IPSWICH Town fans today jammed the club's telephone booking line – as they scrambled to buy tickets for the Blues' play-off bid.Supporters are desperate to roar Joe Royle's men to victory in Saturday's vital play-off semi-final first leg against West Ham at Portman Road.

IPSWICH Town fans today jammed the club's telephone booking line – as they scrambled to buy tickets for the Blues' play-off bid.

Supporters are desperate to roar Joe Royle's men to victory in Saturday's vital play-off semi-final first leg against West Ham at Portman Road.

Many were struggling to obtain tickets today because a telephone booking system has been unable to cope with demand.

However, club officials today urged people not to panic.

Callers trying to book their tickets over the phone have been met with a recorded message saying all operators are busy – before the line cuts dead.

The booking line has been unable to cope with the massive surge in calls – despite the club doubling the number of telephone operators to 20 in anticipation of massive demand.

Worried fans contacted the Star after fearing they would not be able to buy their tickets. When we tried to call the ticket line we were also unable to speak to an operator.

But the Blues are confident priority customers will all be allocated tickets for the Hammers clash.

Club spokesman Terry Baxter said fans should keep calling throughout the day, or try other booking options.

"This happens every time we have a high profile game, people always call first thing in the morning," he said.

"People should keep trying to call but there are other options, such as booking online or coming down to the ticket office in person."

Ticket buyers have been warned the club priority system will be strictly followed, meaning only Gold Club members were able to buy today. Tomorrow will see sales opened up to season ticket holders and Wednesday will be the turn of Silver Club members.

Mr Baxter added tickets were selling fast, but the priority system was in place to reward the loyal fans.

"Any remaining tickets after Wednesday will be put on sale to fans who are registered on the database. The reason we have a priority system is to support the fans who support us.

"They are selling very quickly, the first batch went on sale today and it is going as we expected it would."