The new Championship fixtures are released today, with Ipswich Town set for their 16th successive campaign in the second tier of English football.
The opening day is a time for optimism and positivity as fans ponder what the new season could hold, while many supporters will get their first glimpses of their club’s new signings.
Town’s record on the opening day, since turning professional in 1936 is a good one, the Blues having won 30 and drawn 25 of their 74 games (Results during the World Ward Two era were not officially recognised).
Ipswich’s recent record is good too, the Blues last losing a game on the opening day in 2013 when a Jay Tabb goal against his former club was not enough to stop a 2-1 defeat away at Reading.
Last season’s curtain-raiser was particularly memorable for Grant Ward who, on his debut for the club, entered the fray as a half-time substitute and became an instant hero as he scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 home win against Barnsley.
There have several more unforgettable Town games both home and away, on the opening day and we have produced a gallery of action of some of the best from recent times.
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