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‘Surreal’ feelings for Ipswich Town fan as Premier League return approaches

Getty Images Katie Worby with her brother in the crowd. Both are holding the banner pictured above which reads: "We've shared the glory. We've felt the pain. We're right behind you. We'll be back".Getty Images

Katie Worby says she and her brother Adam made the banner the night before Ipswich Town's game against Liverpool at Anfield in May 2002.

An Ipswich Town fan who rose to local fame following his team's relegation said it felt “like a dream” to be back in the Premier League.

Katie Worby was photographed holding a banner reading 'We'll be back' after the Tractor Boys' 5-0 defeat at Anfield in May 2002.

Ms Worby, 42, said it would be “surreal” to see her team play Liverpool in the top flight again.

“It took a long time to come back, but two promotions in a row was like a dream,” she said.

Kieran McKenna's team will face the six-time European champions in their first league game at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.

Katie Worby Katie Worby, left, her sister and brother Adam ChittockKatie Worby

Katie Worby (left) still follows Ipswich Town with her brother Adam Chittock

They have been boosted in recent days by the Contract signing of Sammie Szmodicsthe Championship's top scorer last season, and a season-long loan deal for midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

It was a far cry from the despair felt by Ms Worby, her brother Adam Chittock and a friend in Merseyside 22 years ago.

“We went to Liverpool even though we knew we were going to be relegated,” said Ms Worby, who attended her first Ipswich game at the age of five.

“We knew it was likely to happen, so we made the banner the night before.”

Katie Worby Newspaper cuttings from the day of Ipswich's relegation in 2002, including a picture of Ms Worby - wearing a wigKatie Worby

Ms Worby says the banner is still in her mother's house but did not confirm the whereabouts of the wig she wore at Anfield in 2002.

A photograph of Mrs Worby from Claydon and her brother appeared in the local newspaper at the time.

“It's really crazy, we were in the newspapers then and now it's back and we're in the 40s,” she added.

Mrs Worby said she now goes to the Games with her two sons, aged nine and 15.

“There is a great atmosphere within the family, but also in the city, and it is really nice that the community supports the team,” she said.

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