Dave Gooderham praises Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans after Paul Hurst is brought in

Well played Marcus Evans. These are words that I haven’t written too much in recent years and, at times, thought I would never write again.

For some, the search for a new Ipswich Town manager appeared to stutter at times as supposed targets moved elsewhere.

But from the outside, and upon reflection, it seems Town’s less-reclusive owner had one man in mind.

He was willing to play the waiting game, while courting other alternatives, before moving swiftly when the time was right.

Enter Paul Hurst.

Subsequent talk of a new energetic and attractive style on-the-pitch and greater emphasis on sports science off it is equally positive.

So much so that I cannot remember the last time I was looking forward to a new season with such hope and interest.

Ipswich will still fight on a far-from-level playing field but we are making the right noises – and the right decisions.

What do I think of Hurst? I love the fact we looked to the lower leagues – something not lost on many other fans of many other teams.

He is clearly ambitious and he clearly punched above his weight at his previous club, Shrewsbury. Both will help Ipswich in the coming years.

He is also stepping into a club steeped in tradition of greater times, but also with a largely realistic fan base in modern football.

And the squad he is inheriting contains almost as much intrigue as the new manager himself.

What will some hugely talented – if largely untested – youngsters bring to the party, not to mention some new faces as Hurst scours the lower leagues he knows so well?

Be careful what you wish for? I think Town fans have got exactly what they wished for.