I’ve just experienced one of those moments that I will all be talking about for many years to come. When you hear tails from your grandad of when he used to go to the football, that’ll be me one day and this weekend will be the story I tell. The atmosphere around the ground, both inside and out was something else. Being able to experience a day like this with my son as well as my father is something I’ll treasure forever.
I headed into Box 19 an hour before kick off, not for long but I just wanted to see the gound with no one in it. Every seat had a flag flying, columns of blue and white and blue and white. You could feel it, something big was coming.
From kickoff, Ipswich played like a side that refused to let the moment pass them by. Every tackle was cheered and everyone was in great spirits. When the breakthrough came, the stadium erupted.
QPR tried to respond, but Ipswich never lost control. It felt almost instant, the first goal, followed by the second goal, it was really happening.
Promotion wasn’t slipping away from us and with 6 or 7 minutes to go, the third that properly sealed the deal.
Crowds of fans lining the pitch waiting for the final whistle to blow. And when it did it was something I’ll never forget. An explosion of noise as reality sank in, fans poured onto the pitch and within seconds the plays were gone, 11 blue shirts soon because 10’s of thousands of blue shirts but everyone was in good spirits.
I’ve been to plenty of matches, but nothing comes close to that feeling when the whistle blew and we had secured a place in the Premier League.
Joining us in Box 19 this week for this epic day was Duncan and Cerys Rooke. Duncan is Manager and Partner in Robert Gatward Jewellers, long establish and leading jewellers in Abingdon, Windsor and Ipswich.
With the belief that jewellery and fine watches are far more than objects, Robert Gatward aim to create a welcoming space where every customer feels valued, where selecting an engagement ring or a special timepiece becomes part of the memory it would later symbolise.
They have built relationships with some of the world’s leading diamond experts, worked closely with outstanding UK gold and platinum manufacturers, and supported both emerging designers and skilled local goldsmiths. Alongside this, they respresent some of the most respected global names in watchmaking and jewellery.
Speaking from experience, from the moment you step into one of their stores you will notice something different. A sense that you are not just a customer. You are one of their carefully chosen guests. Whether you are selecting an engagement ring or simply popping in for a watch battery, they make you feel at home.
“From our earliest days, we have believed that true luxury is found in the care we give to every client. I invite you to discover our watch and jewellery collections and to experience the personal service that continues to shape our story.”
Thank you so much to Duncan and Cerys for joining us for the final game of season 25/26 in Box 19.
But the celebrations did not stop for us…
Monday celebrations soon followed.
Thousands of supporters filled the streets as Ipswich Town celebrated their return to the Premier League.
The festivities began with an open-top bus parade departing from Portman Road and making its way to Christchurch Park, where fans gathered for a special celebration event.
Speaking to the crowd, manager Kieran McKenna said: “It’s incredible and truly humbling. We’re so grateful to everyone who’s come out. Seeing the joy on their faces means everything to us.
“We’ll take a few days this week to really enjoy it.”
