Ipswich Town fan Dennis Burgess backing team 85 years later

This season marks the 85th year that blues superfan Dennis Burgess has cheered on his beloved Tractor Boys.

Mr Burgess, who is 95, even remembers the first Ipswich game that his father took him to back in January 1939.  

Dennis, pictured with his wife Jean, went to his first Ipswich Town game in 1939. (Image: Ella Lockwood)

The game was a third round replay match against Aston Villa at Portman Road, which they lost 2-1. 

Dennis Burgess and his daughter Rachel Lockwood (Image: Ella Lockwood)

That defeat didn't turn Mr Burgess away though, and in his impressive tenure watching Town, he has seen them take multiple honours including an FA Cup in 1978, UEFA Cup in 1981 and the First Division in 1962. 

Ella Lockwood, Mr Burgess' granddaughter spoke about his commitment, going so far as buying shares in the club when they fell on hard times. 

She said: "It was in the 1970s, when they weren't doing well.

"He wanted to give them a little boost because he had supported them for so long.

Dennis Burgess and Ella Lockwood (Image: Ella Lockwood)

"He paid £200 for 10 shares, which is around £3,500 these days."

Ahead of Town's first game back in the top flight the Ipswich resident requested from his granddaughter that they go all out, spraying his hair blue in support. 

Although the Tractor Boys came to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, he was "over the moon" to be watching them back in the top flight. 

Mr Burgess got an Ipswich goodie bag ahead of the game last weekend (Image: Ella Lockwood)

Mr Burgess has suffered health issues in recent times but Miss Lockwood thinks that the success of the team over the past few years has helped him through.

She said: "When he got promoted he was beside himself.

"He's getting a bit old now, he hasn't been doing very well and we didn't know what was going to be happen.

"It seriously seems like the Town pulled him through."