This summer's visit to Portman Road by Elton John is just the first of a number of musical events planned by the club. The former Watford chairman's concert on June 16th looks set to be a 25,000 sell-out and bring vital cash into the club.

Town are likely to make a six-figure sum out of the gig but next year have three similar endeavours planned. There was a possibility this summer that Westlife would also play Portman Road but instead the Irish popsters will take to the stage in Chantry Park.

With three dates pencilled in for the summer of 2005, the Blues have a radical solution to the problem of the pitch being damaged by the feet of thousands of revellers.

Groundsman Alan Ferguson's beloved turf will be ripped up at the end of the 2004/05 season and replaced after the three concerts with a pitch grown at the club's training facility at Playford Road.

The identities of the bands likely to be involved in the 2005 concerts has not yet been decided.

Photo: Action Images

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