Tributes Pour in For Town Fan Tom Tuesday, 29th Oct 2024 12:17 Tributes continue to pour in following the death of well-known Town supporter Tom Tomalin on Friday evening, aged 54. Tomalin, who died of heart failure having spent a week in West Middlesex Hospital, was a familiar face to Blues fans, making his way to games far and wide often on his own, despite the obstacles the transport network puts in the way of wheelchair users. The son of author and journalist Claire Tomalin and late journalist Nicholas Tomalin, Tom was fondly remembered by a number of ex-players, among them former skipper Matt Holland. “I am so sorry to read this. I have many fond memories of chats we have had outside Portman Road,” he wrote on Facebook. “Tom was the definition of ‘Super Fan!’ His attitude and determination to life was inspiring. My deepest condolences… RIP Tom x.” Ex-midfielder Adam Tanner added: “Very sad to hear of Tom Tomalin’s passing. I remember him being at youth, reserve and first team matches all over the country in all weathers, offering words of encouragement and a song - an amazing fan and character who will be sadly missed - RIP Tom.” Tom was a member of Football Supporters’ Association National Council at one time and former FSA chair Malcolm Clarke also paid tribute. “I was saddened to hear that Tom Tomalin has passed away. As well as being a passionate Ipswich Town fan, he was a strong advocate for the rights of supporters with disabilities at a time when there was less interest in that than there is today (although still not enough!),” he wrote. “He didn’t let his own disability stop him travelling to cheer on the Tractor Boys and, while I hadn’t seen him for a number of years, I followed him on Facebook with interest and saw his passion for live music too. RIP Tom and thanks for everything you did for football fans.” Fellow Blues have also posted their memories, tributes and messages of condolence on social media, among them the illustration above by Glory Days Artwork, and the TWTD Forum. Town are expected to facilitate a tribute to Tom at Saturday’s game at home to Leicester City.
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