Ipswich Town supporters on the coach to Blackburn Rovers today have received a surprise letter from manager Paul Lambert informing them he will personally reimburse their travel costs.
When 50 fans boarded the official coach at Portman Road at 6.45am this morning ahead of the 500-mile round trip to Ewood Park they found a personalised letter from Lambert placed on each of their seats.
The Blues boss said as a ‘personal thank you’ for their ‘fantastic support’ he had arranged with the club for them to be reimbursed their travel costs.
At £37 each, that equates to £1,850.
One of those receiving the letter this morning was Nikki, who has regularly travelled on the away coach for the past four or five seasons.
“I was amazed by the kindness of Paul Lambert,” said Nikki, “Absolutely speechless.”
Matthew Nicholson and his eight-year-old son also received letters.
“I was surprised but it is a wonderful thing from the manager to do that from his own money,” said Mr Nicholson.
“Even if we go down he is galvanising the whole place. My boy is eight and has so much love for him and club.
“He used his Christmas money so he can use this to go to another away day.”
MORE: ‘You have been incredible... we need you until the very end’ - Lambert’s open letter to Town fans
Ipswich are seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the Championship table with 19 games to play, Lambert having won two of his 13 matches in charge since replacing Paul Hurst in the hot-seat last October.
Today’s gesture follows on from Lambert writing an open letter of thanks to fans following last weekend’s 1-0 home win against Rotherham – a game watched by a crowd of more than 20,000 – and then formally committing his future to the club beyond this campaign, regardless of which division the club finds itself in next season
Lambert has also put pressure on owner Marcus Evans to reduce match day ticket prices on several occasions now in an attempt to boost attendances at Portman Road. Adult tickets were slashed to £10 and £12 for the visits of West Brom and Rotherham respectively, while there will be another £12 offer for the visit of Derby on Wednesday, February 13.
LETTER
Dear X,
I’m told that you are travelling to our game against Blackburn at the weekend on the official Club coaches.
As a personal thank you for making the long journey to support the team, I would like to pay your costs for the coach trip.
This Club is lucky in that it enjoys fantastic support home and away and without you the fans, we don’t have a game.
On a personal note, I really appreciate the support I have received from the supporters and this is my way of saying thanks to people like you who travel all over the country to support this Club.
I have arranged with the Club for you to be reimbursed for your travel costs and once again, thanks for your support. Enjoy the game.
Paul Lambert
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