Ipswich is set for its annual German takeover as the club welcomes around 100 Fortuna Dusseldorf fans for the Plymouth Argyle match on Saturday.

Ipswich Town will be visited by 100 Germans for their top-of-the-league clash on January 14, with a long history existing between the two clubs and their fans.

Fans from Dusseldorf first started visiting Portman Road in 2006 after former stadium announcer Ulli Münsterberg and his party wanted to find an English team to watch, but were unsure where to go.

Both Ipswich and Dusseldorf share a similar history, both having won the top division in their respective countries once, and both competing in European competitions in the 70s and 80s.

Ipswich Star: Fortuna Blues outside BBC Radio Suffolk during one of their previous visitsFortuna Blues outside BBC Radio Suffolk during one of their previous visits (Image: Fortuna Blues)

Since their first visit to the town, lots of friendships have been made, and even a marriage between an Ipswich fan and a Dusseldorf fan.

Mr Münsterberg said: "We found that, because we have a similar history and Ipswich has a very loyal fanbase, just like us, we thought we could relate to Town a lot."

This is the Germans' first visit to Portman Road since 2020, with Covid and Brexit putting a pause on the visits.

Mr Münsterberg continued: "I was wondering how many people would actually come to this one because with Covid and Brexit, it has made it harder for us to book.

"In Germany, we have a different system with passports where we are able to travel all round Europe with it, but with the UK, you need a different passport that we need to apply for, which costs 60 euros, and takes around two months to come in.

"I was surprised therefore when I went and saw how many people had signed up to come on this journey with us, and it was the fastest sign-up in our history."

Ipswich Star: Ulli Münsterberg sitting at the Portman Road press seat with another fan during one of their previous visitsUlli Münsterberg sitting at the Portman Road press seat with another fan during one of their previous visits (Image: Fortuna Blues)

The Fortuna fans will drive over on Friday evening before the game, spending the day in Ipswich, making their regular trip to Bears on Star Lane before the match and the Beattie Bar after the game, where they have in the past met club legends such as Terry Butcher, John Wark and Kevin Beattie.

Block A of the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road will be the home of these 100 fans, along with the South West supporters group, for Ipswich Town's League One match against league leaders Plymouth Argyle.

Mr Münsterberg said: "I see a manager and a young, hungry team that want to achieve goals for the club.

"Town will win 3-1 on Saturday and I can't wait."