Ipswich Town's Premier League Impact
Norwich City and Ipswich Town's local rivalry has been disrupted by Ipswich's return to the Premier League at the end of last season. The two clubs, separated by 45 miles, have a fierce rivalry, with a 2008 report ranking the East Anglian derby as the second fiercest in England.
This season, Ipswich's promotion has significantly affected attendances at Portman Road. The average crowd for their two matches against Sunderland and Liverpool has reached 29,844, with the stadium being 99.3% full.
Norwich City's Championship Attendance
Meanwhile, Norwich City remains in the Championship, attracting an average attendance of 26,030 for their four matches at Carrow Road against teams like West Bromwich Albion and Burnley. Carrow Road has been 95.5% full this season.
Last season, when both clubs were in the same division, Ipswich averaged 28,303 attendees, while Norwich had 25,886. The close numbers reflect the intense local rivalry.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
Both clubs have a rich history, having met 111 times in competitive matches. Ipswich leads with 45 wins to Norwich's 43. The rivalry is intensified by the fact that each club represents its entire county, with no other clubs in Norfolk or Suffolk.
As both teams continue their campaigns, supporters hope for a reunion in the Premier League next season, which would reignite their fierce competition.
For more details, visit Football League World.