James Norwood sends emotional message to Ipswich Town supporters following final appearance

Ipswich Town ended their League One campaign in style with a 4-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Portman Road.

James Norwood replaced Macauley Bonne after 85 minutes and put some gloss on the scoreline with an 88th minute finish.

It was an emotional goal for the 31-year-old, who is set to leave the club at the expiration of his contract this summer.

Norwood took to Instagram to express his emotions about the goal and his future.

He wrote: “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my time at Ipswich.

“My first home goal in front of the North stand, my last goal was in front of the North stand.

“To those of you that gave me the reception I received I’m forever grateful. What a moment.”

Norwood has been a consistent figure in a very difficult three seasons for the Tractor Boys, since relegation from the Championship, and has bounced back impressively from being frozen out by Paul Cook in the first half of the season.

Ipswich’s frontline could take on a very different look next season with Bonne returning to QPR and other players potentially looking elsewhere, but Norwood has definitely enhanced his reputation in terms of finding a new club this summer, with his performances under Kieran McKenna this term.

The Verdict

It is difficult to second guess where Norwood’s next move is going to be, he was more prolific in League Two before joining the Suffolk club, however he has proven himself as a capable goalscorer in League One since, just maybe not a promotion pushing one.

Therefore, there is a good chance that he has admirers outside of the third tier promotion pack, where he could take on a more demanding squad role.

Having broken through from non-league football so late in his career, Norwood feels like a younger player