On the plus side, we picked up our first point of the season, we kept a clean sheet which is always welcome, and we’re no longer bottom of the league – the task of holding up the rest of the division now falling upon the shoulders of Sunderland, some feat considering they were a Premiership outfit last season. But in the empty half of the glass, we threw two points to an uninventive side we were expected to beat, fellow strugglers who had little apparent threat.

Although a scrappy first half, we were the liveliest in front of goal and carved out some good chances. More often than not the final ball in was provided by Nicky Forster who put in a determined performance. Jaime Peters too gave his all too, and covered a lot of ground down the right proving useful bar one or two slips.

A good chance fell to Alan Lee early on but it came to him high and too quickly for him to compose himself and his snap header went just over. Peters missed too as he fell under challenge after he and Forster created the opening.

Two more new recruits added to the fold this week albeit a temporary one, both getting a start in the midfield and both getting shooting opportunities. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recognise who’s who. Wearing no. 20, Mark Noble was keen enough without being spectacular and in the second half was obviously trying his best to rally his new team-mates. The same could be said of our new no. 21, Simon Walton.

The chances that fell to Hull were largely down to our own sloppiness at the back, with more than one short ball back to the returning Lewis Price in goal or mistimed pass providing a glimpse on goal for their forwards. Thankfully they have a Parkin in their ranks too. Jason De Vos was not his sharpest self today, and even Gavin Williams got in on the act, causing an uneasy moment for the home crowd with a careless back pass – Lewis Price having to be quick off the mark to beat the striker to the ball. Price had little to trouble him today, a few shots mainly straight at him, but was not doing well at cementing his place back in the starting line-up by sending a few kicks on a wayward path.

It was good to see Danny Haynes get a run out, he came on and was up to pace very quickly. It’d be nice to see him get a longer spell in a game soon, or dare I say it, a start. Even Fabian Wilnis came on late on, I’m not sure what he has to do to get back into the side as I thought he had a good game versus Palace, and was good again today but for the short time he was on. Unfortunately it looked as though he was introduced for an injured Gavin Williams who had been holding his back for a while before hand.

Next week sees us visit in-form Peterborough United, the Posh unbeaten in their division and sure to give us a stern test. If we keep our heads we might get some goals and some confidence in our strikers. One very bright thing about that match whatever the outcome, is that it’s the opening night of the Peterborough Beer Fest! That should take the edge off the game. If you’ve never been then give it a try – it’s the largest outside London, 350 real ales as well as bottled European lagers, ciders and perrys. Opens at 5.30, closes 11pm. Not that I’ve been before or anything…

Dreadful. Not much to say about this game except that we were weak all over the park. Leicester are in an awful state (according to plenty of Leicester fans I know) and we made them look good, which is highly embarrassing.

The afternoon and season started full of positivity with Jim newly installed as manager and a few fresh faces in Town, both on and off the pitch. Magic got a roaring reception as he walked onto the Portman Road pitch and took to the bench for the first time as boss.

The upbeat atmosphere continued as the game got underway, Town were threatening and lively, and looked hungry, chasing down every ball and not allowing Palace to settle into their rhythm.

Nicky Forster started up front, fit again alongside Dean Bowditch, motivated again and the partnership seemed to work. Forster was creating a lot of problems for Palace, while Bowditch made a nuisance of himself although he could read Forster’s runs better and support him in a more forward position at times.

In the midfield new boy Alex Bruce (apparently son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce) was fitting in well and never looked as though he’d only met his team-mates a day or so earlier. He wasn’t afraid to get stuck in, one criticism though, he did look a bit too much like Gavin Williams in appearance from a distance which is confusing. I’m sure they can work on that.

It was good to see Williams on the park again, his fitness didn’t seem in question until withdrawn in the second half, and like the rest of the team put in a solid performance – in the first half at least. The same problem that seemed to plague us last season reared its head again, all smiles at the break but disaster in the second half.

I couldn’t fault anyone in the first half – total commitment and maximum effort from all, perhaps Richard Naylor could’ve scored one of those two headers, but that’s probably unfair. Then after the restart Palace kicked up a gear, and we relaxed. Not too much, but just enough to let them get on top.

A quarter of an hour or so in James Scowcroft, visiting Town on his debut for yet another club, clashed heads with a Town defender and fell to the floor. Maybe with the defence distracted, Palace quite rightly played on and McAnuff raced into area and shot across Shane Supple into the far inside netting. He’d caused us little trouble in the first half, but was now quite frankly ripping us open at times.

Jim wasted little time trying his arm at substitutions, and brought on Matt Richards for Gavin Williams who was now apparently tiring. He had an excellent time in the middle of the park and a fit Williams might be even better.

It seemed to stun Town, and just three minutes later we were losing the game, and it had to be none other than Scowcroft who took advantage of some less than decisive defending as Town failed to scramble an effort away. As Palace appealed that the first effort crossed the line, play continued anyway and moments later Scowcroft somehow bundled the ball home over his head. A ghastly moment met by a shocked silence from the home fans.

We didn’t crumple completely though, and with so much time left on the clock I was convinced that we were still in with a chance as we kept up the passing and attempted to apply the pressure, now though Palace were giving some themselves. We’d made them look very much the away side in the first half by limiting them to a handful of shots, but now they looked every bit the side fancied for promotion.

Alan Lee came on with 25 to go for Deano, and he looked fit and eager and gave the side a lift. His best chance though was a penalty shout that wasn’t awarded, and Lee seemed to go to ground one time too many although it was hard to say one way or the other whether he was diving.

Jaime Peters, lively but not actually that much of a threat to Palace, came off with 8 minutes to go making way for Danny Haynes. He had little chance to make an impact in the short space of time.

I think many felt surprisingly upbeat at the final whistle – a defeat maybe, but Town acquitted themselves well especially in the first half when they should’ve created a greater cushion to sit back on in the second half. We’ve all seen this defence before, the odd different face maybe but the same mistakes if just for short spells.

The new guys certainly looked promising, Alex Bruce fitted in so well in the midfield and looked like he played with passion. Dan Harding had a couple of shaky moments but nothing untoward, and looked to be up for the fight too. In fact both the debutants earned bookings for stern challenges.

Our new captain lead by example, De Vos being generally solid as we’ve come to expect alongside Naylor who will I’m sure be reliving those two missed headers (you always remember the bad things, don’t you?). Other stalwarts of the side like Darren Currie and Fabian Wilnis looked fresh and dependable. Currie was his usual tricky if not pacey self, and Fabian cool under pressure. So situation normal to some extent, but in a good way.

Onwards to Wolverhampton in a positive frame of mind. They got their usual draw this weekend, down at Plymouth and courtesy of an own goal at that. If we play like we did in the first half today, we stand a chance of coming away with an unusual 3 points from Molineux, and it’ll be 2 down 40 odd to go…

5th June, 10:20am.

The much anticipated announcement of the new Ipswich Town manager saw the return of former hero and captain, Jim Magilton. He will be half of a managerial partnership with Bryan Klug, who has made the academy what it is today.

Jim will manage the Tractor Boys, with Bryan assisting him in his new role, having gained valuable knowledge of team management through his excellent work with the academy.

Magilton bid an emotional farewell to Town after the final home game of the season against Derby, heading the lap of honour with his sons at his side and a tear in his eye. Little did he know that he'd be back so soon after his seven year stint as a player at Portman Road!

While Bryan Klug steps up to first team coach, his post as Academy Director will be filled by his former assistant in the role, Tony Humes.

In the end, Town had to fend off the attentions of Newcastle United for the services of Klug, the Premiership club wanting him to take over their vacant academy role. Well done Bryan for making the right choice.

And WELCOME BACK JIM!

Town midfielder Jaime Peters has been splashing the paint around in the name of Kidney Research. He has been asked, as a Canadian celebrity figure, to provide a painting of himself to be auctioned off in aid of the Canadian charity. Click Here

The signed portrait is being auctioned on ebay right now, so if you fancy a look wander over and place a bid. Its all for charidee mate.