New-look Cobbold Stand finished - and what a difference it makes!

For years, peeling, faded plastic has been an eyesore on the windows that look down on the Portman Road side of the club's famous old stadium.

That has now been stripped clean and replaced with eye-catching pictures and words that tell the story of the club's history.

Our Town, Our Team (Image: Archant)

Work was finished today, ahead of the return of fans to Portman Road for Saturday's friendly with Premier League Crystal Palace, the first time since last December that supporters will be allowed in the ground.

You can watch a video walk past of the new images, complete with a sneak preview of the Portman Road PA system blasting out an iconic song which is sure to make an appearance on Saturday's playlist, here...

The first set of panes has the words 'Our Town, Our Team' and includes a montage of players from over the years, including recent long-serving skipper Luke Chambers and the late, great club legend Paul Mariner.

A first look at the iconic Ipswich images on the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road (Image: Archant)

As you progress along the stand, landmark moments in the club's history are depicted from being elected to the Football League in 1938, to the First Division ('62), FA Cup ('78) and UEFA Cup ('81) glories, as well as second-tier promotions of '92 and '00.

Also referenced is the club's proud 31-game unbeaten home record in European cup competitions.

Former chairman John Cobbold, managers Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, as well as club legends Ray Crawford, Mick Mills, John Wark and George Burley have prominent imagery along the 18 sections.

The late great Kevin Beattie features (Image: Archant)

Ted Phillips, Billy Baxter, Andy Nelson, John Elsworthy, Roy Bailey, Frans Thijssen, Paul Cooper, Allan Hunter, Alan Brazil, Roger Osborne, Robin Turner, David Geddis, Trevor Whymark, Brian Talbot, Terry Butcher, Russell Osman, Arnold Muhren, Eric Gates, Frank Yallop, Jason Dozzell, Simon Milton, Chris Kiwomya, Mick Stockwell, Titus Bramble, Richard Wright, Kieron Dyer, Jim Magilton, Matt Holland, Richard Naylor, Tony Mowbray, Marcus Stewart, Martjin Reuser, David Johnson and Alun Armstrong all feature along the way.

The timeline was designed by Town fan, Marcus Parrott, with the Hudson Group supplying the print and fitting.

“The Club wanted something that would catch the eye but that also told the story of Ipswich Town,” Marcus told the club website.

“Obviously being a fan of the club myself, it was a job that immediately appealed but design-wise it was a challenge because we had to work around the metal strips that hold in the panels of glass.

"Hopefully the end result will be well received by the supporters.”

George Burley is recognised for his 20 years service as player and manager (Image: Archant)

The club's proud 31-game unbeaten home record in European cup competitions is referenced (Image: Archant)

European Tour features that shows the Blues fifth place finish in the Premier League (Image: Archant)

Play-off glory in 2000 (Image: Archant)

Second Division champions in 1991-92 features (Image: Archants)

Legendary Captain and record appearance maker Mick Mills has his own block (Image: Archant)

Roger Osborne's legendary goals in the FA Cup final is depicted (Image: Archant)

John Wark and the UEFA Cup glory is featured (Image: Archant)

Portman Road's record crowd is part of the timeline (Image: Archant)

Sir Bobby Robson features when he arrived at Portman Road in 1969 (Image: Archant)

Former Chairman John Cobbold features (Image: Archant)

Landmark moments in the club's history are depicted (Image: Archant)

Ray Crawford features who is Town's all-time top scorer (Image: Archant)

Legendary Town manager Sir Alf Ramsey features (Image: Archant)

A first look at the iconic Ipswich images on the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road (Image: Archant)