Aussie books one-way ticket for Ipswich Town games

Garin Hubbard booked himself a one-way ticket to the UK to watch the climax of Ipswich Town's attempt to reach the Premier League

An Australian booked a one-way ticket to the UK in the hope of seeing his beloved football team promoted to the Premier League.

Garin Hubbard, 56, was born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk and moved to Australia in 1967.

He is a big fan of Ipswich Town who, with two games left of the season, are fighting for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Mr Hubbard said Town's success had been "great to see" and he was positive for the final games.

'Charge to the Premier League'

"I feel so sorry for the supporters for the last 21 years, they've been through a lot, whereas I've been in Australia and it hasn't been as hard for me," Mr Hubbard explained.

"But my passion has been there all the time.

"The last three seasons have just gone boom and it's amazing how grounded and positive it's become."

Mr Hubbard had planned to visit Ipswich in October but was not able to make the trip.

After seeing Ipswich Town's continued success through the season, he said he knew he needed to book a flight.

"I thought this is it, I have to go this time because it's going to happen," he said.

"I just got on that plane and I landed on Wednesday.

"I'm staying with my adopted family in Elmswell and with another lady in Ipswich - they are good people who have looked after me in tough times.

"I'm here for hopefully the charge to the Premier League."

'I think we can do it'

While Mr Hubbard booked a one-way ticket, he has planned his trip to match up with Ipswich Town fixtures.

"I decided I'd probably go back on 28 May in case we do end up in the play-offs but I don't think that's going to happen, I'm trying to stay positive," he said.

The Tractor Boys have two more games left of the season and currently sit third in the league, behind Leicester and Leeds.

Kieran McKenna's side will play Coventry City later and Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Mr Hubbard has not bought tickets for the games and will instead meet with other fans in local pubs.

"I didn't want to try and get tickets on my own, I want to be around my mates and celebrating it together," he said.

"I'm very positive and grounded like all of us.

"McKenna is amazing and so placid and I think we've all become calm.

"I think we just take the 90 minutes and the injury time one step at a time and we'll get through it.

"I think we can do it but we'll take it in our stride and slowly."