Having spent the last eighteen months in an unfamiliar less-public role, the act of stepping down as Chairman has given David Sheepshanks his voice again. His reflection on his time as Chairman has led to reflection amongst fans aswell.
David Sheepshanks will probably remain as a personality who splits the supporter base of Ipswich Town.
Whilst all fans remember the ultimately successful five-year plan, resulting not only in promotion to the premiership but the entirely unexpected bonus of European football, many fans find it hard not to overlook the dark years that followed this success which threatened the very existance of the club.
Whilst the issues themselves are complex and involve many differing characters and circumstances, what has always been certain, and has been neatly reiterated by his recent comments, is that David Sheepshanks is as much an Ipswich Town fan as any one of us.
Whilst the words "administration" and "David Sheepshanks" will unfortunately forever be inextricably linked, history also demonstrates a litany of Chairman who not only failed their clubs, but did so knowingly for their own gains. Similarly, recent history holds up the examples of Southampton, Leeds and Nottingham Forest as examples of where it could have ended.
David Sheepshanks ultimately had nothing but the future success of Ipswich Town as his goal. And still does. With the club that much more readied for success under the stewardship of Marcus Evans, Sheepshanks can also take credit for steering the club back onto that path. And will be cheering as loudly as the rest of us when it happens.
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