Football club warned bus firm: 'Don't jinx us!'

The company that provided the buses for Ipswich Town's promotion parade said it was warned against "jinxing" the club ahead of its final game.

First Bus said it could not begin decking out the vehicles in all their Tractor Boys glory until they were officially promoted.

"The club feared that jumping the gun may jinx their chances ahead of Saturday’s big game," said Piers Marlow, from First Bus.

Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League after beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 on 3 May.

Mr Marlow said club officials could not bring themselves to talk about any potential promotion celebrations before it was all but confirmed.

Discussions only started to begin after Ipswich's crucial away win at Coventry City left them on the brink of success.

Two buses were decorated in Essex before being taken up the A12 to Ipswich

“We were able to quickly identify two suitable vehicles, but not a single graphic was applied before the final whistle and promotion was confirmed," said Mr Marlow, First Bus's managing director.

“This meant we only had 48 hours before the parade to transform the buses, which was tight - but we got there.

"I think we can all agree that they looked fantastic."

The open-top parade was cheered on by 55,000 jubilant supporters who lined the streets.

The buses had been prepared by vehicle graphic company Grayers Graphics, in Essex, and was driven up the A12 to Suffolk on Monday.

Mr Marlow said many of his staff were Ipswich fans who were delighted to have been involved in the efforts.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been involved in this fantastic event and such an important milestone in the history of the club, town and region."