MEET YOUR TEAM
Mandy Garner, Chairwoman
Honoured to become Chairwoman of the Supporters Club after supporting Ipswich Town FC since childhood and working on the Supporters Club committee for a few years and also been on the fans forum.
Supporting both the men’s and women’s teams I spent a career in the NHS
Many memorable games, but husband Peter (also pictured) getting down on one knee and getting engaged at Swindon away 1988 and going on to win the game with a last minute goal winning 3-2, a double celebration there.
May I thank all the many supporters who kindly wished me well in my new role.
Nathan Parris, Vice Chair and head of events
Nathan has been Town fan around fifteen years. His passion for Ipswich is undeniable as he follows Ipswich both home and away, racking up thousands of miles per season. Our Vice-Chair is also the official ITFC drummer and plays an integral part in helping with the atmosphere at Portman Road.
Nathan is pictured with Club Chairman Mike O'Leary.
Sam Bishop, head of IT & Branding
My first game was the famous comeback 2-0 down and ten men against Sheffield united. be going regularly home & away since the Roy Keane era so haven't experience the highs, but wouldn't change it for the world!
Barry Morgan-Smith (Baz) Secretary
Baz has been following the Blues since 1970, when he was only six, as the Blues beat Man Utd 4-0.
Now enjoys the games from The Magnus Stand, has been known to dress as an Arab for some fixtures,, and was in full robes as we beat Exeter in April to seal promotion. Favourite ever game was against WBA at Highbury in 1978, John Wark's late header banishing the pain of '75 and semi final heartbreak against West Ham.
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Linda Byford, Treasurer
I have been an Ipswich fan since 1977 all thanks to my Dad. I have followed Ipswich all over the country and abroad.....going to Helsingborg in 2002.My seat is in Sir Bobby Robson Stand Area 5.
Lisa Ford, Events Regional and Branch
I am a life long fan of ITFC, having spent many a day standing at the back of Churchman’s on my milk crate! Back in the day I was a competitive swimmer and I remember sneaking in at half time after a particular training session, only to realise I was with the away fans! I have never found keeping quiet so hard in my life! I have been a season ticket holder since the Magilton days, witnessing some of the worst and now best football from my beloved club! My favourite memory is the 2000 play off final, I was 9 months pregnant with my son, I swear he kicked every ball during that game! It’s no surprise then that he went on to become the original Radio Suffolk Tractor boy!
Philip Baxter, Events and Corporate Revenue
Coming Soon
Richard Chandler, Events Regional and Branch
I have been watching Town since 1969, when I was taken to see a 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.
I was fortunate enough to witness the great 70 and 80's side, and went to Wembley in '78 with Baz our secretary.
I also remember well the two 7-0 home wins against Southampton and WBA, which was my all time hero Paul Mariner's first home game.
Phil
I've been a town fan for as long as I can remember and started going with My Mum, Step Dad and Sister. When he passed away me and my sister kept on going.
I've been a season ticket holder since 1982 when I used to stand on my crate in Churchman's. My favourite town games are the play off final and the Exeter game from last season.
Managed to go to 36 games last season alongside my sister who passed away after seeing us promoted back to the championship.
Now my two youngest children and myself are season ticket holders where we were sat with her before.
Ollie Smith, Events and Event Communications
An Ipswich fan from a very young age, Ollie has recently returned to Suffolk after some years living in Australia and London, and can be found in Section 6 with his brother and friends. Ollie played in the inaugural Australian fans game against that lot up the road, saving a penalty to win the game in the shoot-out.
Barry Calver, Head of UK Branch Development
First game was back in 1975.
Part of the Supporters Club committee 20 years ago and have also been on the Supporters Forum.
Also formed the Felixstowe Branch back in 1999.
Presently part of the Junior Blues team at Portman Road on a matchdays.
Paul Adams, Head of International Branch Development
First game was the '78 Cup Final as a three year old. Got taken by my uncle into the changing rooms after the game and have a programme which was signed by the whole team on the day - can't remember a thing about it!
Live in South Wales but follow the Town (Up or Down - naturally!)
Here we acknowledge the valuable contributions by members of our team who are sadly no longer with us.
In loving memory of Martin Swallow 1969 - 2022
Martin had supported the Club since 1981. He sponsored players including Tommy Smith, Tom Eastman and Josh Carson in the past, as well as being on the Club Forum since 2009. He sat in the Sir Alf Ramsay upper stand, and after being on the committee for a number of years, succeeded Mark Ramsay as Chairman in the summer of 2022. Sadly, Martin passed away only a few months later at the age of 53. A life cut cruelly short by illness and an enormous loss to us all.
In loving memory of Irene Davey 1934-2024
Until her passing in 2024, Irene had been going to Portman Road for 76 years. She was taken to her first game by her dad as her brother was busy so there was a spare ticket. Dad had to bring a milk crate for Irene to stand on as she was too small to see what was going on.
Irene was Patron of the Supporters Club, had been Chairwoman of the Ipswich Branch for many years and passed away just a few weeks short of her 90th birthday.
Irene is rated as "irreplaceable" by those she leaves behind on the team. We will miss her and treasure her momery.