Town are to play a pre-season friendly away against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Friday 17th July at the Paul-Janes-Stadion (KO 6.30pm local time, 5.30pm BST).

In recent seasons fans of the German club making their annual pilgrimage to Portman Road to catch the Blues in action - 170 were at the Derby match in January - have become a familiar sight, with a number of Town supporters having made reciprocal visits.

“What fantastic news!” Supporters Club chair Elizabeth Edwards told the club site.

“We have welcomed so many Fortuna fans to Ipswich, and many Town fans have already made a trip over to Germany.

“It has been a dream for a long time to see the clubs in action together - as well as being a great excuse for a trip and a party.

“I was over there last September and the passion for getting a match organised was plain to see.

"The Fortuna Blues branch of the ITFC Supporters Club has worked so hard to get this game to happen and we will be working together to organise fan activities, in town and at the stadium. There will even be an after-match party at a nearby bar and disco.

The idea of a pre-season friendly between the clubs has long been mooted with fans of the Bundesliga 2 side putting the two clubs in contact in order to organise a game early in 2014.

The Supporters Club has compiled a travel guide with details of the post-match party.

Ulli Münsterberg, the organiser of the Fortuna Blues’ trips, was one of several fans — along with Fortuna legend Egon Köhnen — interviewed on BBC Radio Suffolk’s Life’s a Pitch during 2013/14. You can also find out more on how the link initially came about here.

Photo: Action Images

beanyboi added 16:49 - May 29 Hugster - I think I may choose the same flights. I've found the novum business hotel in city centre 4* and its £62 for 3 adults sharing.
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Tractor_Bhoy added 18:02 - May 29 Just about to book travel, one thought occurs, assume there'll be no problem getting tickets for the game? ...and any ideas yet if these will be sold through ITFC, or just direct from Fortuna. Can't wait, the Fortuna guys who come over here are a great bunch and watching footy in Germany is quite a refreshing change - talking of refreshing, you can even have a beer in the stand while watching the game!

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garyitfc added 19:27 - May 29 NSL... There really isn't much between Weeze and Cologne. There is a shuttle bus that runs from Weeze to Kevelear train station for €2 outside the terminal (takes approx 10mins) Then you can jump on the direct train from Kevelear to Dusseldorf HBF which takes 1hr exactly, this runs hourly. Cologne to Dussledorf from airport is about 40mins and some trains require a change. I've been both and personally prefer Weeze as it's so quiet and your in and out within 20mins once landed. If Weeze is cheaper I would definitely recommend it. I will be on the 7:05am flight to Weeze on Friday 17th if anyone needs help getting to Kevelear?

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loudnproud added 12:37 - Jun 2 Ive reserved a 15 seat mini bus @ £55.00 per head. Please make yourselves known if you are wanting a place on the bus.!st come first served.
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