PLC chairman Roger Finbow has announced the instigation of a new award in honour of club patron and former director Philip Hope-Cobbold, who died in July last year, which will go to the player who contributes most to the community.

Speaking at last night’s PLC EGM, Finbow paid tribute to Hope-Cobbold: “Those of you who knew Philip, and that’s many of us, will know he was a true gentleman in the proud tradition of his grandfather, Captain Ivan, who founded the professional club, and his uncles Mr John and Mr Patrick, who did so much to put Ipswich Town Football Club on the map in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

“Philip was kind, fun to be with, a lover of red wine, eccentric for the joy of being eccentric, often politically incorrect, sometimes outrageously so, and above all he was passionate in wanting the best for this club.

“As well as wishing the best for the club, Philip was anxious above all to ensure that the club’s role and importance to the community was recognised, not just by lip service.

“There’s no doubt he would have been delighted to hear Brett [Johnson], Mark [Detmer] and Berke [Bakay], and Mark [Ashton] and Mike [O’Leary], who have all acknowledged the club’s obligations to the local community.

“Philip was the last of the Cobbolds to be directly associated with the club and those of us who were his fellow directors, colleagues and friends want to ensure he is remembered.

“So we’ve decided to inaugurate a new award to be presented at the end-of-season dinner, when we hope to be celebrating a wildly successful season, to the player who has most and best contributed to the local community.

“I hope he would have been pleased to be remembered in that way. Rest in peace, Philip.”

Photo: Action Images

Wacko added 10:32 - Aug 3 Great idea
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Gforce added 11:01 - Aug 3 Fantastic idea, I'm sure several players will enjoy contributing to the community and local charities.
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bluesheds added 12:20 - Aug 3 Great idea, maybe each player could adopt a local kids football team. Not from an input of funding. Don't expect them to finance the team, but take an interest. Maybe just mention them now and then on social media, I'm sure the youngsters would love it. Then each Saturday home game they take it in turns to get invited to spend the day at the club and see what goes on before the game and then watch it. That way showing those young lads and ladies, what it means to be a pro and play for Ipswich. Maybe increase the fan base at a young age. And yes i know anything involving children and social media etc has to be done carefully, but not impossible and if the club wants to re-connect with the local Suffolk community, starting with kids football at local level is a good starting point.

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