Various Blues legends of the past will be back in action at Portman Road on Sunday in a charity match raising funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the ITFC Charitable Trust (KO 3pm). Mick Mills will be in charge of the Milsoms’ Maestros, a side representing the local hotel and restaurant group, as they take on the Wheeler Wine Masters, a team from The Colchester Wine Company, managed by George Burley.
The Milsoms team will feature former Blues stars Jason Cundy, Mark Venus, Russell Osman, John McGreal, Jason Dozzell, Matt Holland, James Scowcroft and James Pullen as well as staff members from Milsoms.
The Colchester Wine Company side will include John Wark, David Johnson, Fabian Wilnis, Simon Milton, Darren Currie, Neil Thompson and Brian Talbot in addition to their staff members.
In addition to the match, there will be a food and wine fair from 12.30pm, a range of fun football activities organised for the day by the ITFC Charitable Trust plus a local producers’ market showcasing produce from all over East Anglia.
Pippa Langhorne, previously a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, will also be putting in an appearance and singing before the start of the game.
All proceeds will be split between the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the ITFC Charitable Trust.
Team captains Paul Milsom and Johnny Wheeler are both huge fans of Town, who won the chance to field teams at Portman Road in Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Auction late last year.
Paul says: "In my youth I was football crazy and growing up in the 70s with one of the country's finest football teams on my doorstep was incredibly exciting.
"In those days Ipswich Town under Bobby Robson were sensational and the players and teams of that era captured our hearts. There are still few better feelings than watching your team win an important match and that Wembley victory in May 2000 still inspires me to hope that next season we can do it. One day I'll be proved right!”
Johnny added: "Ipswich Town is a very special club for me. My first visit to Portman Road was in 1975 to the FA Cup quarter final against Leeds United.
"I regard myself as very fortunate to have grown up watching Sir Bobby Robson’s greatest team in that late 70s early 80s period. We live with the memories and have seen many great players and matches since.
"May 27th is celebration of those great times and we hope to attract as many friends and supporters as possible to enjoy the occasion with us.”
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and are available at Le Talbooth, Milsoms and Kesgrave Hall. To book by phone call 01206 323150. More details on the game's website here.
Photo: Action Images