Two successive climbs
It's enough to make you dizzy looking at Ipswich Town's recent trajectory. Only two years ago, the club was still playing in League One, the third tier of English football. The “Tractor Boys” achieved the feat of achieving two consecutive promotions, thus finding their place in the elite after 22 years absence.
Back in the Premier League, Ipswich Town does not intend to stop there. Why not dream of the title next season? After all, they already achieved this feat during their only title of champion of England in 1962, a year after their rise to the first division.
The “Tractor Boys”
The origin of this nickname is mocking. Opposing fans, unhappy at losing to Ipswich, sang: “We are being beaten by a gang of tractor drivers”. A reference to the geographical location of Ipswich, located in Suffolk, a county known for its agricultural activity.
Against all odds, Ipswich supporters have taken this nickname with pride. “Tractor Boys” now embodies the spirit of the club: a hardworking and determined team.
Ed Sheeran: devoted fan and generous sponsor of the club
Ed Sheeran, the successful British artist, has never hidden his love for Ipswich Town, his childhood club. This deep attachment pushed him to become actively involved in the life of the club. Then in financial difficulties after relegation (2019) and the coronavirus pandemic, the Tractor Boys were then experiencing one of the worst periods in their history. It is at this time, in 2021, that it is became Ipswich's main sponsor. For this season, the residents of Portman Road are wearing a jersey flocked with the name of the star's world tour, “The Mathematics Tour.
In addition to the financial involvement, the famous singer is regularly in the aisles of the stadium and has already been caught serving beers to supporters. A simple gesture which illustrates his closeness to the fans and his commitment to the club. Unfortunately, he was unable to take part in the Premier League promotion celebrations due to a concert for the Formula 1 GP. “I’m in Miami, I have to pay for the sponsorship one way or another”he explained.
When Ipswich met Hollywood
The year 1981 was marked by a historic double for Ipswich Town: the UEFA Cup victory against AZ Alkmaar and… a notable appearance at the cinema. Indeed, several players from the club, including Scottish international John Wark and Englishman Russell Osman, took part in the filming of the film “Ours is Victory”.
This film features a group of prisoners of war who organize a football match against a team of German soldiers during World War II. Among the Hollywood stars of the film are Sylvester Stallone and of course, football legend Pelé, as well as our compatriot Paul Van Himst.
Undefeated at home on the European stage
A success on the European and world stage on the screens which is accompanied by a record. The English team is undefeated at home in European competitions. The club is 31 consecutive games without defeat at home. Throughout its history, Ipswich Town has faced clubs like Real Madrid and AC Milan.
A catastrophic defensive record and a record
After a coronation in 1961, they had a particularly difficult season two years later, during which they conceded 121 goals in 42 league matches. This is the most goals conceded by a team in a single season in the English Premier League. This sad record established that season led to an inevitable descent into the Championship.
We will have to wait until August to see Ed Sheeran's protégés rub shoulders with the Premier League big names.
