We sat down with Rick Kerry, the Head of Youth Development at Ipswich Wanderers to get his thoughts on the season just gone for the development sides, and the upcoming cup final for the SIL Division Development side at Portman Road on Thursday 29th May (7.30pm kick off).
1 – How has the season gone for the development side from your perspective?
The SIL development side have done well this season, especially the latter end to the season but they have always saved their best for the cup games. The side have always been competitive and if it wasn’t for conceding late goals they could have been in the picture to gain promotion, but they are a young side and have developed really well during the season. I hope Vinnie and Sav are proud of their side as they look to end the season on a high.
2 – What does it mean for one of the Wanderers’ development sides to get to a cup final?
Having a side in the final highlights what the ambition of the youth development section is here at wanderers and how far it has come in a short space of time. With the Thurlow Nunn Under 18 side winning the league and the Saturday SYFL Under 18s winning a trophy, it is a great feeling seeing everything coming together and it couldn’t be done without all the managers, coaches and behind the scenes people doing such a great job.
3 – What has been the highlight of the cup run for you?
The highlight was the win against Saxmundham who narrowly beat us once during the league season, drew 0-0 with us in the other game and gained promotion, finishing second in a hugely competitive league. They are a well organised and tough side, so the youngsters did a great job to pull a great result out of the bag to stay in the competition.
4 – What are you looking forward to most about seeing one of your development sides play at Portman Road?
In all my years of football I’ve never been involved with a team playing at Portman Road. Wanderers first team reached a final and won at Colchester United in recent years, but at Portman Road it is something special. It will be great to see the team on display and seeing Vinnie play at Portman Road in possibly his last match will be an occasion he will never forget.
5 – Have you ever been tempted to sleep inside a fridge and why?
Only on a hot humid day as long as there is room for the beer, but as I’m getting old I’m not keen on the cold so I can’t see me ever trying 🙂
The final will be played at Portman Road on Thursday 29th May, kick off at 7.30pm.
Tickets are only available on the gate and are priced:
Adults – £8
Concessions – £5
Children 12-16 years – £1
Children Under 12 – Free when accompanied by an adult
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