Mark Ashton, the chairman of Ipswich Town, has emphasized the significance of the upcoming Christmas period for the club. He described the current Championship season as “brutal” and asserted its status as “one of the best leagues in the world.” His commitment to the sport is profound, stating, “It isn’t a job, it’s a way of life. You have to be obsessed with it and you have to be all-in.”
Challenges and Progress at Ipswich Town
Despite previous challenges in the Premier League, Ashton believes Ipswich is “on the up.” The club is in the midst of a transformative phase focused on enhancing its community role and developing its facilities.
- Ongoing projects include a new training ground at Playford Road.
- Completion is slated for summer, aligning with pre-season training.
- Ashton assures that the project is “on budget” and “on time.”
The multi-million pound development aims to provide first-class facilities for the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the academy. Ashton remarked, “It will be a total change at Playford Road for us.”
Community Engagement
Ashton’s involvement extends beyond football to community welfare. Recently, he inaugurated the Town’s Christmas Fayre alongside Mayor Stefan Long, with proceeds supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). He acknowledged the importance of giving back, stating, “I live a very privileged life and sometimes you’ve got to put something back.”
He emphasized that the focus should always be on the people, reinforcing the bond between Ipswich Town and its local community. The club enjoys a significant following, with approximately 30,000 fans attending games at Portman Road regularly. This vibrant attendance highlights the club’s integral role as a “hub” and “heartbeat” of the town.
In conclusion, as Ipswich Town prepares for the crucial Christmas period, the combination of on-field and off-field developments signals a promising future for the club.
