There’s likely to be a large Town contingent at Fortuna Düsseldorf’s final game of the season against Hansa Rostock with a coachload of Blues making a trip to Germany to meet up with some old friends. Fortuna fans have become a not infrequent sight at Portman Road over the years after bumping into some Town supporters on a pre-season tour.
Dave Loudnproud, who is organising the trip, told TWTD how the friendship started: "The Fortuna thing began when Joe Royle took Town on a pre-season jolly to Europe several seasons ago.
"A small group of us were sitting in the sun drinking a few local brews at some unmentionable market square bar in our Town shirts. We were approached by some Fortuna fans who asked us what we were doing there.
"We got invited to attend one of their games (they were in the German third division then) and we were treated like VIPs. I suggested that they perhaps should come to Portman Road and they have continued to do so every season after that, 50, 60 or 75 people at a time! They always raise money for a local Ipswich cause and they spend upwards of £2000 in merchandise every visit.
"Our goal is to get the two clubs together for a pre-season friendly, which very nearly happened in the Jim Magilton/Derek Bowden era.”
Dave outlined the details of the trip: "I have managed to secure a 48-seat coach and tickets will be served on a first come, first served basis. They are priced at £65 per person, which includes the ticket for the game.
"The coach will depart at 9pm on Saturday 8th May from the Drum and Monkey. The driver will stop off en route to Dover to collect any Essex or Kent-based supporters who may be interested in joining.
"Breakfast will be served by our hosts at the Irish pub in Hilden, then the tram, which is included, will take us directly to the 52,000-seat stadium. Fortuna are fighting for promotion to the Bundesliga this season.
"After the game we will be returning for beers to the Irish pub where our coach will start its return leg home after closing time.”
Send enquiries to Dave via DMRapid1@aol.co.uk or call him on 07976 773030.