“The fans were singing together for 20 minutes – that’s what happened at St James’ Park. There is that same respect, it’s rare to sing with other fans.”
That was the defining moment of Ipswich Town’s visit to Newcastle United in October last year for 24-year-old United fan Rob Dunn.
For yesterday’s Bobby Robson Day game at Portman Road, those fans came together again to celebrate the life and achievement of the manager who has become an icon in the history of both clubs.
A buzzing Portman Road was packed with supporters from both sides ahead of the 3pm kick-off, fans posing for pictures with the Sir Bobby statue adorned with a half-and-half scarf, or giving a gentle tap to the plinth as a mark of respect.
A lunchtime fanzone with children’s football games and Blues stars of yesteryear signing autographs added to the sense of occasion.
As 11-year-old Town fan Joshua Andrews noted before the match, “It feels really electric”.
Ahead of the game – which finished 3-1 to Town – supporters from both sides were keen to pay tribute to Sir Bobby’s sporting legacy which has become synonymous with their clubs.
“It’s massive, it’s absolutely massive here between the two clubs,” said 44-year-old Newcastle fan Andrew Flatman. “Hopefully it’s a game that Bobby would have loved.”
Steve Herron, 36, said: “It does feel different. Listening to BBC Suffolk on the way down and listening to an old interview with Bobby it was really nice. There’s a shared respect between the two sides.”
Long-time Blues fans Marjorie Chilvers and Ann Austin enjoyed the game together, and paid tribute to Sir Bobby’s character as much as his achievements.
“The longer it goes on it will get bigger because nobody will ever forget him,” Ms Austin said.
“He was a nice man, a people person – I don’t think we will ever get those Bobby Robson days back.”
All the while supporters from the two sides were happily chatting and sharing jokes of the game ahead, soaking up the special atmosphere which Town fan Emily Croucher, 23, and dad Adrian, 55, felt was different to a regular Saturday afternoon fixture.
“You don’t have that feel of a negative atmosphere, it’s that feel in the grandstand that it will stay with you,” Miss Croucher said. “It makes you proud to be a fan.”
Divided loyalties
Uniquely for Bobby Robson Day, a large legion of fans were proudly sporting the colours of both clubs or waving aloft a half-and-half scarf, revelling in the chance to support both clubs in a way that no two sides elsewhere in the Championship have managed.
Lee Ling, 41, from Aldeburgh was among those draped in blue, black and white.
“The occasion is just amazing,” he said.
“With Ipswich and Newcastle the fanbase is so passionate. I came here last time [the two sides played] but I don’t think there were as many as there are today. It’s because of the great man and two great sides.”
Braydon Jackaman, a fan of both sides who was joined by Newcastle supporting friends, hailed the opportunity for season ticket holders to take advantage of offers on additional tickets for friends, and added: “I am hoping for a draw. It’s a special day but if Town can win that will save us really.”
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