 Bobby Robson 's appointment followed a chance encounter with Ipswich director Murray Sangster while scouting at Portman Road for Chelsea manager Dave Sexton . Robson had some experience of management from his time at Fulham , although he had been sacked after failing to avoid relegation from Division Two . Robson 's sides finished 18th and 19th in his first two seasons at Ipswich , but he kept the team in the top division , before finding greater success . Robson led the club to fourth place in the First Division and success in the Texaco Cup , beating local rivals Norwich City 4 – 2 , in the 1972 – 73 season . 
