IPSWICH Town Football Club is to create a lasting tribute to the memory of one of its former vice presidents.

IPSWICH Town Football Club is to create a lasting tribute to the memory of one of its former vice presidents.

The Harold Smith Trophy for Most Promising Academy Player will be presented annually to the young player who shows outstanding development while at the club's youth academy.

Mr Smith died in August last year, aged 89, following a lifetime of supporting the Blues, serving 31 years on the board from 1964 to 1995 and thereafter, until his death, as a club vice president.

Club chairman David Sheepshanks said: “This is a fitting tribute to a man who truly loved his football and specifically Ipswich Town Football Club.

“Harold took a keen interest in youth football and derived great pleasure in following the careers of our Academy players. I am sure that he would be very proud to have such a trophy presented in his name. “

To further recognise Mr Smith's contribution to Ipswich Town, the board of directors has provided two complimentary season tickets in his name to the Park House Hotel in Sandringham.

The hotel provides disabled guests and their carers with holiday accommodation in the Norfolk countryside.