FOOLHARDY or diehard? It's not east to say which term best describes Ipswich fan Mick Scrivener.Not only is the American based Tractor Boy crossing the pond to watch his beloved Blues take on Southampton next week he recently had a permanent reminder of his passion etched on his arm.

By Matt Eley

FOOLHARDY or diehard? It's not east to say which term best describes Ipswich fan Mick Scrivener.

Not only is the American based Tractor Boy crossing the pond to watch his beloved Blues take on Southampton next week he recently had a permanent reminder of his passion etched on his arm.

Mick is the chairman of the North American Ipswich Town supporters club and he, along with about ten members, will be flying across the Atlantic to take in Town's next Premiership game.

The group will be treated to VIP treatment when they are given a full tour of the stadium on the day before the match.

Speaking from his San Diego home prior to the Portman Road pilgrimage, he said: "The club has been up and running for about a year and half now. I have already been to Helsinborg and Milan this year but this is the first trip to Ipswich.

"We are going to try to do one every year. We chose this game because we though the North Stand would be ready, but we will have to wait until next season for that."

There are about 90 members of the North American Supporters Club from more than 15 different states. Some are ex-patriots who have moved across the Atlantic and others have simply developed a love of Ipswich Town from afar.

Stowmarket man Rob Atherton has been helping sort out details of the American invasion, such as hotel arrangements, from his Suffolk base.

Rob, 32, is a season ticket holder at Portman Road, and met Mick and fellow Americans in Milan.

He said: "I first met Mick in an internet chatroom. He said he was having problems getting his tickets sent to him for the Milan game so I said I would pick them up and meet him in Italy. Since then we have kept in touch."

In fact IT consultant Rob will be jetting over to see Rob in San Diego the weekend before he comes across the Ipswich.

Rob said: "I have a load of air miles saved up and Rob asked of I wanted to go over for the weekend. I thought it would be fun and it certainly beats going to Pals for a night out."

After all the transatlantic criss-crossing both men will be sitting at Portman Road next Saturday>.

Mick will be with the other American visitors in the Britannia Stand while Rob will be in his usual seat in the South Stand.

Of course every fan will be hoping for Ipswich can get three points from the clash with Southampton and be able to do some travelling of their own – further away from the relegation zone.

WEBLINK: Visit the North American Supporters Club website at www.portmanroad.com