Ipswich Town director Ed Schwartz firmly believes the club’s promotion from League One ‘is just the beginning of an incredible journey’.
There was an outpouring of emotion as the Blues secured their Championship return on Saturday, a little over two years after the club’s American takeover began the process of revitalising a club close to being on its knees.
Schwartz heads up ORG, the investment firm which manages money for the Arizona pension fund (PSPRS) which owns Ipswich Town, and has been a regular visitor to Portman Road over the last two years.
READ MORE: The key moments on the way to promotion
He was joined by Town’s Three Lions – Brett Johnson, Berke Bakay and Mark Detmer – on Saturday, with the group enjoying a moment in the middle of the pitch with CEO Mark Ashton after the crowds had left the stadium.
We are going up! Days like these don’t just happen, they take focus, dedication and relentless hard work. Thank you to every Town supporter, player, coach, staff, and fellow board member for believing we could do it. @IpswichTown #ITFC #COYB #ITID #GameChanger20 pic.twitter.com/XVXfuwVdBm
— Mark Detmer (@MarkDetmer) May 1, 2023
“We could not be more pleased with the incredible support we have from the fanbase – it's like nothing we could have ever imagined,” Schwartz said.
“The emotion and feeling you get walking the streets is something we couldn’t have imagined. We’re so proud to be part of this incredible journey.
“This is a bigger and better opportunity than we could have imagined. Like Mark Ashton has said, this isn’t the end, it’s just the end of the beginning. We’re excited for an incredible journey together.
“A lot of us feel like the most difficult task was to get out of League One. We have accomplished that now and we will be working hard to develop our plans for next season and beyond.
“But our long-term goal has always been to build a sustainable club who can be competitive and compete at the highest levels of English football.”
Town’s American ownership watch every game from home, but were humbled to be in the stadium and witness a significant moment in the club’s history.
“We don’t miss a game but there is no substitute for the feeling you get at Portman Road,” Schwartz said.
“It’s an atmosphere like I have never seen or could ever have imagined. As an American it’s special to see how this whole community comes together and the support has motivated us to do more, invest more and give more to this club and this community.”
While planning for the Championship is already underway, there is one more League One game to play, with the Blues bidding to win the title at Fleetwood on Sunday.
“That would be incredible,” Schwartz said.
“I know Kieran and all the players are very motivated to get that so we support them in everything they are doing.”
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