CONFIRMATION of the world status that Ipswich Town now enjoy has come with enquiries from Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain and the Republic of Ireland to set up branches of the official Supporters' Club.

Elvin King

CONFIRMATION of the world status that Ipswich Town now enjoy has come with enquiries from Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain and the Republic of Ireland to set up branches of the official Supporters' Club.

Club owner Marcus Evans made if plain from the time he took over that he wanted the Blues to move up to the Premier League and then become a global brand.

And his appointment of footballing legend Roy Keane as manager has proved a master stroke - with the Portman Road-based club now along with Newcastle United the most high profile club in the Coca-Cola Championship.

And nearer to home, a staunch Blues fan is seeking to re-launch the Felixstowe and District branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club - for the second time.

Barry Calver previously re-formed the branch after a 17 year absence in June 2000, and it quickly built up over 400 members holding a number of successful events including an end-of-season Player of the Year evening.

Four years later, however, a lack of interest - and members - saw it fold.

“Now that we have born leaders Roy Keane and Simon Clegg at the helm the club is once again pointing in the right direction under the watchful eye of Marcus Evans,” said Calver.

“With season ticket sales up after a season to forget and with Roy Keane in charge, optimism is running high, and many fans believe exciting times could be ahead.

“It would like to see the branch back up and running again and I would like to hear from past members and those who would be interested in joining a reformed branch. Also those interested in sitting on the committee.

“If I get a response then I will arrange a get-together before the season starts and see what develops from there.”

Ipswich Town currently has 29 official supporters' club branches with Norway the latest addition - and a second branch in the Peterborough area being mooted along with those in Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain and southern Ireland.

To contact Calver call 07712 577815 or e-mail barrycalver@btinternet.com.