Blues legend Marcus Stewart is back at Portman Road as a special guest of the club for tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash with Plymouth Argyle.

The 50-year-old, one of the scorers in the 2000 play-off final as George Burley’s Blues reached the Premier League before netting 19 times in the top flight the following season as Town finished fifth to qualify for Europe, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in September last year.

Stewart will watch Saturday’s match from the directors box along with his wife, Louise, while his former boss Burley and a number of his teammates will also be at the game. He will be interviewed at half-time by club ambassador Simon Milton.

Following Stewart’s diagnosis, the club launched a range of Marcus Stewart accessories including the gloves the striker made iconic during his time with the Blues in the early 2000s, from which all profits go to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

Stewart and his family have raised more than £42,000 for the charity via their JustGiving page.

Photo: Action Images

ipswichboi added 10:17 - Jan 13 Will be wearing my Stewie gloves tomorrow
9

Whos_blue added 10:18 - Jan 13 Superb! Will be great to see him back at the club.
10

itsonlyme added 10:27 - Jan 13 Wonderful! My grandson is named after him!
3

Durley_Blue added 10:35 - Jan 13 Wow, will be worth the entrance fee alone, and I am sure not a dry eye in the house. A chance to sing "There's only 1 Marcus Stewart" once again.....
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ghostofescobar added 11:00 - Jan 13 Would be great to see him on the pitch to give the fans a wave. He would deserve the ovation and songs sung for him. Will never forget, and will always be grateful for, those 2 goals against Bolton and the 19 in the Prem the next season. That season still gives me a warm glow when I think about it. Welcome back, Marcus.
11

NORFOLK_BLUE added 11:46 - Jan 13 I am welling up already at the thought of being able to sing the song and teach my son about him!
5

trncbluearmy added 11:49 - Jan 13 11th minute, whole ground There's only one Marcus Stewart Loud and proud COYB
12

fifeblue added 12:22 - Jan 13 There's only one Marcus Stewart One Marcus Stewart Walking along Singing this song Walking in a Stewart Wonderland!
5

Brazils_Hair added 12:22 - Jan 13 Durley Blue - Norfolk Blue - completely agree with both of you. My wife and I will sing our bloody hearts out tomorrow!
4

Marinersnose added 12:24 - Jan 13 Those of us old enough to remember MS hold him dear to our hearts. His arrival at the club had a huge impact on the team and the club as a whole. A player who could go missing for large parts of the game then pop up with decisive goals. He was an absolute gem of a player who was born to score goals. He will get a fantastic reception and rightly so. This will add to the atmosphere within PR

7

Bazza8564 added 12:58 - Jan 13 My son will be with me tomorrow, his hero was Stewart as a kid, hes now 28 and its fitting we will both be there to show our appreciation
3

Tufty added 13:21 - Jan 13 By the time my grandson and I arrive at pr from Derbyshire tomorrow he will be aware of Marcus Stewart and what he means to us all. He will also have learned the song and he loves to sing so we will be loud and proud.
2

Henz10 added 14:01 - Jan 13 Excellent news Looking for a recommendation here where is good for a pre-match pint?
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Brazils_Hair added 14:10 - Jan 13 Henz 10 - The Thomas Wolsey has the worlds best beer on tap - Brewers Gold by Crouch Vale Brewery. Honestly, its magnificent. Its a good pub for after the game. Other than that The Greyhound is good or the Curve Bar. All ITFC.
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ChrisR added 15:03 - Jan 13 Thomas Wolsey , really well run Tudor pub , home fans only , brilliant service even if you cant get near the bar , please go !!!
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blueboy1981 added 17:45 - Jan 13 Nice One that ! Welcome Home Marcus.
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oshilling_coyb added 11:00 - Jan 14 Not only was Marcus a favourite player as an Ipswich fan in the early 00s, but last year he turned up as a special guest on my stag-do in Bristol (my best man had arranged), so he could model for us in a portrait drawing class. Absolute Legend.
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