Fortuna fans to come to Ipswich for friendly at Portman Road

Ipswich Town will play Fortuna Düsseldorf at Portman Road in Town's second pre-season fixture as they prepare for the Premier League.

Over the last 18 years, Fortuna and Town fans have enjoyed a special relationship - with a group of fans called Fortuna Blues coming over every year for a league fixture or two.

In more recent years, Town fans have returned the favour and have gone over to Düsseldorf to support the 2. Bundesliga side.

The two clubs have enjoyed a special bond since 2006 (Image: Fortuna Blues)

Hundreds of Fortuna fans are to come over from Germany on Saturday for the first meeting between the two sides since 2019.

Ulli Münsterberg, Fortuna Blues organiser, said: "Everyone is really looking forward to it.

"We have a lot of friends in England now who have said they are looking forward to seeing us again.

"It was just a few weeks ago a number of Town fans came to watch our last home game and it was a big celebration so we look forward to continuing this on Saturday."

The two sides have met twice before, both in pre-season friendlies which saw the Germans run out winners both times.

The fans have enjoyed a special bond for 18 years (Image: Fortuna Blues)

Mr Münsterberg added: "We know for sure that we have two double decker coaches coming so that's 150 people, and then I know some people who are going by car, train or flying so I would say there could be around 400 to 500 fans there.

"Our group will do the normal routine. We will park at Portman Road and then walk to Bears. I know some people will go for breakfast in the town and some will be in town on Friday evening."

Fortuna Düsseldorf just missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga last season, but there is hope that they can get promoted this upcoming season despite having tough opposition in the league.

Mr Münsterberg also hopes that Ipswich will stay in the Premier League in what will be the Blues' first top-flight campaign for 22 years.