Town fans are today being urged to back the Blues ahead of Sunday’s East Anglian derby to help bring to an end seven years of hurt.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alex Bruce (right) celebrates a goal and his favourite derby game with Giovani dos Santos and scorer Alan QuinnAlex Bruce (right) celebrates a goal and his favourite derby game with Giovani dos Santos and scorer Alan Quinn (Image: Archant)

This weekend’s big game against arch rivals Norwich City at Portman Road is a chance to secure the Tractor Boys’ first derby victory since 2009.

It was there, seven years ago, that Town last beat the Canaries, and the team will need the crowd’s support to make that home advantage count.

Liz Edwards, chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club, said some of her greatest memories as a fan involved wins over Norwich, including the 5-0 “demolition derby” in 1998.

“Every time I close my eyes, I imagine a Town win on Sunday, and maybe just one moment that will become a lifelong memory for everyone in the stadium,” she added. “Come on you Blues.”

To ensure the players get an extra loud reception when they take to the pitch on Sunday the club will be placing 20,000 clappers on the seats around the stands before kick-off, sponsored by local business Vertas, Mervyn Lambert Plant as well as the Ipswich Star and EADT.

Steve Pearce, media manager at ITFC, said: “It’s great that we have had the support of local companies in helping us provide the clappers, now we need the Blue Army to make some noise for the Tractor Boys and get right behind Mick and the team on Sunday.”

The club is expecting a crowd of around 25,000 for the big game and will be opening its fanzone from 9.30am, ahead of the 12noon kick-off.,

Skipper Luke Chambers said: “All the players in our dressing-room understand the importance of this fixture to everyone in the area, and we will be giving it our all to make sure the Ipswich fans can head into work on Monday morning with the bragging rights.”