Ipswich Town stars show support for new book about club

Jack Taylor, Harry Clarke, Massimo Luongo, George Edmundson and Wes Burns have given their support to Rob Parker's new book One of Our Own.

The Ipswich teacher said that for him, supporting Ipswich Town is a family affair.

He, his wife, Lucy Hawkley, and their two sons are huge supporters of the club, as are his brothers and his parents. 

Rob Parker has written the book called One of Our Own. (Image: Rob Parker/ITFC)

So, when Mr Parker was given the opportunity to write a book paying homage to the club, he leapt at the chance.

In 2022, Mr Parker and his wife joined forces to bring out a children's book together called Stink the Sloth.

Mr Parker came up with the story about the footballing sloth and Ms Hawkley, an art teacher, created the pictures.

Then last year while visiting the Ipswich Town Foundation which was stocking copies of the book, a staff member asked Mr Parker if he had ever considered writing a book about Ipswich Town.

Rob Parker is a huge Ipswich town fan. (Image: ITFC/Rob Parker)

"It's something I had always thought about, so when the chance came about, I jumped," said Mr Parker.

Within six months, One of Our Own was ready to share, with Ms Hawkley once again coming on board to illustrate the book. 

ITFC players have starred in a video about the book. (Image: ITFC)

The picture book is part love letter to the club, and part a nostalgic history which Rob hopes can be enjoyed by younger and older readers alike. 

The main character, Bobby, takes readers on a journey, sharing the momentous highs of the club such as the 1978 FA win, and introduces younger readers about the legendary figures who have made the club what it is today.

The book begins with a quote from none other than Sir Bobby Robson: "What is a club? It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city."

To purchase a copy, visit: www.dmpublishing.co.uk