Ambrose Pays Tribute to Dale

Last updated : 29 July 2004 By Site Editor

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Town academy product Ambrose said: I will never forget the year we won the reserve team title with Dale. I was just 17 and he was very ill at the time. That's why it was extra special that we had some success."

"He was a very honest coach, which immediately won him respect. He never lied to his players. Dale told you what he thought of you there and then and if you didn't like it then it was tough luck.

"In that respect he helped me a great deal. I needed to hear when I was playing poorly and he would give everyone food for thought – by being so honest he helped a lot of young players become much better footballers."

Ambrose, now at Newcastle himself, admitted it would be an emmotional night for himself, Titus Bramble, and Kieron Dyer as they return to Portman Road for the match having come through the ranks at Portman Road.

"He would have liked us to play this game. He was a Geordie through and through and loved both Ipswich and Newcastle United. Hopefully, between the two clubs, we'll make a lot of money for the cancer charities in East Anglia which are set to benefit from the game." He added.