Ipswich Town: The 31 players who helped seal Premier League promotion
We often hear people say that there are no stars in Ipswich Town’s squad, and to an extent, they’re right.
1 appearance, 0 clean sheets
Christian Walton only got a few minutes on the pitch this season, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town. Nobody would’ve predicted that 10 months ago, but a foot injury unfortunately derailed his campaign. Nonetheless, he’s been incredibly patient and reliable in cup competitions. Although this wasn’t his season, he’s played a huge part in Town’s return to the top of English football.
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Homegrown Ipswich Town talent never really recovered from disaster debut: View
Tom Eastman was sent off on his Ipswich Town debut and his time at Portman Road never really recovered
Eastman became a Colchester United legend after a disastrous debut with Ipswich Town, thanks to a red card against Sheffield United. Despite supports from Roy Keane, Eastman’s career at Ipswich never recovered, leading him to sign with Colchester United where he thrived. With an impressive 464 appearances for Colchester, Eastman secured a legacy as a club legend before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge.
Tom Eastman is a Colchester United legend after a 12-year spell with the club, and the U’s may just have an Ipswich Town red card to thank for that.
Central defender Eastman came through the Tractor Boys’ academy after joining as an eight-year-old, and he was handed his first-team debut at the club by Roy Keane on the final day of the 2009/10 season as Ipswich hosted Sheffield United.
However, it was a disastrous debut for Eastman, and he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards as his side fell to a painful 3-0 home defeat to the Blades.
This set the tone for Eastman’s career with the Tractor Boys, and his career at Ipswich never really recovered, much to the joy of nearby Colchester.
Tom Eastman’s Ipswich Town career started in the worst way possible
After sitting on the bench for four league games towards the end of the 2009/10 season, Ipswich boss at the time, Roy Keane, gave Eastman the opportunity to start their final game of the season with nothing left to play for.
Eastman had been with the club since he was eight, so it was obviously a huge moment for him, but unfortunately, it’ll be remembered for him receiving a red card and a heavy defeat.
Despite this, Roy Keane was full of support for Eastman in the aftermath, saying: “I thought it was harsh. For the second booking he definitely got a touch on the ball. I really think the referee should have given the boy the benefit of the doubt.
“It looked to me like he couldn’t wait to send him off, rather than having a quick word with him. I was disappointed for the player because I don’t think he deserved it.”
Keane certainly didn’t hold a grudge against Eastman, and gave him further opportunities the following season, but he never truly broke through like many at Portman Road would have hoped.
