Town have announced that long-serving disability liaison officer Warner Duff died last night, aged 61.
A familiar face around the club for more than 20 years, Duff won a number of awards while at Portman Road.
He was named the Football League’s Fan of the Year in 2009 having been nominated by then-manager Jim Magilton, while in the same year he was voted Club Employee/Volunteer of the Year by the the National Association of Disabled Supporters. Also in 2009 he was a runner-up in ITV’s Pride of Britain awards.
Duff ran the club’s disabled football team and was Town's first Community Champion, leading the teams out on the opening day of the 2016/17 season ahead of the 4-2 victory over Barnsley.
""I was privileged to have worked alongside Warner for over 15 years and in that time I got to witness what an incredible guy he was,” Town’s head of ticketing Donna Powell told the club site."""
Any supporter that needed help in any way to attend a game would be directed to Warner and he would always go out of his way to assist. It’s no surprise that he won awards.""
"On behalf of all the staff at Ipswich Town, I would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Warner’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Warner was more than a colleague to the ticketing team and we are heartbroken to have lost one of our own. His dedication and passion to help people is an example to us all.
Rest in peace Warner, we will always miss you 💙 https://t.co/SXBPdDFxgK– Ipswich Town FC Tickets (@ITFC_Tickets) June 4, 2019
Such sad news. Such a lovely person who did so much for ITFC and our disabled fans. He always had time to help everyone. I will miss you Warner - it was a pleasure to know you and work with you. RIP https://t.co/I2JTQxV1aB– Liz Edwards ITFC SLO (@ITFC_SLO) June 4, 2019
Incredibly sad news to share with the wider #ITFC family.
Warner was a dear colleague to all at the Club, and known to a huge amount of fans, Clubs and the general football family. His lovable personality and selfless nature will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Warner 💙 https://t.co/ZB0k6va2qc– ITFCShop.com (@ITFC_PlanetBlue) June 4, 2019
This is very sad news. My good mate Adey Yates when suffering from his own health issues was superbly assisted by Warner who asked about Adey's health and was very sad to hear of Adey's passing. RIP old son. https://t.co/gBKb2oyitJ– Ian Davies (@loftedondrive) June 4, 2019
Everyone at Ipswich Town FC Women would like to pass on their condolences to Warner’s family & friends at this incredibly sad time.
R.I.P Warner 💙 https://t.co/UJUVHCY526– Ipswich Town FC Women (@ITFCWomen) June 4, 2019
The Bury St Edmunds Branch of the ITFC Supporters Club are very saddened to hear this news this evening. RIP Warner - a very lovely man who worked very hard to help others. A real Gent.– ITFC Supporters Bury (@itscburysteds) June 4, 2019
Very sad news, Warner was an absolute Gentleman. RIP Warner https://t.co/Bkqiltznxa– Simon Milton (@Milts25) June 4, 2019
Rest in Peace Warner💙from all of us from ITSCON. https://t.co/kreYX9w1Xq– Ipswich Town Norway (@Official_ITSCON) June 4, 2019
In Terms of Sadness and upset/ grief, thinking of Not Just Myself , But of All known to me fellow Ipswich fan friends that knew him well and felt, his touch, sincerity ,Generosity and Warmth..,...This for some of us may take a while to get used to. RIP Warner.,RIP AMAZING Man.
— Tom Tomalin (@TTomalin) June 4, 2019