Helping to revamp the Ipswich Town FC stadium

Supporting the Tractor Boys

As a business based in Suffolk, the Hudson Group team is passionate about Ipswich Town Football Club. Sales Director Tom Wright grew up supporting the Tractor Boys, and Managing Director Steve Flory has enough miles under the bonnet to have watched Ipswich conquer Europe in 1981.

The Hudson Group is proud to have been part of a major project to improve the appearance of the Cobbold Stand, which runs alongside Portman Road.

Before, there was ugly peeling “frosted” vinyl on the windows; now, there is an eye-catching mural running the length of the stand, telling the story of Ipswich Town’s amazing history and trophy success since the club formed in 1878.

It’s made up of 18 individual designs, each with seven separate vinyl segments matching the windows, making 126 segments in all, which needed precise fitting by our specialist Hudson Group vinyl team.

Tom Wright explained: “The idea for the mural was first discussed in 2019, but the new ownership at the club gave the project renewed impetus.

“We have a long and good working relationship with Ipswich Town, and of course, we are all supporters of the team, so to be asked to work on the project was exciting.

“We got the necessary permission from Ipswich Borough Council to close off the Portman Road pavement during the work. First, we removed all of that frosted vinyl on the windows, which looked a complete mess, and cleaned the glass.

“Then, using the smart designs by Marcus Parrott, we produced all the vinyl segments – 126 in all – and set about erecting them to create the amazing result that you see today. All in, it took about four and a half days.”

The mural celebrates all aspects of Ipswich Town’s glorious past – and a nod to the future. There is recognition of Sir Alf Ramsey and his League title-winning side of 1961-62, and of course for Sir Bobby Robson, who led Ipswich to FA Cup and UEFA Cup success. Manager and player George Burley, who secured promotion to the Premier League after a famous Wembley Play-off final in 2000, is also remembered.

Tom continued: “I watched Ipswich since I was young, and a highlight was going to the San Siro stadium in Italy to watch us take on Inter Milan in 2001. Steve, our MD, was fortunate to see the great Bobby Robson sides of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“So, to be part of a project that celebrates everything good about the club is a proud moment for us all. It’s been lovely to see the reaction from the fans, too. The stadium looks better for it, and with the new club ownership, we can all expect a lot more to come.”