Milton thanks fans after being taken ill at match

Ben Radford/Getty Simon Milton, Jason Dozzell, Chris Kiwomya and John Wark crouching on the pitch at Portman Road in their Ipswich Town kits, with the old Second Division trophy being held by Kiwomya.Ben Radford/Getty
Simon Milton (far left) celebrated promotion back to the top flight in 1992, alongside Jason Dozzell, Chris Kiwomya and John Wark

Former Ipswich Town player Simon Milton has expressed his "heartfelt thanks" for messages of support he has received after he was taken ill while watching Sunday's Premier League match.

Milton, 61, who now works as a club ambassador, "fell unwell" while in the directors' box during the second half of the 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Portman Road, and was taken to hospital.

After being discharged, he said in a post on Instagram: "Your messages, thoughts and prayers have meant the world to me.

"I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for all the unwavering love and support I've received from everyone."

Milton played for Ipswich as a midfielder from 1987 to 1998 - helping them to promotion back to the top flight in 1991-92 under manager John Lyall.

He then played in the inaugural season of the Premier League.

He said he had been spending time at home resting with his family and deeply appreciated fans for "all of your kind words".

"Please understand I'm unable to respond to everyone as there are hundreds of messages coming in," he said.

Earlier a club statement said: "Simon is now stable and communicating. He is in good spirits and will head home to rest.

"At this time we ask everyone to respect the privacy of Simon and his family.

"He would like to thank the first responders at Portman Road and those that have passed on their best wishes."

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