ANDREW Scott was in a Blue heaven today after being crowned Ipswich Town fan of the year.The Blues fanatic from Solihull in the west Midlands received his award at last night's Ipswich Town end-of-season dinner at Trinity Park.

By Elvin King

ANDREW Scott was in a Blue heaven today after being crowned Ipswich Town fan of the year.

The Blues fanatic from Solihull in the west Midlands received his award at last night's Ipswich Town end-of-season dinner at Trinity Park.

He came out on top in an award that attracted a large number of nominations and was run in conjunction with The Evening Star.

Andrew was joined by his wife Karen, who nominated him, at last night's event and has no doubts that better times lie ahead for his favourite team.

The Greene King stand season ticket holder said: “Jim Magilton has done a fantastic job.

“He is genuinely putting smiles back on the faces of the fans.

“It bodes well for the future and the play-offs are our minimum goal next season.”

Andrew's favourite player is Gavin Williams, and he added: “If Gavin stays fit next season I can see us gaining automatic promotion.”

Raised in Watford, Andrew started his love affair with Ipswich Town watching the 1978 FA Cup final victory over Arsenal on television as a seven-year-old in South Africa where he lived for a while.

“I was hooked after that,” continued the ICI worker, who has never lived closer than Watford to Ipswich.

“My father used to drive me down from the midlands for home games, and he used to sit in his car and do some work while I went to Portman Road.

“The day after I passed my driving test I drove with a mate all the way to Plymouth to watch Ipswich in action.”

His wife is now also a season ticket holder and they have already renewed for next season.

“Every lunchtime I look on The Evening Star website to see the latest news from Portman Road and the club is a big part of my life,” added Andrew, who was at Elland Road, Leeds last Saturday accompanied by his sister - another adopted Town fan. His father is also on the point of being converted.

The round trip from Solihull to Ipswich is 300 miles and the 'Ipswich bedroom' in the couple's house is decorated with framed pictures, signed balls, shareholder certificates and photos of Andrew at Wembley with Ipswich - and holding the UEFA Cup.

The couple's hamsters are named after Town players and his wardrobe is full of club shop purchases.

When he recently married Karen, a teacher, the wedding had an Ipswich Town theme.

“He lives for Ipswich Town,” said Karen.

Andrew added: “I had a wonderful night last night sitting on a table with Ipswich players and I can only see good times ahead.”