EdBlog

Hungry Jim needs to weave the Magic!

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:15:00 GMT

AT the end of the 2007/8 Championship season in May, when Ipswich Town missed a play-off berth by a whisker, manager Jim Magilton took to the pitch to tell fans he was "ravenous for success."

After Saturday's dismal opening day performance - a 1-2 home defeat by an, at best, competent Preston North End side (relegation strugglers last season) - Jim's hunger was matched by the bitter disappointment of home fans who had seen an early lead thrown away.

The manager, who still has much to learn, in this season ticket-holder's book, must have been bitterly frustrated at the afternoon's turn of events.

Watching owner Marcus Evans, a man who will expect success this season or who will move in to change things, saw defeat in the first match Town players has worn his name on their shirts.

If Jim is ravenous, Marcus is starving - after all it is his millions which are bank-rolling Town's push for the Premiership ... and he will not want a poor start to the season.

Clearly, this is one match in a long season, and Town fans should be patient as they look ahead to the Autumn. A week is a long time in football and there could be smiles by Saturday night if Burnley are beaten in Lancashire.

Only football managers know the ultimate pain of defeat, on an opening day of the season, at home, when traditionally there is so much expectation in the air. While that angst is all consuming, in the moments after the final whistle, microphones and TV cameras are shoved in the face of the boss.

This happened to Jim Magilton on Saturday - and he made the instant comment that this was a "wake up" call.

Wake up call? On the opening day of the season?

After holidays, good rests, excellent training, and new signings, the last thing the players should need is a wake-up call.

My view is that Jim needs to be ravenous and ruthless this season - and ring the changes if well-paid professionals need waking up. Otherwise the alarm call will be ringing much closer to home.

Town: one more for Magilton's pot

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:26:00 GMT

WORD from Portman Road is that boss Jim Magilton is closing in on his final signing of the summer ... a striker to complete the Ipswich Town family for the 2008/9.

With his defensive formation now finalised after the arrival of ex-Town goalkeeper, Richard Wright, and with high hopes for his attacking midfielders, there's one hole left to plug for Jim.

It's a 15-20 goal striker that our mercurial manager is after - and that's despite the signing of Kevin Lisbie, the free-scoring former Colchester United player.

Super Jim believes an experienced frontman will complete his jig-saw - and pave the way for a serious push towards the Premiership.

The close season has led to reflection on just how close Town were to a) the play-offs and b) Wembley glory.

An example is that had Town even half-performed in their dreadful last appearance at Layer Road, when they were defeated by the U's, the three points would have ensured a play-off berth.

And who knows what would have happened had the play-offs become a reality ...

So that's why one more new striker is on the Magilton agenda - and Jim wants his man in the bag before the end of next week. Word has it that Greek international Angelos Charisteas remains a top target.

Town set for Euro swoop

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:40:00 GMT

JIM Magilton is in his beloved Ireland today - pleased with his team's 7-0 demolition of minnows Cliftonville last night - but with a mobile phone permanently stuck to his ear!
The Blues boss is aware of a growing sense of frustration amongst sections of Ipswich's support base that there hasn't been a succession of signings, including at least one proven striker with Premiership pedigree, in the close season.
But he isn't going to be knee-jerked into making poor decisions ... and is quietly (if Jim does quietly) confident that he already has a strong squad for the Championship skirmishes ahead.
I was one of the thousands who heard - and believed - Jim's "I'm ravenous for success" comments after that great last match victory against Hull City in May. I believed him then, as I do now.
But I do understand the frustration of fans who want high-profile names so they can salivate about Portman Road wizardry to come.
What I can tell you is that the early theory that Jim was planning to mix youth and experience (on the model of Hull City, who went on to gain promotion to the Premiership) may still prove to be correct ... with a twist.
Jim's scouts are busy in Europe - ans the experience he craves may not come from names we know. Watch out for a Euro swoop, as soon as this week. And that's above and beyond the on-off saga of Greek international Angelos Charisteas.
Meanwhile, ex-Town keeper Richard Wright is still in Jim's sights - he hasn't given up on getting the West Ham player back to Portman Road very soon.

Magic of the Orwell kingfisher

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:13:00 GMT

WEEKEND chores done - and gardening equipment stowed away - last night it was time for a sunset walk, accompanied by my friend and companion ... border collie Sammy!

It turned into a memorable experience, not only for the exercise and the glorious light that ended this particular Sunday.

I chose the track that leads down from the fishing lakes in a distant part of Trimley St Martin (some say this is the ancient ground of Trimley St John) to the banks of the River Orwell.

As the hound bounded, overhead families of squealing, excited swifts, did their aerial ballet -one of the most interesting summer concerts I know.

Then it was down to the river, with a grazing hare in the field, alongside the track, and the distant sounds of Canada geese gathered by a pond.

The Orwell itself was at its best - in fine condition, clear water lapping on to the last section of a white sandy beach before the high-tide mark.

Two teenage boys, cycles nearby, were enjoying the delights of a small fire, which they had composed of driftwood. I contributed a piece of a broken plank, said "hello" and moved on to the bank of Loompit Lake, which sits alongside the Orwell, just south of Levington marina.

This water world is a paradise for wildlife - swans were leading their cygnets to and fro and a great-crested grebe was fishing, his mate on a nest nearby.

Then I saw the iridescent flash of a kingfisher, hunting for small fish on the margins of a lake which is stocked with much bigger ones for the benefit of a fishing club.

If you have never been lucky enough to see a kingfisher, then you have missed one of life's great joys. This is a creature and a colour to stop you in your tracks - and how lucky was I to spot one in the narrow strip between salty-water river and freshwater, with a setting sun spraying its own magic over the beautiful Orwell.

As I returned home, in the gathering gloom, three things struck me.

1) Apart from the boys on the beach, I saw no-one, not a single person, on the whole hour-long walk. Perhaps the Sunday repeat of Coronation Street was a bigger attraction?

2) We are so lucky to have such wildlife and such scenery on our doorsteps.

3) The walk missed being perfect - there was a constant hum/drone/roar of jet engines overhead ... now that, without consultation, Suffolk is in the front line of Britain's air traffic.

Tell me of your favourite walk by e-mailing me at nigel.pickover@eveningstar.co.uk

Ipswich Tows seeking hat-trick of signings

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:23:00 GMT

IPSWICH Town fans continue to be desperate for news of new signings - as the 200/9 Championship looms large just six weeks away.
It's the same every season - "when are we going to sign someone big?" is typical of the questions I hear - but there's an extra ingredient this time around.
Towns fans know that new owner Marcus Evans wants Premiership football in double-quick time - and he has the money millions to make dreams come true.
On the other hand, Town executives have to spend the Marcus millions wisely - it is a delicate balance for them.
The two defender signings so far haven't set the Blue Army legions on fire - the desire is for someone of style, power and proven Premiership ability, to make a Portman Road appearance.
My tip for fans (from the best of Super Blue sources) is that three signings are actively being sought today - and one or all of them could come off at this stage.
My tip for the management team is: make a big signing before the start of ther season, for restless fans will be more demanding than ever in coming weeks.

Jungle star Biggins strikes!

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:57:00 GMT

KING of the Jungle Christopher Biggins and I shared a hatful of jokes last night when he swept in to Ipswich steal the show at a gala evening.

Biggins – who became the darling of millions of TV viewers as he won ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity” jungle boot camp – was guest of honour at The East of England Co-operative Society’s excellent awards evening at Suffolk Showground.

The star of classic TV shows, including Porridge and Poldark, handed out the gongs to Co-op gold and silver award winners from across the region.

He joined East of England Co-op chief executive Richard Samson in hosting the event - and wowed all concerned with his cheeky quips and general good humour.

Biggins, who revealed he is starring in a Southampton panto production of Cinderella later this year, told guests he was “thrilled to be part of such a special evening and loved the Co-op and all it stands for.”

Biggins will play Buttons - and he promised me a ticket!

Ipswich heroes hit the heights

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:05:00 GMT

What a fabulous result for all those who attended the 12th Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball - with more than £25,000 being raised for two great causes.
As well as the cash, there is the important point of message and understanding of the causes involved.
For 12 years, The Evening Star has supported the wonderful volunteers of Disability Care Enterprise - and another big boost to its funds has been secured thanks to Friday's event.
More funds too for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust - a simply brilliant charity working so hard to help sufferers now and to find a cure as soon as possible.
To the 300 guests at a brilliant night at The Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, may I say (personally and on belhalf of those who can't speak for themselves) thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Take a look at Kaspars, Mr Magilton

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:17:00 GMT

Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton has a huge job on his hands - the pressure is growing day by day and the 2008/9 season is still many weeks away.
The pressure comes from many quarters - from the manager's own hunger for success, from new owner Marcus Evans ( who won't hang around in the chase for Premiership status), from club chief executive Derek Bowden ( now totally empowered after club chairman David Sheepshanks stepped aside from the running of the club) and from fans who are watching every ITFC move through a magnifying glass.
Supporters are waiting, day-by-day, for news of quality ( not necessarily big name) signings. They remember that at the same time last year, little "magic" came on the signings front and that they had to make do with the arrival of previously-discarded Pablo Counago.
So what of this close season? From Charlton Athletic at one end, to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest and newly-relegated Derby County at the other ( and a host of big clubs, including Norwich, in between) there's a scrabble for newcomers.
Big Jim doesn't want to miss out on the action ... and let's hope and pray Town's ranks will be bolstered very soon.
Whilst my soundings are that Town will look to the Hull City/experienced old hands route to promotion ... the names of Windass and Barmby being good examples ... there's also the opportunity to capture some new blood.
My tip is for Jim to take a look at Kaspars Gorkss, the Latvian international central defender, who very soon will leave Blackpool for pastures new.
This Baltic giant, who defends well and scores freely at the other end, is one of two Blackpool players being looked at by .... Norwich City. Let's hope Town check out his credentials very soon ... and don't miss out on any other opportunities.

Marcus Evans means ITFC business

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:28:00 GMT

IPSWICH Town owner Marcus Evans is today vowing to lead his new club back to the Premiership – and to keep it there as a major force in British soccer.

On the day he put more Evans millions into the Portman Road coffers in a major sponsorship deal, I can reveal that the new man at the helm has advanced plans to make the Ipswich Town brand known across the world.

He will use his millions – and his global network of 4,000 staff in 63 countries – to push his dreams forward .

News of the secretive multi-millionaire’s wholehearted determination for Super Blues success came in an exclusive meeting with me at the Marcus Evans group’s world headquarters in a plush London street.

Six months after The Star exclusively revealed that Marcus Evans had “bought out” Ipswich Town’s debt and had invested his millions into the club’s future, the tycoon told me of his passion for success, his determination to achieve promotion at the earliest opportunity and his long-term commitment to Portman Road.

Such is his desire for success – and such is the enjoyment he is having from owning one of Britain’s best-loved soccer clubs, that he and his Marcus Evans Group directors on the ITFC board are leading the quest for a return to the Premiership.

The man who has built his fortune on a wide range of companies, from corporate hospitality to world-class business summits, is linking with club chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden on an almost daily basis.

And he is taking in more and more games as his love for Ipswich Town – and all its history and community links – leaves him spellbound.

News of his growing love for ITFC will delight the thousands of Ipswich Town fans who will be thrilled by the extra commitment of the shirt sponsorship deal.

Self-made success story Marcus, who jealously guards his privacy and who hasn’t appeared in a photograph since the takeover last year, will continue to slip quietly in to a seat at Portman Road next season.

In my meeting with him, one which dispelled the theory that he was a figment of some kind of corporate imagination, what became abundantly clear to me was:

· His growing passion for Ipswich Town.

· His determination to make the club a force on the world, not just national, soccer scene.

· His huge respect for the culture and family values of ITFC - some of which he wants to infuse into his other companies.

· His long-term commitment.

· His respect for individuals in the Town hierarcy - and belief in manager Jim Magilton.

· His need to stay out of the limelight - for private reasons centred on a family he adores.

· His hunger to be personally involved in Town decisions at all levels.

· His ruthless approach to debt - he won't have any, anywhere in his businesses.

Jethro Tull and Rock of the ages

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:29:00 GMT

WHAT I find so un-nerving about rock legends strutting their stuff decades on from crazy-hair heydays, is that their journey is your journey ... and the ravages of time have taken place both on stage and in the audience.

When I first started loving the folk-rock gods of Jethro Tull, my gold-spangled locks dangled closer to waistline than shoulder - and at 17, I was allowed to play the band's signature song, Aqualung, to my school's assembly.

Then, Tull were the hairiest of the early rock legends, their spell-binding, flute-led, earthy rock, blues and folk tunes, capturing the hearts of a generation of rebels who partied long and hard and, for the blokes at least, thought baldness would never come.

Today, for many, the follicle challenges of the 21st century have arrived and the sell-out audience at Ipswich's Regent Theatre have endured a battle scar or two along the way. Gone are the days when the throng would have stormed the stage at the first sign of frontman Ian Anderson's flute.

The fans are still there - it was fabulous to see the Regent packed to the rafters in a 1,650 sell-out- but this is a more discerning audience now. The crowd jumped to its feet only at the end, when Aqualung and Locomotive Breath belted down upon us.

This was billed as Tull's 40th anniversary tour and it is worth putting the band's incredible history into perspective. Anderson and Co. were on the road a full 10 years before Ipswich Town won the FA Cup in 1978!

What is in no doubt is the quality of the band's musicianship, which, like a good claret, benefits from the caress of time.

Let's start with 60-year-old Ian Anderson; this charismatic and learned, Isle of Skye-loving, singer and flute maestro, bounds around the stage with all the passion of those years so long ago.

As he plays, with leg constantly cocked up into the air, you feel as if the stage manager should plant this pedigree hound his own lamp-post to lean against. Anderson narrated the evening in style, taking the audience through the four-decade journey with wit, knowledge ... thanks to an incredible memory of dates and places. Top stuff, IA.

Lead guitarist Martin Lancelot Barre, a little older than Anderson, has lost none of the raunchy guitar riffs that marked him out as one of the axe greats from the earliest days.

Barre has stayed with Anderson throughout a journey which saw Tull crack both the European and American music scene - today, as in yesteryear, when the Eagles once supported the boys in the US.

Barre is older, balder, greyer and wiser now - but he shares Anderson's passion for the musical journey to go on. There's no sign of these two OAP rockers putting away their instruments just yet.

Highlights for me were a shortened Thick as a Brick from the album of the same name, Heavy Horses, another title track, Nursey and a couple of tracks from stunning emerging violinist Anna Pheby, who joined the band as a support instead of singing before the stars came on. Nice touch, guys.

Ipswich has an enduring love affair with Tull - a real band still going strong into a fifth decade and not some clever tribute outfit - and Anderson and Co will be welcomed back to Suffolk for a long time yet.

Snoasis so good for Suffolk!

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:04:00 GMT

Today, after years of wrangling and red tape, the dream of bringing the SnOasis complex to Suffolk edged a huge step closer.
Whilst, the champagne is still on ice, the all-year winter sports complex has been given the backing of government planning chiefs.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears says she is “minded to approve” the project – but has asked for yet more time to reach her final verdict.The news is positive – but campaigners fighting for and against SnOasis will be keen that there are no more delays, the saga has dragged on since 2004.
While the crucial development, which will be built in Great Blakenham, has drawn a frosty reception from some quarters, The Evening Star has been an avid supporter from day one.Consider the facts:
1,470 new jobs
a £20million boost to the infrastructure of local transport, community facilities and environmental factors in the Great Blakenham area
a staggering £70m annual injection into the local economy
the creation of more than 400 homes.
Added to these obvious benefits would be the construction of a stunning facility which is sure to be the envy of East Anglia, the UK and even Europe.SnOasis would, without doubt, put Suffolk firmly on the map.
Boasting 14 winter sports disciplines and one of the world's largest indoor ski slopes, the development would be a huge boost to our county.
With 630,000 visitors expected annually, there is the potential for a major economic boom – just as millions across the country are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.
If doubters need evidence that Suffolk is able to support an attraction such as this, just take a glance at the west of the county.Center Parcs, set in the beautiful surroundings of Elveden Forest, has become a hugely popular tourist spot without negatively impacting on its neighbouring communities.
If, as we now believe, the project is finally rubber-stamped, Developers Onslow Suffolk will use the holiday village’s success story as a model for their own magnificent facility, expected to be completed in 2010.
The battle for SnOasis has been epic, but the all important verdict which will pave the way for a brighter – and more snowy – Suffolk future!

Evening Star ... fighting for you

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:54:00 GMT

DOZENS of titles across Britain are this week celebrating Local Newspaper Week. Evening Star Editor NIGEL PICKOVER tells why The Evening Star – Britain’s Daily Newspaper of the Year – fights for its readers 24 hours a day, all through the year.

WELCOME to the 21^st century – the land of opportunity, the chance to build a new world built on free-flowing information which allows people to make decisions on how to run their busy lives.

The plain fact, however, is that in many areas of public life, Secrecy still rules UK.

Despite the Freedom of Information Act – and maybe because of it – the world of spin doctors has now become an industry of it own.

There been an explosion of public relations experts and press officers, in counties like Suffolk as well as across Britain – but titles like The Evening Star have never found it tougher to root out the facts.

And that’s why we fight for information and campaign on the issues that matter every day of the year – details which we print on your behalf in our newspaper and on our website.

The Evening Star has been leading the information chase on the case of new £220,000 Suffolk County Council chief executive, Andrea Hill, who has just started her job at county hall.

When Suffolk families are suffering from huge rises in the cost of living – forcing some to the brink of financial meltdown – we think it is right to question council leader Jeremy Pembroke and his Tory group’s decision to award Mrs Hill such a vast sum … more than that of the Prime Minister.

We’ve asked a series of questions – including asking whether or not Mrs Hill would move to Suffolk from her Cambridgeshire home – and we continue to press for answers.

For example, we asked whether the interviewing panel asked Mrs Hill if she would move to Suffolk or not. We did get an answer on that one. Astonishingly, the panel didn’t even ask the question.

We followed up by asking Mrs Hill herself – and got an answer that our new boss had a young family … and had to consider them. The decision would come later.

This is, of course, a move many would sympathise with – but surely this should have been discussed by those in charge of the appointment? Isn’t there, for example, a danger that Mrs Hill’s life will became dominated by the A14 to and from Cambridge, one of Britain’s most notorious roads?

So we ask questions – ones that wouldn’t be asked – or answered, without us.

Yet isn’t it interesting that Suffolk council has more than an dozen people involved in its PR team – a number which has rocketed in the last decade – with all the costs involved … paid for by you!

Currently we’re battling to save the head and neck cancer unit at Ipswich Hospital – in one of our fastest – and most powerful campaigns ever.

The Star has been fighting to save a vital, well-run, efficient, world-leading cancer centre for the people of Ipswich and Suffolk.

The plan to take it away from here is ludicrous, a non-sensical move based on Captain Clipboard “tick off a list” mentality buried somewhere in the dusty corridors of an out-of-touch NHS world.

Without your Evening Star, firstly, you wouldn’t have anyone fighting for the unit.

Without us, you wouldn’t know that the consultation process currently underway is flawed.

Without us you wouldn’t know that Suffolk Primary Care Trust chief executive Carole Taylor-Brown is one on hand supposed to fight for the best interests of NHS users in Ipswich and Suffolk – and on the other is leading the consultation/closure process in her role as Anglia Cancer Network chairman on the other?

Without us you wouldn’t know that in the spinning world of the NHS Ipswich doctors are being told to keep quiet on the issue – and that Ipswich Hospital managers can’t openly fight for their unit for upsetting the powerful fund-holding PCT and Mrs Taylor-Brown.

The Evening Star has a proud tradition of campaigning for our readers – and today we celebrate one of our great achievements … being part of the re-building process of our local ambulance service.

In our Ambulance Watch Campaign we forced the Government to launch a public inquiry into the then failing East Anglian Ambulance Trust. When the results were published – and management changes introduced, we witnessed the re-birth of pride and passion in local 999 services. Today the service ranks as one of the best in the UK.

And one note of great pride on which to finish – this time an Appeal we launched for a very special little girl, Ipswich burns victim Terri Calvesbert.

Today our Terri fund stands at almost £500,000 – an incredible sum for a newspaper (of whatever size) to raise. This is in trust for Terri’s future.

So that’s why we fight for you – to keep information flowing – and to fight for your causes every day of the year.

E-mail me at Nigel.Pickover@eveningtar.co.uk if you want us to tackle your issue or to get answers when they are not forthcoming.

Sir Bobby and Ipswich Town's very special heroes

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:58:00 GMT

I was delighted to be a small part of a very special day in Ipswich - when Sir Bobby Robson and his FA Cup-winning heroes returned to the town for 30th Anniversary celebrations of that incredible day in May, 1978.
Thousands of people turned Ipswich into a sea of blue and white as Sir Bobby and his team enjoyed an open-top bus parade followed by a series of celebrations in the town centre. It was a joy to behold.
I can't think of anywhere in the country where a town would greet returning heroes in such a spectacular manner. Watching Sir Bobby enjoy his day, I know how incredibly moved he was by the proceedings.
Today he was basking in the sunshine after-glow of the momentous and moving events.
From two naming ceremonies at Portman Road, to that open-top bus ride around crowded streets, to the Freedom of Ipswich being bestowed and on to a gala dinner with his 1978 cup-winning team, Sir Bobby enjoyed one of the best days of his rich and successful life.
Final highlight of a day in which a radiant Lady Elsie Robson was alongside him throughout, came when Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks, presented Sir Bobby with a unique tribute and present … his very own FA Cup. A tear came to his eye ... as well as to many of those in the audience.
One lovely moment came when ex-Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle, currently in Australia, sent a special message.
He wrote:
"Hi Sir Bob. Firstly glad to hear that you are getting better. Sorry I can't be with you tonight as I am in Australia seeing the family that I grew up with who have had health problems themselves recently.
"It's only right that you are being feted tonight in your second home, as you may be a Geordie by birth but you are a Tractor Boy by adoption.
"You are an example to us all not only in football but in life too. I am proud to call you a friend and still remember your kindness and advice at Lilleshall all those years ago to a young trialist.
"Enjoy tonight and I look forward to seeing you in a football stadium next year somewhere."Joe.
A marvellous day - I'm very proud to have been part of it.

Ipswich Town's play-off fiery cauldron

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:28:00 GMT

This fascinating Championship season - when just about anything appears possible - took another fascinating twist last night ... and directly affects our Super Blues.
West Brom's 1-1 home draw with Southampton put the Baggies into the Premiership - the first thing (barring a 13-goal twist) to be decided in this perplexing and incredible season.
Let the scene now switch to the Lancashire coast, where, had West Brom won last night, the Seasiders would have today been celebrating the certainty of another season in the championship after the Tangerine Army's promotion a year ago.
Blackpool now need some kind of result, in the fiery cauldron of Super Sunday, to be sure avoiding the drop ... and they take on Watford at Bloomfield Road!
And that's where the Super Blues come in. Town fans will be praying Blackpool beat Watford as a defeat for the fading "golden boys" is one of three results, or four, results that would see ITFC players claw their way into the play-offs.
One scenario is this: Watford need to lose to Blackpool, Town need to beat Hull City (who themselves need to go flat out for a win to give themselves a chance of automatic promotion in the second spot behind West Brom) and either Wolves need to draw or Crystal Palace lose.
It's as simple as that - by the way I'm forgetting about old foes Sheffield United, who are behind Ipswich and who travel to Southampton on Sunday - the club who need a win to survive!
Town's 11th hour opportunity came after the fighting comeback and a precious point in Lancashire on Saturday.That late Jon Walters equaliser for Ipswich could prove to be so important.
As collapsing Watford went down to already-relegated Scunthorpe at Vicarage Road - TWO play-off places opened up ... and made Super Sunday so exciting ... at both the top and bottom of the table.
So who plays who for those coveted two places? The crunch games are Town versus Hull, Blackpool versus Watford, Palace v Burnley and Wolves v Plymouth.
While both Wolves and Palace fans will be thinking victories are assured, in this crazy Championship season anything could happen ...
I'll be at Portman Road - and haven't yet planned how I'll keep in touch with all the events around the country! The Evening Star newsdesk, manned by colleague Paul Geater this weekend, might have a role to play!
Ironically, if Town hit the play-off zone it could be Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi final!

Swallows put Spring into Suffolk

nigel.pickover@archant.co.uk — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:54:00 GMT

I was delighted to watch as three swallows glided into Suffolk last night – another harbinger of warmer days ahead.
As the cold east wind finally began to lose its power - and the temperatures rose – the trio came across the coast at Trimley Marshes and flew off towards Trimley St Mary.
Whilst swallows often arrive in the UK in April – after flying thousands of miles from their winter feeding grounds in Africa – the main arrivals are in May, in time for a frenzied breeding season.
Another summer visitor, the cuckoo, arrives at roughly the same time as the swallow. But this year the cuckoo appears to have won the trans-continental race – I heard one in Trimley St Mary two weeks ago.
Enjoying a lovely spring evening - and cleaning out the clogged-up filters of my ponds - two cock greenfinches began a fight over territory. From ground to around thirty feet, their battle continued for a good minute - and they were oblivious to me just a few feet away.
Good job my young ginger tom-cats were having their evening meal at the time.