Wembley 2000: The story of Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premiership

A special film documenting Ipswich Town's glorious promotion to the Premier League, 20 years on.

In what remains the highlight of a generation's time supporting the Blues, George Burley's men finally made it over the hump after three-successive play-off disappointments.

The semi-final victory over Bolton will live with those present forever, while the final itself against Barnsley was the culmination of Burley's five years in charge.

The story is told by those who made it happen, including David Sheepshanks, Burley, Marcus Stewart, David Johnson, Tony Mowbray, Kieron Dyer and James Scowcroft.

Production team: Andy Warren, Nick Mellamphy and Shaun Lawson

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[malcolmjannett]

Here we are again 24 years later another promotion! ❤❤

[connyben]

Great video all around, but that final clip with Marcus Stewart really brings a tear to my eye.

[newbiexo]

Lifelong Town-supporter from Norway. Brings bak memories. Thanks!

[petermacleod]

What an amazing watch! Congrats to Andy Warren for managing to put this together in difficult times. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. That Marcus Stewart walk-out at the end says it all. The Tony Mowbray footage was heart-wrenching, and it was wornderful to see David Johnson showing all of his personality, something I didn't see much of at the time due to the limited coverage of football back in the day. It reminds us why we love this club so much.

[davetravelingheritage]

Unreal Time's...
A good team who cared an owner who talked to the Fan's at every opportunity.
Hope the good days return soon

[davehetherington]

Thank you!! Thank you!!! This had been a highlight of a bloody horrible year!! I’m forever blue!!!!

[tractorboy]

Best game I’ve ever been to after 1978 FA Cup final

[scottspaine]

As an American living in Ipswich during the Bobby Robson era I had the privilege of watching one of the greatest teams to play English Football. Not only winning the "Cup" but winning the European Cup as well. One player, during that time, was a young player by the name of George Burley. Ipswich was fortunately able to enjoy his services as a manager who, in my opinion who had he stayed, would have seen club success on the level of Sir Bobby Robson. Had it not been for the narrow minded leadership at the club who fired him Town would be a Premier team today instead of a team on a downward spiral having to settle three levels from top flight football. I still have a autographed photograph of the team that won the "Cup" hanging on my office wall and the love for the Super Blues in my heart and will always be a supporter even as I live 3 thousand miles away. But I still long to be able to watch them Saturdays on the telly here in the United States.

[paulhinton]

What a magnificent team. What a fabulous manager. What a fantastic chairman. What a memory. I was there. Reuser’s goal forever in my memory. And now, history repeats itself. So proud to be a Tractor Boy in Smethwick.

[harryperry]

The best ipswich times in my lifetime. Magiltons performance in the semi finals still has to be one of the greatest in a play off match.

[janethammond]

What a wonderful film. It reminds me of my late husband. He was overjoyed with the result. Unfortunately not living in the area we didn’t realise how the fans and team celebrated. Thanks for doing this film now I know we would loved to have been there.

[oliverstorey]

This is a special video. I was 16 and my dad told me to enjoy every second of it because it may not happen again in my lifetime. I’ve always wished I could relive those moments at Wembley and this is the closest it gets. Thanks for the memories! ChelmsfordBlue

[mirandabunting]

This is truly sensational and has bought me so much joy - thank you thank you for lifting my spirits...

[Machomannorway]

Anyone who cut onions when Tony Mowbray/Marcus Stewart was asked at the end, what Ipswich had meant to them? At the tender age of 11, I became a fan when Ipswich beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup-final in 1978, and had the privilege of witnessing the incredible years that followed. Mariner, Brazil, Gates, Wark, Muhren, Thijssen, Mills, Osman, Butcher, Burley, Cooper...my God, what a team, and with Bobby Robson at the helm. The teams Burley produced ignited some of the passion back, and it was fun to watch Ipswich again. After the play-off victory against Barnsley, Ipswich had an incredible comeback-season, before being relegated. The current situation (League One) is hard to take, but maybe, just maybe, we can return to the Championship starting 2021/22. COYB!

[streaky]

Couldn't get a ticket so watched it in a busy bar in Shepherds Bush.I was the only Town supporter in there and there were no Barnsley fans. My celebration of Reuser's goal will still be remembered, I'm sure, by everyone who was there!

[MrJpeterjames]

Well done Andy for putting this together.

[jackglennon]

Amazing work KOA Team. Wembley was one of those incredible days you never forget. Goosebumps watching this, moments with a tear in the eye, and huge smile at every special memory and moment. What an amazing group of people and proud to be part of the Blue Army!

[mikeyitfc]

Thank you such an amazing day out so many tears first of dejection and lastly elation a time in my life i will never forget great times indeed. Marcus Stewart at the end sums up the pride players had playing for the club if only players today had the same pride.

[olliesmith]

Thank you so much for making this. Truly special. The memories are as strong to this day.

[clivepenning]

Quality very good very emotional Bolton play off game still the best game I have ever been to