Managing director Ian Milne knows the value of Ipswich Town’s loyal fans

Ipswich Town managing director Ian Milne (Image: Archant)

The ‘Blue Army’ have produced some outstanding support, especially on their travels – more than 2,000 fans made the trip to London to watch Town beat Fulham on a recent Tuesday night. And almost 3,000 Town fans travelled to MK Dons a couple of weeks ago.

It is support many Premier League clubs would be proud of and Milne was quick to acknowledge it.

“It’s almost like having a home crowd at some of these away games, such is the support we get,” Milne said.

“The players love it. They love to go and celebrate with them and of course the captain Luke Chambers loves to give them a good ‘fist pump’ at the end of the game.

“Our fans are hugely important to us and the club is focusing hard on them. Indeed we are looking at ways we can thank our away fans, with special initiatives going forward.”

Milne was speaking yesterday as the Town players enjoyed an afternoon with the club’s Junior Blues.

Young Town fans obtained autographs and played games with the first-team squad as the children geared up for Christmas.

“We have worked hard to build up the Junior Blues,” Milne added.

Junior Blues Christmas party at Portman Road. Town player showing their appreciation to the young blues supports.

“There has always been emphasis on our young fans, but over the past three or four years we have worked harder on it.

“It’s great to have the kids about, wearing Ipswich Town colours – they are the future and of course bring in the whole family.”

Reflecting on Town’s on-pitch performances in recent weeks, Milne said: “Against Derby it was a shame the result went against us because I felt the team fought so hard.

“We are still in the top six, but our aim has always been the top two and it will be our aim all season.”

Meanwhile Town captain Luke Chambers also praised the Town fans: “The support at both MK Dons and Fulham was terrific.

“I know our supporters always travel in their numbers but the last two games were something else.

“It gives us a boost to see our fans behind the goal supporting us and you can’t underestimate the role they play. I know it’s clichéd, but they really are the 12th man.

“It gives us a huge lift and it makes us more determined to have a successful season.”

Town look set for their biggest home gate of the season at home to QPR on Boxing Day, before the ‘Blue Army’ makes its way to Brighton (Dec 28) and Burnley (Jan 2) – all three huge games in the Championship play-off race.