Town CEO and chairman Mark Ashton has written a letter to fans ahead of tomorrow's opening Premier League game of the season against Liverpool at Portman Road.
To the Ipswich Town family,
On the eve of our first top-flight season in 22 years, I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to all supporters.
Since I joined the club in 2021, together we have delivered incredible success both on and off the pitch.
Back-to-back promotions, players receiving individual honours at a national level and a manager named the best in the country by his peers last season.
Off the pitch, we have seen record shirt sales and commercial deals with Portman Road full for each and every game, while more than 9,000 participants now engage with the vital work of the Ipswich Town Foundation on a weekly basis.
Substantial infrastructure improvements have been made at both the stadium and Playford Road, ensuring we have a home to be proud of, while we have received worldwide coverage which saw our games broadcast around the world more than 20 times last season.
All of which could not have been achieved without the club, the town and the county all coming together as one – together, we have seen the rebirth of this amazing, historic football club.
Fans from all generations have and continue to be simply incredible. Loyal supporters, who have been with the club through the decades, joined by a new generation of young fans who have never before witnessed a successful Ipswich Town Football Club. You have all played your part in bringing the club back to life.
Tomorrow, we open our doors to the world, both on and off the pitch. For many supporters this will be the first time they have seen their club participate in the biggest and best league on the planet. The world will be watching and, whilst we still have much to do, I would ask that we all work together to present our club in the best possible light.
I have talked internally to all staff and players about ensuring that, both individually and collectively, we are the very best versions of ourselves – it is vitally important that togetherness remains at the forefront of both players, staff and supporters’ minds.
We will face different challenges this season and, as we’ve talked about previously, adversity will come – it is how we face that adversity that will play a major part in our future.
You will all be aware of the major construction work which has been and is still ongoing at Portman Road. The key projects will be ready for kick-off, with those we had planned to carry into the start of the season also on time.
For the first time in my tenure, we’ll have a crowd of more than 30,000 within Portman Road tomorrow.
There have been numerous seat changes that have taken place over the summer and, whilst I understand and acknowledge that those have caused some supporters upset, it has been a necessity.
There continues to be challenges with sightlines in a number of areas and we are looking at more complete solutions for upcoming matches. Our processes and communication can always improve. We’re not perfect and we’ll always look at areas in which we can be more effective moving forward.
The additional seats added in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, the completion of executive boxes in the West Stand and the implementation of safe standing in the Cobbold Stand will allow us to increase to a capacity of more than 30,000.
These changes will lead to some operational differences when you arrive at Portman Road this weekend. Again, change is necessary and is done after careful consideration and deliberation within the club.
As a club, we will endeavour to assist all supporters as some changes to movement around the stadium and seating will become clear for the first time tomorrow. Therefore, I would ask you to arrive early and take your seats earlier than normal. We ask the same of supporters looking to shop in Planet Blue, access the FanZone or buy a programme.
If you are unsure, please speak to stewards or ITFC staff, who will endeavour to help you. I would ask that you are respectful to staff who have worked tirelessly over the summer in preparation for the Premier League.
I’m beyond proud to lead this club into the Premier League as chairman and CEO, but I’m more proud to represent the Ipswich Town family. As players, staff and supporters you have all earnt your right to be part of this amazing club in the top flight.
I want us to embrace all of the opportunities in front of us, retain our culture, focus on the things that got us here and, as a non-negotiable, stay together and be as one.
Enjoy the season ahead and thank you again for your magnificent support.
Mark