sales closing at 13,100.This equates to a loss of around £500,000 of revenue compared to last season but is in line with what Ipswich Town budgeted for.

By Derek Davis

BLUES season ticket sales are down 1,800 on last year's early bird deadline with discounted sales closing at 13,100.

This equates to a loss of around £500,000 of revenue compared to last season but is in line with what Ipswich Town budgeted for.

Manager Jim Magilton is grateful to Town fans who have heeded his message to get behind the team for next year

He said: “We are realistic. We have had an up and down season and I would like us to be better away from home but our recent home form has been better and perhaps that is why we have seen an upsurge in season ticket sales.

“We have been more consistent in our play and fans respond to that.

“If the increase is a reflection on our recent performances then I'm delighted.”

By just hitting target it means Magilton will not have extra to work with in the summer transfer market but it also means he should not have to sell any players, unless he wants to for footballing reasons.

Magilton said: “It has always been the case that I do not have to sell players and that will now continue through the summer.

“We will see changes but they will be for football reasons. We are looking to bring quality into the building and we will continue to do that.

“It is a massive hep to us to play in front of big crowds and we would love to play in front of full houses every week. The fans this season have been outstanding this season and I know the players really appreciate them.”