David Houseley, who along with his brother organised fans’ trips to the Blues’ European games in the 1970s and 80s, died yesterday aged 81 following a long illness.

When Town reached Europe in 1973 for the first time since the Alf Ramsey era, David and his brother Philip were appointed official travel agents by the ITFC Supporters Club, a decision backed by the Town board.

They organised fans trips to all the games played in European competition in a 10-year stretch under Sir Bobby Robson starting with a memorable trip to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid, beating them over the two legs.

This was in an era before budget airlines and the Internet and when it was prudent to put in controls to counteract any possible trouble.

David (left) with brother Philip

As well as cities like Amsterdam, Rome and Prague, there were seaside holidays on the Halkidiki peninsular for the Aris Salonika game and Gran Canaria for the UD Las Palmas tie. The Aberdeen charter train was a nod to the earlier Blue Arrow trips with on board entertainment.

David and Philip wrote about the trips in a 2011 book, On a European Journey: With Ipswich Town in Europe 1962-2002.

In addition to his involvement in football, David was also very active in the community in Felixstowe.

Photo: Action Images

Northstandoldie added 16:03 - Oct 15 Sad news, the trips i went on which were organised by the brothers were impeccably managed and there were never any problems. Condolences to the family.
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OldClactonBlue added 16:18 - Oct 15 Very sad news. David Houseley was a great guy and epitomised Town fans of his era. My abiding memory of him will be of him explaining to a policemen escorting us from the train station to the Baseball Ground in Derby that he wasn't a hooligan and didn't need an escort. This was probably in the mid seventies. The policeman informed (rather forcibly) that he didn't have an option! I don't think David could really understand that there were people who didn't go to football to watch the football then! I can also remember him telling a thug at West Ham to behave himself and getting nutted for his trouble. I last saw him at a Football Club event at the Town Hall where we reminisced on those days. Never to be forgotten.

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therein61 added 17:10 - Oct 15 R.I.P David you provided an excellent service on the trips I enjoyed on our European ventures your attention to detail was second to none(knew where the potential trouble areas were in many cities) and every trip I made was a treat thanks to you.
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Sporall added 17:39 - Oct 15 What an incredibly good job he did. RIP
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blueboy1981 added 17:43 - Oct 15 Both stalwarts in the glory days - people who travelled during that time know only too well what a sterling job they both did. More true ITFC Pedigree. R.I.P
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Frankley_Blue added 18:00 - Oct 15 Extremely sad news. RIP David
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itfchorry added 18:51 - Oct 15 I am very sad to hear this sad news - A great loss to Ipswich - Thoughts with his family
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BillBlue added 02:35 - Oct 16 Sad news indeed but thank you David my thoughts go out to your family. God bless.
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Millsey added 09:48 - Oct 16 Very sad news. Went on most of the away trips in Europe in the glory days. Still have my ID card for the trips. Great days :)
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