Ipswich Town players are put through their paces at the open training session

Thousands of Super Blues descended on Portman Road yesterday for the annual family open day and witnessed a Town training session as well as getting up close and personal with the first-team squad.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell believes the day is a perfect example of how the club is looking to improve and extend links in the community with the big league kick-off just seven days away.

Jewell said: “It is very important we have these close ties with the community. Ipswich is a well-known family club and this just enhances it.

“The turnout was great – it is a nice day for the kids and for all the parents and grandparents and I hope everyone has enjoyed it. It is important we forge strong links with the community.”

Missing from the training session, led by Jewell and his coaching staff, was Jimmy Bullard whose departure from the football club is now expected to be confirmed on Monday.

Andy Drury and Chieck Kourouma were not risked as both battle minor injuries while Jaime Peters is also expected to leave Ipswich in the coming days.

The free-to-enter open day also included an array of fun and games on the practice pitch with the first-team squad also signing autographs and posing for photographs.

Jewell left supporters in no doubt of the role they play in bringing success to the club, starting with Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup tie at home to Bristol Rovers.

He said: “Fans have a massive role – sometimes you underestimate the importance of their support. It is not always easy, but they are the football club and our 12th man.”