Ipswich Town: Terry Hunt on his best days as a fan of the Blues

In the last couple of weeks, since Ipswich won promotion in such thrilling fashion, a few people have asked what is the highlight of my 55 years as a Town supporter.

Luckily, there have been quite a few memorable moments in that time - and I have to say that the celebrations after the 6-0 demolition of Exeter rank alongside the best.

Yes, I know we should keep things in perspective, and we were "only" celebrating our escape from the third division after four long years in that dreadful league.

Town players hoist boss Kieran McKenna into the air after winning promotion (Image: PA Images)

But - and it’s a big but - promotion came as such a relief after so many years of downright misery for Ipswich fans.

Since the wonderful first Premier League season under George Burley, in 2001-02, there has been precious little to get excited about.

Two play-off semi-finals under Joe Royle, one under Mick McCarthy, and the long, slow decline under the ownership of Marcus Evans, culminating in our unwanted stay in League One are what we’ve suffered in the last two decades.

So the level of euphoria after we confirmed promotion was entirely understandable.

Realistically, you have to be 30 years old to remember the play-off final in 2000, and the glorious Premier League campaign which followed.

So, for thousands of younger Town supporters, this is their very first taste of success. For them, it is the highlight of their time supporting Town. So, you really can’t blame them for having a party!

During our two-decade malaise, our club has lost many young fans, lured away by the bright lights of the big Premier League clubs. As I’ve said before, my two sons, now aged 30 and 27, are both Man Utd fans.

Their heads were turned during the Alex Ferguson era, when United hoovered up every trophy imaginable. In comparison with what Ipswich had to offer, it was sadly inevitable. They are certainly not the only ones.

Now, our younger supporters have real success to celebrate, genuine hope for the future, and a club which understands them and shows how much it values their support.

Under our ambitious American owners, I am convinced there will be more success to come.

Watching Town win promotion to the Premier League at Wembley in 2000 is Terry's best moment as a fan (Image: John Babb)

As I’ve said before, they won’t be satisfied with the Championship. They are determined to see us in the Premier League. How exciting is that?

Back to the original question...my highlights as a Town supporter since 1968.

Strangely enough, the FA Cup and UEFA Cup triumphs aren’t at the top. Of course they were great, but for me they came at a time when I was young and foolish enough to believe that our Robson glory days would last forever.

We’d been a major force for nearly a decade, so why would it ever stop? So, I suppose I rather took those two major cup victories for granted. Big, big mistake.

The highlight for me, up until this year, was the Wembley 2000 play-off victory over Barnsley. It also came after several years of disappointment, and was a real moment to cherish.

Jim Magilton's famous night against Bolton in THAT play-off match is Terry's best game as a Town fan (Image: Archant)

Of course, it was preceded by the most exciting match I’ve ever seen at Portman Road, the absolutely amazing play-off semi-final against Bolton, Jim Magilton hat-trick and all. What a night that was!

By then, I was old enough and wise enough to know that such occasions aren’t everyday occurrences for clubs like Ipswich, and I soaked up every single, wonderful moment at Wembley.

My wife and I were lucky enough to be invited back to the club’s party at Trinity Park, which was an incredibly special evening.

That was my best day as an Ipswich fan, but this year’s Portman Road promotion party runs it very, very close.

Happy days. I don’t suppose I’m the only one who cannot wait until August. Have a good summer.