Ipswich Town mural removed after top-flight exit

A mural that was painted to honour Ipswich Town Football Club's first season back in the Premier League after 22 years has been removed.

The mural appeared last August at the bottom of Barrack Lane in the town ahead of the club's return to the top flight.

Town played their final game of the season at home against West Ham on Sunday with their relegation to the Championship confirmed several weeks ago.

TNT Sports was behind the mural and the broadcaster originally said it was only going to be in place for a month, but it stayed for nine months before being covered it up.

The mural depicted Town manager Kieran McKenna and captain Sam Morsy.

Other players were also included, as well as fans such as global superstar Ed Sheeran, who has a minority share in the club.

It was painted as part of TNT Sports' Only Sport Can Do This nationwide campaign that launched in July last year.

Becky Diver-Phillips, vice president for marketing at TNT Sports, previously said the mural captured "the passion and emotion that only sport can provoke".

The Tractor Boys were promoted to the Premier League last year for the first time since 2002.

It came a year after the club were promoted to the Championship, but the step up to the top flight proved tough this season and their relegation was confirmed in April.

McKenna said he was now looking ahead to next season, while local businesses shared their thoughts on the impact being in the Premier League had on the town.

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