DAVID Sheepshanks will tonight issue a rallying call for public support as Ipswich Town look to come out of administration, writes Derek Davis.The Blues chairman will face critics and backers alike at the Ipswich Corn Exchange in a frank and public clear-the-air debate.

DAVID Sheepshanks will tonight issue a rallying call for public support as Ipswich Town look to come out of administration, writes Derek Davis.

The Blues chairman will face critics and backers alike at the Ipswich Corn Exchange in a frank and public clear-the-air debate.

He will answer all questions he can – there may be confidential and legal reasons why he cannot answer some – and he will attempt to put the record straight on a number of misconceptions which have built up.

More than 500 people are expected in the Grand Hall, which can hold 996, and the public will be admitted on a first come basis.

The under-fire chairman has previously told the EADT he will consider his position as head of the board once the club is out of its current predicament but expects some will still call for his head tonight.

Sheepshanks is expected to call for backing of the club's business plan, which will be outlined soon, and call for a show of confidence in both the football and business management of the club.

As one of the most open and communicative chairmen in football, Sheepshanks has always tried to get the club's message across but this is the first time he has put himself in the firing line quite so openly with a lot of angry feeling among supporters recently.

The sale of Darren Ambrose and Hermann Hreidarsson, the news that administrators were staying at Hintlesham Hall – albeit at reduced rates – and the length of time for the Company Voluntary Agreement to be presented by Deloitte & Touche has inflamed passions.

The question and answer session by Sheepshanks will be followed by a supporters' trust meeting with a representative from the national organisation, Supporters Direct, giving details on what would be required if Ipswich fans were to try to organise one for themselves.

n The London branch of the Town supporters will meet on Wednesday, April 9, at Ye Olde Swiss Cottage pub, above Swiss Cottage tube, at 7.30pm.

Simon Binns from Supporters Direct will attend and the meeting is open to all London-based Town fans (branch members or otherwise).