Preview: Town - Cardiff

By Aston
May 5 2007

STB brings you team news, manager previews, betting odds and officials ahead of Town’s game against Cardiff City tomorrow (KO 1pm).

Town are without Jason De Vos, Sylvain Legwinski, Richard Naylor and Gavin Williams. Alex Bruce is a doubt, if he fails to pass as fit Ian Miller or Chris Casement could start.

 

Town manager Jim Magilton: “It might be an end of season game against Cardiff but it's another step up the ladder for us and a chance to put down a marker for next year, I want the fans to go away with optimism and believing that their team is capable of mounting a challenge for next season.

 

“It's very important game for me and the players because it gives the team the opportunity to say thanks to the support we have received this season.

 

“That backing has been vital this year, perhaps more so than any other year because they have stuck by us when we needed them.

 

“It's a transitional period and has been a steep learning curve for all of us and as a result we've had our ups and downs

 

“But the supporters have been magnificent through that. Home and away. They have shown an understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

 

“When we have been good, we have been very good and when we have been poor, we have been very poor. There is no hiding from that but the supporters have always been there for us. They have lifted the players and myself.

 

“I don't see the game as a celebration in terms of where we have finished the season. We are finishing in mid table and I don't see that as any reason to celebrate.

 

“If there is anything to celebrate, it's the support of the fans and I want my players to go out and put on a performance for them on Sunday. Then we move on and look forward to next year.”

 

Cardiff are without leading goalscorer Michael Chopra and former Town loanee Simon Walton are both suspended.

 

Cardiff manager Dave Jones: no pre-match thoughts currently available.

 

Betting Odds (found using Sportsnetwork Odds Checker):

Town: 1/1

Draw: 13/5

Cardiff: 31/10

 

Officials:

Referee: K P STROUD

Assistants: S Creighton and J E Pearce

Fourth Official: G S Hambling

 

Source: Ipswich Town – the official website

 

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