Ipswich Town coach explains why Shrewsbury Town encounter was not pushed back 24 hours

First-team coach Matt Gill has revealed concerns over 'player welfare and player performance' ended any chance of Ipswich Town's clash at Shrewsbury Town being rescheduled for yesterday.

Saturday's fixture at Montgomery Waters Meadow was called off just after 2pm due to a frozen pitch, leading to suggestions that the encounter could be pushed back 24 hours.

However, despite Ipswich initially being in favour of that proposal, ultimately it was not deemed feasible.

"It was us that suggested the possibility of playing on the Sunday," Gill told the club's website.

"But player welfare and player performance had to be the most important thing. There were logistical issues with staying another night at a hotel as well.

"We tried to show some flexibility but it looked like it could be detrimental to our preparation and performance, so it wasn't the avenue to go down.

"The trip obviously wasn't ideal. We didn't know the game was in doubt until we arrived at the stadium at half one, and the manager was asked to head out to the pitch straight away.

"It means another Tuesday night game which we'd probably have preferred to not have, but it was the right option over playing on Sunday."

The Tractor Boys are due to host Northampton Town at Portman Road tomorrow (7pm).

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