“To the fans”- Chuba Akpom deliver a heartfelt message to Ipswich fans after he netted his first goal for the club in the 2-0 victory against Hull City at the MKM Stadium

Ipswich Town forward Chuba Akpom says he is deeply appreciative of the club’s supporters after scoring his first goal for the Blues in their 2–0 win over Hull City at the MKM Stadium.

Akpom capitalised on a rebound just yards from goal, tapping in after Dara O’Shea’s header forced Ivor Pandur into a save from a corner. The goal ended a 12-game wait for his first strike since joining on loan from Ajax in the summer.

The striker admitted the patience of the supporters helped keep his confidence alive during that slow start.

“I honestly needed a scrappy one like that,” he said. “Every striker wants to score, and I’m really grateful to the fans. There have been games where I’ve come on, they’re singing my name, and I hadn’t even scored yet. That support drove me on. I’m delighted to finally get off the mark.

“When things aren’t going your way and you still hear them chanting for you at places like QPR and Swansea, it lifts you. Even today they were still behind me. It makes you give that extra 10 percent, especially when they travel long distances. Thank you to everyone — it means a lot.”

Although there were initial concerns about offside, replays indicated Hull defender Ryan Giles was playing Akpom onside.

“I just stared at the linesman and prayed,” he joked. “I saw the referee go over and thought, ‘Oh no, please.’ I’m glad it stood.

“When you’re not scoring, you start overthinking. That’s not like me — I love putting the ball in the net. I had to stay patient and I’m relieved it went in.”

Akpom believes the goals will continue as long as he maintains his work rate.

“If I keep doing the right things, working hard, and playing for the team, they’ll come. We’ve got other new players who’ll get their first goals soon too. For us to be successful, everyone has to contribute.”

The former Hull loanee has mainly been used as a No.10 under Kieran McKenna but was brought on as a central striker to replace George Hirst.

“That role isn’t new to me,” he explained. “I’ve played as a No.9 for most of my career. I’ll play wherever I’m needed. As a nine, you’re closer to goal. Wherever the manager puts me, I’ll give 100%.”

Ipswich’s win in Humberside marked their third straight away victory and extended their unbeaten run to six games. The result moved them into fourth place in the Championship, still with a game in hand, and just three points shy of the automatic promotion spots.

“It’s a good position to be in, but it’s early,” Akpom warned. “You have to be consistent all season. There’s a lot of work ahead and we just need to keep pushing.

“It was a massive win — one of the biggest this season. It’s a tough place to come and get points, so I’m happy we did.”

The opening goal came from Marcelino Núñez, who nodded in Jaden Philogene’s cross for his third goal of the campaign.

“He’s a top player,” Akpom said. “He strikes the ball brilliantly and is such a positive presence in the dressing room. I’m really happy for him.”

Akpom’s slow start at Portman Road was partly due to missing pre-season training with Ajax. The 30-year-old says he is gradually improving his sharpness.

“I’m getting there. Pre-season was difficult — no excuses — but it slowed me down. I’m working hard, listening to the manager, trying to do the right things. Hopefully I kick on from here.”

With McKenna keen to rotate his attacking options, Akpom says every player must remain ready.

“I’m not the manager — I just make sure I’m ready when called on. We basically have two full teams here and even the bench is full of quality. Whenever you get your chance, you have to take it.

“You can’t start complaining if you’re not in the XI — he might use you the next game. His rotation keeps everyone sharp and eager to impress.”

Despite their impressive form, Akpom knows the Championship remains unpredictable.

“We’re loaded with quality, but this league is ruthless — anyone can beat anyone. If we show the fight we showed today and add our skill on top, we’ll be a serious threat.”

Ipswich now face a quick turnaround, travelling to Oxford United on Friday night.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had back-to-back midweek matches,” he said. “It’s tough, but we’ve got the squad for it. No excuses — we’ll go again and give everything.”