He carries the weight of expectation of Ipswich fans on his shoulders - and now you can help cheer on new Town manager Paul Hurst as the football season gets underway this weekend.

Ipswich Star: Archant staff wear Paul Hurst masks ahead of the Championship opener Picture: ROSS HALLSArchant staff wear Paul Hurst masks ahead of the Championship opener Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

The new boss, who takes over from Mick McCarthy, faces his first big test when the Tractor Boys take on Blackburn Rovers at Portman Road on Saturday.

There is hope Mr Hurst will lead the Blues to great things - and to show your support, you can pick up one of our very own Paul Hurst masks to wear in the stands.

We have hundreds of the masks which will be given out on a first come, first served basis with our £1 goody bags.

The goody bags, available at the ground, also contain a packet of crisps, a bottle of water and a chocolate bar, as well as a newspaper.

EADT and Ipswich Star editor Brad Jones said: “There is great excitement at the start of the new season and we wanted to play our part in getting behind the new manager and cheering the Blues onto success.

“We hope fans wear the masks with pride and really get behind the team for the whole of this season.”