The Ipswich Town Supporters Club (ITSC) has announced that Elizabeth Edwards is stepping down from the committee and from her role as chair with immediate effect.
Edwards, who has chaired ITSC since September 2007 having previously been chair of the London Branch, explained the reason for the move: "It was a very difficult decision to make but I want to focus on my voluntary roles with ITFC and in particular that of Supporter Liaison Officer, which is an EFL requirement of all member clubs, and is becoming a much bigger responsibility.
"At the same time, it is important that the Supporters Club can continue to operate independently, and under dedicated leadership.
"Making the change now rather than at the Supporters Club AGM in October makes it easier to begin planning activities for the 2017/18 season for both ITFC and ITSC.”
Edwards’s future roles will include organising events with current and ex-players, the ITFC Heritage Project and work within the community including CHAPS Men’s Health Charity, 12th Man Mental Health, leading the club’s activities for the Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance and with the New Wolsey Theatre. She will also attend the Supporters Forum and Supporters Club activities on behalf of ITFC.
"I will still be very involved in supporter engagement including being in the FanZone and Legends Bar on a home matchday and at all away games, as well as being heavily involved in the organisation and running of current and ex-player events throughout the season and around the region,” added Edwards, who is also a member of the PLC board and an associate director through her shareholding.
A Blues supporter since the mid-sixties, she was also involved in the set-up and early years of Ipswich Town 1st, the Supporters Trust.
Steve Doe, current treasurer of the Supporters Club, will be taking on the role of caretaker-chair with the committee set to meet in the next month to start planning for the future. Doe is a lifelong Town fan who lives and works in Ipswich running his business as a financial advisor.
Steve said: "We would like to thank Liz for all her hard work over the last 10 years and wish her well for the future.
"I am pleased to be working with the current committee in taking the Supporters Club forward and look forward to continuing to working with Liz as part of her role with ITFC.”