Stars from the world's of showbusiness and darts have said it is 'fantastic' that Ipswich Town are on the brink of getting promoted back to the Premier League for the first time in 24 years.
Rock star Rick Wakeman, who was a member of the band Yes, follows the Tractor Boys' fortunes as he lives on the Shotley peninsula and said he had been to quite a few games over the years, describing Ipswich as a 'great, friendly club'.
He said: "I am absolutely thrilled with what they have done. Joe Royle was a friend of mine and I remember how tough it was for them and it is great that the tide has turned."
READ MORE: Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna to make late team selection decision
Town need just a point from tomorrow's final Championship match at home to Huddersfield Town to secure a top flight spot, but Wakeman said they should be 'brimming with confidence' and go looking for the win, adding that they 'don't want to be drawing 0-0 with three minutes to go'.
The keyboard player said if promoted, the club had the opportunity to grow its fanbase internationally, especially in the United States where every Premier League game is shown on TV.
READ MORE: Ipswich Town: Mark Lawrenson says Blues will get promoted
"It is fantastic for the town, it is fantastic for the club and I think for the supporters," he added.
Former professional darts player Keith Deller, who was born in Ipswich and is a huge Tractor Boys fan, echoed Wakeman's sentiments.
The former BDO world champion, who beat Eric Bristow to win the title in 1983, said a return to the Premier League would bring a feel good factor to Ipswich and potentially more employment opportunities when times were tough.
READ MORE: Ipswich news
"We have got our club back. With such a great history, it was going into the sewer really and the fans have been unbelievable and the whole town has been behind it. I am so proud of the players; Kieran McKenna, for me, has been unbelievable.
"Whatever happens tomorrow, we are going the right way," he said.
Actor and comedian Omid Djalili - who has lived in Ipswich for about three years - has joked on social media site Twitter/X that Town's success was due to 'the Djalili effect'.
He said: "When I moved there, Ipswich were mid-table in League One. Now on the verge of returning to the Premier League. Some are calling it 'the Djalili effect'. Actually, no one is."
READ MORE: Suffolk news
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel