Suffolk is set for a new Viking invasion over the next few days as members of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club of Norway (ITSCON) celebrate their 25th anniversary. Around 50 Norwegian Blues are taking part in their jubilee tour.
Scandinavians have been watching English league football on TV since the 1960s with clubs including Town making regular visits during pre-season, and in the 1980s Norwegians began to form their own supporters clubs for their teams.
Current chairman Ole Bernt Krogstad explains: "On 5th September 1989 Ipswich Town Supporters Club of Norway was started by then-18-year-old Arnt H Nodeland.
"It grew gradually and by 1992 the fan club had 100 members. Today it has 505, mostly between 40 and 60 years old, but also some younger ones.”
While it was watching games on TV ignited the Norwegians’ passion for the Blues, many are now regulars at Portman Road and at away games.
"Last year 400 match tickets were ordered through ITSCON,” Ole added. "Two members are season ticket holders this season and one member actually recently moved to Ipswich!”
In addition to taking in the Millwall and Brighton home matches the Norwegians will be doing spot of sightseeing, playing in a game of their own and holding a celebration dinner while they are in Suffolk.
ITSCON releases a journal three or four times a year called News of the Blues, which won this year’s Fanzine of the Year award in Norway, and also produce their own merchandise. You can find out more about ITSCON on their website, on Facebook or Twitter.
Members of ITSCON will be appearing on Saturday’s Life’s a Pitch on Radio Suffolk (12-2pm).