"Please, Kieran, stay where you are”: Felixstowe fan reflects on 50 years of Ipswich Town memories
It's as Ipswich Town take on their final match in the Premier League against Westham at Portman Road today
Last updated 27th May 2025
As Ipswich Town prepare to take on West Ham in their final Premier League game of the season today, lifelong fan Audrey Cobb says she’s keeping the faith, despite a year of ups and downs.
Audrey, who lives in Felixstowe, has followed the Blues for more than half a century and admits this season hasn’t always been easy to watch.
“It’s been a little bit up and down really,” she told us. “I would’ve liked to have done a bit better, but they did their best with the time they had and the players they had.”
After a rapid rise from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, some have questioned whether the club’s promotion came too soon. Audrey sees it differently.
“Being a supporter like I am, it was bound to happen anyway. The Premiership was for the best and Ipswich. Ipswich are the best.”
Looking ahead
But looking ahead to next season, Audrey is hopeful, particularly if the club can hold onto rising star Liam Delap.
“If they hang on to Liam Delap, we will do well, but there are so many people after him, but we really really need to keep him. I know one player doesn't make a team but he is key to our team.”
With rumours circling that Manchester United have shown interest in Delap, Audrey worries what his departure might mean for the squad.
“They’re gonna have to get a regular team with regular players... If I could pick a team, I wouldn’t always pick the team Kieran McKenna chooses to field, but I am not the boss, I am not the manager and he does his best with the players he's got”
"I think we'll be back in the Premier League - I really believe that"
Audrey says inconsistency has been a challenge this season, but she sees promise in players like goalkeeper Alex Palmer and believes a more settled line-up could help turn things around.
"Alex Palmer, I think, is absolutely brilliant and if they could play a regular team more often and not sideline many of the players, it would be a lot better, I would think, and given the chance, I think we'll be back in the Premier League. I really believe that."
When it comes to the man in charge, Audrey is clear: “Kieran McKenna mustn’t go. No—he’s got to stay where we want him most. He's done so well since he's been with our team, and no he must go! Please, Kieran, stay where you are!”
As for how this campaign compares to the last 50 years?
“Oh, it’s by far not the worst one,” she laughed. “We’ve seen some pretty dire matches, but you come out elated as much as you can come out deflated. May the 6th 1978 was the best season of all under Sir Bobby Robson.”
Ipswich Town face West Ham today (Sunday, May 25) at Portman Road in what could be their last top-flight appearance for a while, but for fans like Audrey, the pride never fades.