Tractor boys back Ipswich Town ahead of new season

Lifelong Town fan Patrick Barker is backing the Blues for success this season

Real-life tractor boys in Suffolk have thrown their support behind their footballing namesakes ahead of Ipswich Town's return to the Championship.

Farmers across the county have had their say on how they expect the Bluess to fare in the second tier following their relegation from the Premier League.

Their first game away to Birmingham City is tomorrow evening, with Kieran McKenna's side hoping to secure their first win of the campaign.

For this year's BBC Farmwatch day – a 24-hour celebration of all things agricultural – Suffolk farmers told us that "the only way is up" for their fellow Tractor Boys.

'A brilliant season ahead'

Lifelong Town supporter Patrick Barker, from Westhorpe, near Stowmarket, said: "I am very much looking forward to this season.

"There was some excitement last year but ultimately it was just disappointing – we had all hoped we would just compete better in the Premier League.

"But we can now reset and have a really good go in the Championship, and we know what we need to do to get out of that division.

"I think the Tractor Boys are just set up for a brilliant season ahead. We're hoping for really good performances, lots of goals and a season that ends in success."

Philip Haylock believes Town will perform well on the pitch this season

Egg farmer Philip Haylock, who has been a season ticket holder for 57 seasons, believes the Blues can finish high up the league.

"If they do get better defensively I think they should definitely feature well in the top six, and possibly in the top two," he told the BBC.

Peter Rix wants to see the Blues display a sense of collectiveness on the pitch

Peter Rix is hoping to see the Tractor Boys work the same way that farmers do.

"We work as a team to get the harvest in, and from what I've seen from Ipswich Town in the last three years the team spirit has been absolutely wonderful," he said.

"So, as long as that continues with a few acquisitions, I think the season ahead should be a good one – like I hope the farming one is."

Farmer Andy Rustling has a positive feeling about the season

Andy Rustling believes the Blues will do very well this year.

"We have a good manager and a good squad, and I am really looking forward to the season," he said.

"The only way is up. I cannot wait for it to start."

Tractor Boy Colin Drewery has been impressed with the club's dealings in the transfer window

Colin Drewery agrees that things look promising.

"We've held on to some good players and made some decent signings, and pre-season has been very good," he told the BBC.

"Up the Town!"