Blues legend Frans Thijssen will be back in a Town shirt again this summer when he joins the fans’ team taking on a Helmond Sport supporters’ side during the club’s pre-season tour of his native Holland. The 60-year-old, now the assistant U21s coach at FC Twente, jumped at the chance when asked to represent the team being assembled by new unofficial supporters club Spirit of 78.
Thijssen, who made 167 starts and three sub appearances for the Blues between 1979 and 1983, scoring 16 goals, said: "They sent me an email in which they asked me whether I could be their honorary manager for that particular match.
"I answered them: ‘What do you need? A manager? a midfielder?’ They were very enthusiastic that I wanted to play.”
The former Dutch international, a member of Sir Bobby Robson’s 1981 UEFA Cup-winning side, says that like any other member of the squad, he has to provide his own kit: "They asked me whether I had a blue shirt! But in the end they will get me a blue shirt, but I have to take my own shorts and boots!” he said laughing.
A Spirit of 78 spokesman added: "To have Frans playing is an honour for me personally as the organiser as I still remember him as, in my opinion, the most skilful player we have had at the club.
"It seemed like the ball was always stuck to his feet, so if he still has that magic then he would be a useful addition to the fans’ team!
"Seriously though, to have him take his own time out and play alongside the fans is fantastic and I’m sure it will be a great experience for the fans who are also playing.
"It’s great that players like Frans still want to be part of Ipswich Town even after all these years and it’s also great for the fans as they will get a chance to meet Frans in person.”
Spirit of 78 have assembled a squad of 22 for the 30-minutes-a-half fans’ game, which will be played at 4pm local time on Tuesday 17th July on Helmond Sport’s main pitch at their Stadion De Braak with Town’s match against the Eerste Divisie team kicking off at 7pm.
Blues fans have also been invited to Helmond Sport's supporters' clubhouse during their visit to the Dutch town.
A full list of Town's pre-season friendlies can be found here.
Photo: Action Images