IPSWICH Town will not be lacking in support from around the globe when they take on Middlesbrough in a crucial Championship fixture at Portman Road on Saturday.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town will not be lacking in support from around the globe when they take on Middlesbrough in a crucial Championship fixture at Portman Road on Saturday.

The Ipswich Town Supporters' Club is welcoming fans from Sweden, Norway and Northern Ireland along with those from the north of England, the London area and Suffolk.

Supporters' club spokesman Barry Calver said: “We have joined together with Ipswich Town to arrange a number of social events. All fans are welcome to attend.”

Town chief executive Simon Clegg will be meeting fans and answering questions from noon at the upstairs bar of Lloyds Tavern in Lloyds Avenue.

“At previous events, Simon has explained many of the challenges around managing the football club,” said Calver. “We hope to welcome one or two surprise guests as well.”

Town manager Roy Keane has been known to attend these events unannounced.

After the game a major book-signing session is being held in the Legends Bar in the South Stand at Portman Road.

Kevin Beattie and John Wark will be among those present with copies of 'The Greatest Footballer England Never Had' - The Kevin Beattie Story, 'Wark On' - the Autobiography of John Wark and 'Mr John': John Cobbold - The Most Eccentric Man in Football Ever available.

The Legends Bar will be open until 7pm, and then one group of fans is heading to Stowmarket for an evening of pubs and music. Another group is staying in Ipswich for a quieter drink and a bite to eat.

“It's all informal, and all fans should feel free to join us,” said Calver.

Further details can be found on www.itfcsupporters.co.uk or contact Elizabeth Edwards at shefki32@

btinternet.com or on 07968 876504.