WITH less than two months to go before England play Croatia at Portman Road, civic and business leaders in Ipswich have today launched a campaign to boost the town's profile in the run-up to the match.

WITH less than two months to go before England play Croatia at Portman Road, civic and business leaders in Ipswich have today launched a campaign to boost the town's profile in the run-up to the match.

Using the slogan "Football's Coming Home," the campaign focuses on the fact that England's most successful two managers have taken the national job after success at Portman Road.

Ipswich council leader Peter Gardiner said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for business community to showcase their achievements on a national stage.

"Ipswich plays a key role in the East of England economy and we want to put on a high profile campaign so more people across the country and across the world recognise the fact."

The council has already met representatives from England team sponsor Nationwide Building Society and is developing a number of promotions.

A special "Welcome to Ipswich" pack is being sent to more than 60 editors and journalists on national papers and business and broadcasting journalists.

It is a mixture of fact and humour, with the message that the Tractor Boys have grown up – they now eat silicon chips, not straw.

Council chief executive James Hehir said: "This campaign needs the support of everyone in Ipswich and the surrounding area.

"We don't want to exclude anyone and will listen to all ideas. There is a great opportunity for hotels, restaurants and other leisure facilities to benefit immediately but we want this to be more than a one-night wonder."