The family of a lifelong Town fan who once walked home with Sir Alf Ramsey said all he could talk about was this Saturday's game before his passing this week.

If you were ever in the North Stand of Portman Road watching, then you would have likely crossed paths with Valentine Powell, who was better known to many as Val. 

He passed away at the age of 81 earlier this week. 

In his memory, Val's family is hoping fans will join in an applause at the 81st minute of the team's final game against Huddersfield on Saturday, May 4. 

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Town fan was a regular at the North StandIpswich Town fan was a regular at the North Stand (Image: Jasmine Powell)

His granddaughter Jasmine Powell said: "For the week he was in the hospital he talked to everyone in his ward about football and the promotion for Ipswich Town.

"Coming into this weekend you would not have heard the end of it, and he would have stories about this weekend for ages to come."

His love for the Blues passed down generations of his family and his grandchildren associate the stadium with him. 

Jasmine remembers when she was in primary school she got tickets to a game in Portman Road and took her grandfather along.

"He was a North Stand supporter and I took him to the family stand," she added, "That's a moment he would never let me live down."

She said for Val the atmosphere in the North Stand was second to none.

Ipswich Star: For Val the atmosphere in the North Stand was second to noneFor Val the atmosphere in the North Stand was second to none (Image: Jasmine Powell)

For the club, he had told many stories in the papers such as walking home with Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1950s after he missed his trolleybus. 

After the news of Val's passing reached the fans, many came out with their tributes remembering him.

Some talked about how he would make fans feel welcome, while others said he would talk for ages with a passion for the club. 

"He would have loved a promotion this weekend," said Jasmine.