Dedicated Ipswich Town fan Nina Battle has 2024/25 season ticket renewed after 40 years of loyalty as club return to Premier League

A dedicated Ipswich Town fan whose husband died five weeks ago has had her 2024/25 season ticket renewed for free after 40 years of loyalty.

Nina Battle, who attended her first home match in the 1980s, has had the cost of the ticket covered by Sky Bet to celebrate the club’s return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.

The Blues have played an important role in Nina’s life, who lives in Lowestoft, as she regularly went to games at Portman Road together with her late husband, Gary, who died earlier this season.

Despite falling ill, Gary continued to attend games with Nina right up until the end of his life.

Fellow supporters and Ipswich Town club staff provided both support and memorable moments on and off the pitch, keeping their spirits high during their difficult time.

To celebrate Town’s return to the top tier of English football and recognise Nina’s special relationship with her club, Sky Bet delivered the special reward alongside Ipswich Town and the EFL, as part of its For The Fans campaign.

The campaign champions the modern football fan and fan culture whilst aiming to make their matchday experience better.

Nina said: “Supporting Ipswich means companionship and friendship. It's really important to me at the moment. I have had a difficult year.

“I sadly lost my husband Gary in April to a brain tumour. He lived, ate, and slept Ipswich.

“It’s always been a rollercoaster of emotions. We've been up, we've been down, I’ve thrown the cushion at the telly. You name it, we've done it.

“Now look at us, we’re back where we belong - 29,000 fans on average at every game, it’s amazing. I’m amazed and so thankful. Gary would be buzzing.”

Seb Norton, supporter engagement executive at Ipswich Town, added: “Nina Battle is an Ipswich Town fan through and through and is fully deserving of this gesture.

“We are incredibly proud of the bond with our supporters and no one represents this better than Nina.

“After what has been a tough time for her personally, we had no hesitation in recommending her for the special gift from Sky Bet.”