The newly-promoted Blues sit 10th in the Premier League table after winning three of their first seven games, two of those victories coming at Portman Road via late goals.

"I don't think we win the Sunderland and Fulham games without them, to be honest," said O'Neil, speaking alongside chairman Mark Ashton in an interview for TownTV.

"If those two games are away from home, and you're trailing late on like we were against Fulham, or hanging on against Sunderland, a little bit, with 20 minutes to go, I'm not sure me and the players find a way to get over the line without them. I think they are that big for us."

With Ipswich hosting Nottingham Forest tomorrow night (8pm ko), the Blues boss continued: "We need to keep doing enough to keep them engaged, which we will. We just need them to stay with us. I hope they understand how important they are to what we do. It's not just me saying it. We need them because they can make a massive difference to what we can achieve."

Town chairman Mark Ashton added: "Since we joined this football club no-one can ever accuse this fanbase of being sleepy in any way shape or form. They've been incredible, from the League One days, the 11 months in the Championship, through to the Premier League, back to the Championship, back to the Premier League.

"I've said it time and time again, Portman Road is gong to be key this season. Against Fulham I though the team were really good, but I thought the fans were great - and I mean great.

"In that last minute when Chuba (Akpom) runs in the corner and wins the free-kick he's got no right to win the place erupted. That's the fans driving us. They never let us down and if they continue like they can be the difference this season because if if we win at Portman Road we're okay."

Mark Ashton and Gary O'Neil sat down with Matt Holland to discuss the start to the season, our new training facilities, and more. 🗣️ Now available to watch in full on TownTV. 🎥 https://t.co/2yRYhDzkXN https://t.co/qU9CHn6ZkV

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) October 22, 2026