Mural celebrates 'legends' of Ipswich Town

Ipswich Central Part of a mural installed opposite Portman Road football stadium in Ipswich. This section of mural details three scenes and figures of Kieran McKenna, the former Ipswich Town FC manager.Ipswich Central
The mural features former manager Kieran McKenna, who won promotion three times in four seasons, among other Ipswich Town figures

A mural celebrating the history and diversity of Ipswich Town FC is in place close to the club's ground.

Town fan Bradley Lloyd designed the artwork, which was chosen from a shortlist by supporters and installed in Princes Street, opposite Portman Road.

The mural was unveiled ahead of Town's first match back in the Premier League at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

Lloyd said: "I really wanted to show club legends, celebrate the diversity of the town, plus show iconic moments, like Terry Butcher playing for England and Russell Osman in the Escape to Victory kit, with this in mind."

A competition welcomed proposals from artists, designers and creatives to fill an 170 sq m (1,830 sq ft) wooden hoarding and transform the site into a vibrant and proud display of civic and club identity, celebrating the spirit of Ipswich.

Ipswich Central Steve Flory and Bradley Lloyd standing in front of a mural opposite Portman Road Stadium. Both men are shaking hands and are looking directly at the camera and smiling. Steve Flory on the left is wearing a grey sweatshirt and Bradley Lloyd is wearing a blue Ipswich Town FC shirt. Ipswich Central
Bradley Lloyd (right), pictured with Steve Flory, said the mural features a quote from captain Dara O'Shea

Lloyd said: "'Us and our people' was a quote by captain Dara O'Shea that stuck in my head at the end of last season.

"Wolsey's Gate took a lot of time to get the bricks right, but needed to be on there. It was all drawn digitally and took a few months to get to the final design.

"It looks great and I'm really happy with it."

Andrew Wood, chief revenue officer at Ipswich Town FC and Ipswich Central board member, said: "We are delighted that so many supporters are now able to see a piece of art which represents all that's good about Ipswich Town.

"It's a fantastic addition to matchdays at Portman Road and to the town in general."

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