By Aston
October 16 2004

Former Ipswich Town defender John McGreal has praised the reception he received upon retuning to Portman Road for the first time today.

Mac Praises Fans

Former Ipswich Town defender John McGreal has praised the reception he received upon retuning to Portman Road for the first time today.

The 32 year old defender joined Burnley on a free transfer and has helped transform the Burnley defence from the laughing stock it has been the last two years to one of toughest to break down in the league.

McGreal: “It was great to come back to the Club and the reception I received from the fans was brilliant.

“It really meant something to me to hear them cheer my name. It was touching and I didn't expect it to be honest.

“I had five great years at Ipswich and it's a terrific football club.”.

John added: “We were gutted to lose a goal right at the end but then it was like the Alamo, Ipswich hit the woodwork twice in injury time and we were holding on and looking for the final whistle.

“We would have taken the draw before the game though so we have to be fairly happy with the point, it's just the manner of losing a goal so late on that makes it more difficult to accept.”.

John who spent five years at Portman road also tipped Town to do well this season, adding: “They don't have to play catch up like they have done over the last two years.

“Their home form is good, they score goals as well and if you score goals in this league you have got chance of doing well and they proved that last season.”.

Source: Ipswich Town - the official website.

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