Ipswich Town fan has 2024/25 season ticket renewed for free

Nina Battle first started attending games at Portman Road in the 1980s, and would regularly watch the Blues with husband Gary. 

Mr Battle, who "lived, ate and slept Ipswich", passed away of a brain tumour on April 5 - just a month before the memorable final day of the season against Huddersfield Town. 

Nina's husband Gary died a month before the season ended (Image: Sky Bet)

“Supporting Ipswich means companionship and friendship," said Mrs Battle. "It's really important to me at the moment. I have had a difficult year. 

"I sadly I lost my [husband] Gary on April 5 to a brain tumour. Gary lived, ate, and slept Ipswich.

"It’s always been a roller coaster of emotions. We've been up, we've been down, I’ve thrown the cushion at the telly. You name it, we've done it."

After being nominated by the club, Mrs Battle has had her season ticket renewed for free through Sky Bet's 'It's for the Fans' campaign. 

Gary Battle with his wife Nina (Image: Submitted)

She added: "Now look at us, we’re back where we belong. 29,000 fans on average at every game, it’s amazing. I’m amazed and so thankful. Gary would be buzzing."

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Daniel Sales, of Sky Bet, said: “Our For The Fans campaign is all about rewarding the best of what UK football fan culture has to offer and Nina is a shining example of this. Her relationship with Ipswich Town and the wider fan community is what makes football so great."

Ipswich Town's supporter engagement executive Seb Norton added: “Nina Battle is an Ipswich Town fan through and through and is fully deserving of this gesture.

"After what has been a tough time for her personally, we had no hesitation in recommending her for the special gift from Sky Bet.”