Happy fans left Portman Road today after meeting their heroes and collecting autographs during the annual Ipswich Town open day.

Open day stalwarts David, Joe and Kiaran Overton, aged 69, 45 and nine respectively, came from Needham Market, their fifth

Ipswich Star: Cheer leaders entertained the crowds Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCheer leaders entertained the crowds Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

David said: “Kiaran has his autograph book and now there’s some more names to go in there.”

Ipswich Star: Players from Ipswich Town tarining on the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPlayers from Ipswich Town tarining on the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

New boss Paul Hurst and captain Luke Chambers were among those chatting to supporters at the start of the day.

Ipswich Star: Players from Ipswich Town tarining on the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPlayers from Ipswich Town tarining on the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The action then moved to the Portman Road pitch, where fans got to see Hurst’s Blues put through their paces in a training session under the baking Suffolk sun.

Ipswich Star: Harley Green and D'ondre Etheridge Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHarley Green and D'ondre Etheridge Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

New signings Ellis Harrison, Jordan Roberts and Gwion Edwards were all in action, as was star striker Martyn Waghorn.

Ipswich Star: Harvey Milld, Havana and Fenton Smith at the the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHarvey Milld, Havana and Fenton Smith at the the open day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The family fun continued after the training session and Ipswich Witches promoter Chris Louis had two of the team’s bikes for the children to sit on.

Ipswich Star: Jamie and Oliver Bullock enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJamie and Oliver Bullock enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He said: “Today has been really good. We’ve had a really good link-up for the last couple of seasons, it’s all about the heritage as both clubs have such a connection with the town.

Ipswich Star: Blake and Jake in the stands Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNBlake and Jake in the stands Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“It’s great to be able to bring the sports together and the fans together and promote sport in Ipswich.”

Ipswich Star: Harry with Cole Skuse Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHarry with Cole Skuse Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He revealed that some of the first team members are speedway fans.

Ipswich Star: Cole Skuse signing autographs Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCole Skuse signing autographs Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“The team come up to Foxhall Stadium and watch the speedway, and of course we like to come to see the football and support the team.

Ipswich Star: Joe, Kiaran and David Overton, three generations of Ipswich fans at the club's Open Day. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDJoe, Kiaran and David Overton, three generations of Ipswich fans at the club's Open Day. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

“It’d be great to see some of these young fans at Foxhall and who knows, they might be riding the bikes someday.”