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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.


Photo: Glory Days Artwork



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north_stand77 added 12:29 - Oct 29
Although I didn't know Tom personally, I remember seeing him at many Town games.

I'm sure there will be a lovely tribute paid to him on Saturday.
RIP Tom.
8

itsonlyme added 13:29 - Oct 29
So so sad! Rest in Peace Tom! Another tractor boy lost!
2

trulyblue added 13:33 - Oct 29
Tom used to buy the TWTD paper fanzines off me when I used to sell them outside Churchmans when Paul Stephens was editor sometime around 90/91, he would always stop for a chat, also used to see him at loads of away games.
Sad day.
4

Linkboy13 added 16:12 - Oct 29
Didn't know Tom condolences to his family and friends RIP.
0

OldClactonBlue added 16:38 - Oct 29
RIP Tom
0

d77sgw added 19:02 - Oct 29
Maybe it's just me turning into an old fart but I remember Tom from Town games in the 80s and 90s and right now it just feels sad that we've lost another link to when footie was a little more human, more about our community. Good days.
3

chepstowblue added 02:03 - Oct 30
Very saddened to hear this. A remarkable man. RIP Tom.
0

LegendRay added 11:34 - Nov 1
Sad week losing a great player and a great supporter. Hope they can both be honoured on Saturday.
I knew Tom Tomalin from the late eighties, and met him at many matches, including celebrating together on the pitch in 1992. He'd been dealt a tough hand as a child, but I never heard him complain about that. His passion for Town was enormous, inspired by the way we played under SBR. He was intrepid and determined following the team home and away. ' Running towards adversity' was an apt motto for him!
I can imagine his distinctive chirpy voice saying on Saturday 'what really matters is they play as well as they can. Come on Town'
0

SBT added 19:35 - Nov 2
When we lived in Yorkshire on occasions my son and I met Tommy at railway stations, eg Hull And Leeds and accompanied him to away grounds and back to the stations after the games. He was so brave doing those long rail journeys on his own. So we met at all the games in the area, including Grimsby and recognized each other and got to know each other a bit. I thought we were true blues but can never compare to dear Tommy. So pleased that he saw ITFC back in the Premier before he passed
0


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