There was an outpouring of love and support for former Ipswich Town striker Marcus Stewart during his return to Portman Road.
The Town legend was back in Suffolk for this weekend’s game with Plymouth Argyle, four months after he revealed he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
After spending time with former team-mate Matt Holland and manager George Burley on Friday, Stewart was the club’s guest of honour for the clash with Argyle, sitting in the directors before being interviewed on the pitch at half-time.
“My time here was special and everyone knows how I feel about this club and how I feel about my time here,” Stewart said, talking to former Ipswich midfielder Simon Milton.
“From Wembley to Europe to top five in the Premier League and even a chance of being in the Champions League on the final day of the season.
“Those are times you very, very, very rarely come across on your life as a fan or a player, so be able to do that for this club is something I’m very proud to have done.”
Stewart, who thanked Town fans for the support they have shown him and his family since his daignosis, continued: “The history of this club is massive and the team from 1999 to 2001 played a massive part in that history.
“I still keep in touch with the other lads and those times, being part of that history, is something you can’t bring back.
“To be part of that is so special. This is the first time I’ve been back in 15 years and I see signs of it getting back to where it could go.”
Ipswich supporters sung the iconic ‘walking in a Stewart wonderland’ song throughout the 1-1 draw with Argyle, notably during the 11th and 27th minutes to mark the former striker’s two Ipswich squad numbers.
Discussing his condition recently, Stewart said: "I remember doing some exercise and trying to keep busy (during lockdown in 2020) and when I was doing pull-ups I noticed my hand kept slipping off the bar and it didn't seem right.
"Then when I thought about it more I noticed my left arm was smaller than my right which shouldn't have been the case as I was left-handed.
"As it is for me I am adapting to doing things with my other hand. I am struggling with some things. I can't really write with my left hand anymore and I struggle to pull up a zip.
"Since my last meeting in June nothing has progressed and she was really happy so let's hope that continues.”
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