Tribute paid to Ipswich Town ‘superfan’ Tom Tomalin who has died
Tributes have been paid to a dedicated Ipswich Town ‘superfan’ who has died.
Long-term Blues fan Tom Tomalin died in hospital on Friday night.
It is understood Town are considering what they can do on Saturday at Portman Road to pay tribute with further information set to follow ahead of the Leicester City fixture.
Tim Edwards, partner of the Ipswich Town Heritage Society, got to know Tom through his love of the club.
He said: “When I first met Tom, the first thing I noticed of course was his wheelchair and disability.
“Very soon, neither of those things were important as I realised he was intelligent, articulate, quick-witted, proudly independent and a multilingual with a great taste in football team, but to me, a terrible taste in music!
“For many years to come, we will look down towards the wheelchair enclosure just before half time and say 'Tom still wouldn't have been here yet!'”
“Sleep well Tom and thank you for enriching our lives so much.”
On social media, Karl Fuller, the author of multiple Ipswich Town books, also paid tribute to Tom.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Tom Tomalin,” he said.
“One of ITFC’s greatest supporters for decades. If I recall rightly, he won the Shoot magazine Fan of the Year in the 80/90's.
“I hope there will be a minute's applause on Saturday for him. RIP True Blue.”
Former Town midfielder and current club ambassador Simon Milton has described Tom as a ‘super fan’.
He said: “My earliest memory of Tom was walking off the team coach and meeting him at an away game back in the late eighties.
“Then I saw him again and again at every away game welcoming the players off the team coach every week. Come rain or shine there he was and I’m sure it was never an easy journey for him.
“Tom was a true superfan and Ipswich Town was a massive part of his life and he will be sorely missed at home and away games.
“It was a sad day when I heard the news and my condolences go out to his friends and family. RIP Tom.”
Town’s disability liaison officer Lee Smith also paid tribute to Tom who he said attended many club events and was a very well-known supporter.
He said: “Tom loved following the club home and away no matter which league we were in, he was a super fan - making many trips independently and not letting his disability stop him.
“Tom was a strong-willed person who certainly knew what he wanted; he never asked for help nor expected it. He was a force of nature and was so determined to get where he wanted to be. Tom was also very funny and enjoyed a chat.
“When I first spoke to Tom, he ended up having to put me straight because he didn’t like the question I asked him. I asked if he would like a carer/personal assistant to attend a match with him, I just got firmly put in my place with Tom asking me, ‘why do you think I need a carer now, I have coped fine without anyone’s help, thank you!’
“I loved his determination and unrelenting will to get where he wanted to be, travelling the country to watch ITFC.
“I will miss our phone calls; Tom would call at 4.58pm to chat or buy tickets and he would always be so grateful for your time, especially if he’d secured a ticket to a vital away game.”
Lee added: “He was a unique supporter who just wanted to enjoy his life as much as possible, he will be sadly missed by many of the fan base and those who dealt with him at the club.”