First published on The Suffolk Sports Forum, July 9th 2010 While some describe the World Cup as the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth, I found myself disconnected from the 2010 tournament. The usual optimism—Rooney to win the Golden Boot, John Terry to behave himself, and England to finally lift the trophy—never quite sparked into reality. A sense of… Read More »
Author’s Note (2025):This article was originally written in 2002, long before the findings of the 2016 Hillsborough inquests, which ultimately ruled that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed due to gross negligence by the police and emergency services. The post reflects my thoughts at the time, shaped by public sentiment, media coverage, and the limited information available prior… Read More »
Written in 2018 As supporters of Ipswich Town, we’re no strangers to the lows. In fact, we probably endure them more than most. That’s why we savour our moments of success longer than fans of other clubs—perhaps only Liverpool fans cling to the past more tightly. Some will say our greatest achievement came just 17 years after turning… Read More »
This article was originally written in 2012, shortly after Mick McCarthy took charge of Ipswich Town Football Club. As a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town, I have seen the club at its peak—during the late 1970s and early 1980s under the stewardship of the legendary Sir Bobby Robson. Those were our golden years, crowned with European glory and… Read More »
Written just before the 2011/2012 FA cup final with refreshed stats added in May 2025 As a child, FA Cup Final day wasn’t just a football match—it was a national event. The entire day was a ritual. From early morning to evening, we were glued to the television, flipping between Grandstand and World of Sport. Those iconic programs,… Read More »
First published 2009 on the Suffolk Sports Forum | Rewritten May 2025 by Verso Hark now hear the Ipswich sing,Norwich ran away,And we will fight forevermore,Because of Boxing Day. Still sung with pride (or irritation) at Portman Road and Carrow Road, this terrace chant captures the spirit of one of English football’s fiercest local rivalries—Ipswich Town vs. Norwich… Read More »
The campaign started with a match against Greece’s Aris Salonika. We emerged victorious, with a score of 5-1, thanks to Sir John Wark’s impressive performance – he netted four (three of which were penalties). I distinctly recall the referee booking Mariner for kicking the ball over the stand. It’s just as well we didn’t have that ref around… Read More »
From blog to book—how one Felixstowe mother turned her cancer journey into a source of strength for others Melanie’s memoir, But Seriously, Who Knew?, is a raw, brutally honest, and darkly funny account of her experience with cancer. Written with sharp wit, emotional clarity, and striking humility, it captures the realities of a life turned upside down—and the… Read More »
J.D. Missen is a Suffolk-based author whose writing spans psychological thrillers, poetry, and children’s literature. Whether penning gripping suspense or heartfelt verse, her work is united by one defining trait: a deep exploration of what it means to be human. Her novels—including Confessions from a Fractured Mind and Secrets from a Misty River—blend intimate character studies with psychological… Read More »
Iain Maitland, a prolific author based in Felixstowe, has carved out a distinctive space in the world of psychological thrillers. His novels—The Surrogate, The Soulmate, and others—delve into the darker corners of the human mind, examining mental illness, obsession, identity, and buried family secrets. What sets Maitland apart isn’t just his gripping plot work—it’s the emotional truth beneath… Read More »