On the road to success with Ipswich Town

FROM the sublime to the ridiculous sums up the recent travels of Her Majesty’s Press corps (Ipswich division).

Chelsea’s desire to please matches their desire to win trophies, and there can be no complaints at all about the way the Premier League giants welcomed their Coca-Cola Championship opponents in the FA Cup fourth round.

And as far as the media was concerned it was a three-course hot meal before kick-off followed by a glass of the best red wine after the home side’s 3-1 victory.

And unlike some Championship clubs, Chelsea were happy to assist with post-match interviews and led the Ipswich press contingent to the corridor outside the changing rooms and in the tunnel to conduct interviews.

All very helpful.

And when the written tasks were complete it was mountainous hike for yours truly to fulfil my obligations to the good people of Heart radio who give live commentaries on every Town game.

While the main press box is tucked in just behind the dug-outs, the TV and radio gantry is up in the Gods at the top of the main stand.

It was enough to give anyone a nose bleed, and quite eerie as by 5.45pm the stadium was empty apart from Mark Scott, Mick Stockwell and Kelly McCormack from Heart carrying on their good work.

Three days later – and after a trip to London to say goodbye to eldest daughter as she began a gap year world tour – it was up the A1 to the delights of Oakwell.

With no disrespect to Barnsley working conditions were as different as chalk and cheese with a temporary building housing the ‘media centre’ and a cup of tea for sustenance.

But the Yorkshire outfit are also a friendly crowd – and with the Blues winning 2-1 it was an enjoyable evening ‘up north’.

Don’t run away with the idea that this business is easy as I spent two hours tapping away on a lap top on the journey home and then had an hour’s more work on the home computer before bed eventually beckoned at 2.45am.

Life is getting taxing if you are a local written media man covering Ipswich Town these days with manager Jim Magilton having a grouse and currently unwilling to cooperate fully.

But such is life, and these things happen in the sport reporter’s world. It’s a shame because the Blues boss can be such good helpful company.

The next Town trip is at Swansea and ah yes the trains have been booked and what a wonder that will be. Four single tickets have seen the price come down to £54 for a two-day return. Bring it on.