Town are now conducting a series of supporters' forums, getting feedback on every area of the Club from the people that matter - the fans.

Chaired by Andrew Goulborn, the Club's Director of Sales and Marketing, the first meeting took place at Portman Road last month with 11 supporters involved in the discussions.

They were: Ashley Cushion, Andrew Kerrison, Annie Perkins, Ian Taylor, Liz Edwards, Barry Calver, John Ward, Nigel Howard, Steve Beckett, Kathy Whiting and Kevin O'Connell. Fellow fans Peter Curtis and Calum Armour were unable to attend.

The first topic concerned transport to the Training Ground for Academy matches there.
Supporters can catch a No. 66 bus which travels from the railway station in Ipswich to Kesgrave and then take a two minute walk to the training ground.The service runs every 15 minutes on a Saturday morning.

The Club were then asked about the possibility of more information about the Academy on the Club website.
Terry Baxter, Director of Communications, confirmed that it is the Club's intention to feature more information on the website.A representative from the Academy has agreed to produce match reports which can be published on the website.

The forum was then made aware that of difficulties regarding duplicate tickets and queried whether there was any radio contact between stewards and the Ticket Office on a match day.
Ticket Office ManagerJohn Ford accepted that there are occasionally duplicate ticketing issues which can be due to systems errors and also human error.Stewards should contact the Ticket Office to resolve any issues.Ticket Office staff will find an alternative seat and upgrade where appropriate.

Ashley Cushion advised that Coppleston School have not received any schools promotions mailings this year.
John Ford confirmed that there are two schools mailings per season, one at the start of the season and one in January using the LEA database and over 500 schools in Suffolk receive the mailing.John said he will include an additional letter in the next mailing asking for up to date contact information to ensure that letters reach the correct person at the school.There are currently five schools games per season.

Liz Edwards queried whether a similar ticket promotion to the one the Club ran for Wolves could be packaged for season ticket holders next season, ie four vouchers to bring four people to games at no cost.This could encourage people to attend who have never been to a game before.
Andrew Goulborn commented that often people do not use free tickets and therefore the Club prefers that tickets have a nominal value. Further consideration will be given by the Club.

Liz Edwards suggested offering a welcome pack to new students with special offers.
Andrew advised that the Club have already established a close relationship with Suffolk College and UCS.The Club subsequently ran a student promotion but very few people took advantage.The Club intends to explore student promotions further despite the initial poor response.Andrew advised that the Club is also exploring opportunities with MOD bases with regards to ticketing and ITCT activities.

Kevin O'Connell enquired whether there was a scheme whereby season ticket holders can exchange their seat for one elsewhere in the stadium for a one off game.
John Ford confirmed that this is possible and season ticket holders often do this for Cup games.

Andrew Kerrison queried why there is always a variance on the number of away supporters.John Ford clarified that the numbers published in the matchday programme are the numbers of tickets sold and the away club provides the number of supporters attending.

Liz Edwards asked if TeamCard points could be transferred to the following year.
Andrew advised that supporters have six months after the season ends to use their loyalty points, either by redeeming them against merchandise or using them to receive a discount on their season ticket for the following season.Andrew agreed that the Club would review whether supporters could redeem points against match ticket sales.

Kevin O'Connell commented that a different variety of refreshments are available depending on the area of the stadium and some kiosks run out of basics such as sugar and milk.
Andrew Goulborn advised that there is a different infrastructure in various areas of the ground and, for example, some kiosks don't have the facility to fry chips, etc.There are also different preferences around the ground, (eg family areas), and the Club's catering supplier, Lindley, takes this into account.The Club also trials new products through Lindley.Andrew will liaise with Lindley to ensure that basic supplies do not run out as this is unacceptable.

Kevin O'Connell enquired whether the cheerleaders could vary their position around the ground when they perform and possibly use the centre circle.
Terry Baxter confirmed that the Club has to seek guidance from the Head Groundsman and there is also a safety issue with away players warming up.There is less damage to the pitch when the area on the far side is used.Terry will discuss with Alan Ferguson and add to the next Supporters Forum Agenda to update the meeting.

Kevin O'Connell felt that Ipswich Town should be the first club to introduce disabled seating for away supporters so that they do not have to sit with the home fans.
Andrew Goulborn and Warner Duff, the Club's Disabled Co-Ordinator, have drawn up a plan in conjunction with the Stadium Manager to look at making the necessary alterations.The Club is to investigate whether there is a Football Foundation grant available to contribute to the cost of the alterations.From the Stoke game on January 12, visually impaired away fans will be able to sit with their fellow supporters.

Kathy Whiting raised the issue that some years ago the Club provided a room for junior members with equipped with a TV, and where they could purchase confectionary, etc and felt that this should be reinstated.
Andrew Goulborn advised that there is insufficient room at the present time but that long term it would be beneficial to find a solution.The Club is looking to improve the family areas and make them more family friendly.The Club is also considering introducing a customer service representative for each area and making Bluey and Crazee more accessible.

The possibility of a Coffee Shop on match days was also raised by Kathy Whiting
Andrew Goulborn considered that the only possible place was the bar above Planet Blue.It may be possible to trial it and review its use.

The next meeting will be held in Players Lounge at the earlier time of 11.00 am on Saturday 9^th February 2008 prior to the Watford game.

The Club have now set up an e-mail address that questions can be sent to. It is supportersforum@itfc.co.uk.