Town CEO Mark Ashton has made good on his promise to have the Town Suffolk Punch tattooed on his wrist should the Blues win promotion to the Premier League.

Ashton already had a tattoo of the logo of the Lentonbrook Foundation, which he established last year, and, speaking to Life’s a Pitch TV in December, vowed that the horse would be added if Town made the top flight.

“I also had a conversation with the family and have an agreement with the family,” he said. “When - when - we get promoted, the horse is going on that wrist. And you can hold me to that.”

Now, in the first instalment of a two-part interview with TownTV, Ashton revealed that that promise has been kept.

“I did say it would be done,” he said. “This is my tip of the cap to the fanbase, the town, the Suffolk community.

“Three years ago, I felt this community really took me in and has looked after me all the way through. So wherever I go, whatever I do, that’s my tip of the cap and thank-you.”

Brett Johnson, one of the Three Lions wing of the US ownership, made a similar promise in 2021 following the takeover but so far with no photographic evidence that he has fulfilled his commitment.

Photo: TownTV

jayceee added 13:51 - May 16 Haha - good man! Love it.
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Marcus added 13:51 - May 16 I just hope it isn't Henna!
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Gforce added 13:58 - May 16 Top man, absolutely brilliant. Mark Ashton and his team have completely turned our club around, since their arrival. We are extremely lucky to have these guys at the helm.(Along with our fantastic owners)
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superblues9 added 14:36 - May 16 Legend
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We8Norwich added 15:23 - May 16 Bet he's not got a Bristol City one!
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itsonlyme added 15:45 - May 16 That’s three different geniuses we’ve got at our club - the ownership, Kieran Mc, and Mark Ashton. Love all of these to bits! They have single handedly given our club back to us fans and I believe more success is just around the corner! COYB!
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MK1 added 17:50 - May 16 That makes him a blue in my book. He has done a fantastic job since coming in and long may it continue. Welcome to the official club Mark.
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Baino added 18:16 - May 16 I just read this article that came up on my Google feed. Ashton speaks very well, too. https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/16/how-ipswich-promotion-p Three parts that struck me..... If you look at clubs like Brighton and Brentford they have thrived because they’ve had a way of doing things and stuck to it. Similarly, we’ll work in our way.” People who are as successful as he’s been are in demand,” he says. “But Kieran and I are really close, our relationship is probably the tightest at the club, and he’s never given me any indication that he wants to do anything other than be as successful as he can here. I see him continuing his development to be a top, top manager, and I foresee that being here.” Retaining that feeling will be crucial when the ravages, and pound signs, of the highest level hit. “It won’t change,” he continues. “If we lose those values we lose everything. This is a unique club. The embeddedness in our community is our heart and soul.” Every one of those paragraphs are music to my ears.

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Gforce added 21:33 - May 16 Baino......A very heartening post mate.
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NITFC added 19:04 - May 17 itsonlyme - three people can't do things singlehandedly or am I being a bit picky LOL Seriously, I completely share your view. These are amazing times
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NITFC added 19:07 - May 17 On an England away trip just after we appointed Mark Ashton, we met some Bristol City fans who absolutely hated him and was convinced he would drag Ipswich down Idiots
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BurleysGloryDays added 00:00 - May 21 Good man. He’s found his football home and we’re lucky to have him. A perfect partnership.
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