Life’s a Pitch TV host and former BBC Radio Suffolk stalwart Mark Murphy is taking over on the Portman Road PA this season, the club has confirmed.

Another ex-Radio Suffolk man, Stephen Foster, has been the man on the mic since the 2020/21 season, long-term incumbent Rob Chandler having taken a seat in the stands after more than 20 years in the job.

A Town statement reads: “The club would also like to inform supporters that Mark Murphy, who is formerly of BBC Radio Suffolk among holding various other broadcasting positions throughout his career, will now take on stadium announcing duties.

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to former stadium announcer, Stephen Foster, for his years of excellent contribution at Portman Road.”

Murphy (pictured above with Blues legend Terry Butcher), who previously had a spell in the role in the late 1990s, told TWTD: “I’m thrilled to be back on the microphone again at Portman Road at such an exciting time for the club and to play my part in making some noise for the Tractor Boys.”

Photo: TWTD

itsonlyme added 15:14 - Aug 9 We’ve been blessed with Town supporting PA’s for several years. They are an integral part of the club . Well done lads!
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warwickblue added 15:23 - Aug 9 Would be nice to be able to hear him in the Cobbold Stand...... or anyone for that matter. Sound is still terrible there, except for "This sound. Woop, woop, woop, indicates an important announcement. Please listen carefully and follow any instructions given" etc.
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CraigEdwards added 15:27 - Aug 9 It just gets better.
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JackNorthStand added 15:35 - Aug 9 A great move
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tomitfc added 15:51 - Aug 9 one dinosaur for another tbh
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Ipswich1977 added 15:52 - Aug 9 Good news. Always thought Mr Foster had such an awful voice.
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Tractor_Boy_Tommy added 15:56 - Aug 9 Completely agree with you tomitfc that lad Dave in the fanzine would have be a better choice
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Shineyblueknives added 16:00 - Aug 9 @tomitfc and tractor_boy_tommy Are you the same person?? I Would rather have Foz or Mark Murphy than Rob Chandler
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uefa1981 added 16:06 - Aug 9 Gt choice Mark has done lots for the club over the years. We have enough young blog pups around. Just would be good for him to be able to move around a little more.
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tomitfc added 16:28 - Aug 9 We need a younger more energetic announcer, PR was bouncing last year and Foz brought nothing whatsoever. No surprise that they tried to get Rob back but next choice should have been Dave from the fanzone.
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Tractorbois added 16:41 - Aug 9 Really liked Fozzy, shame to see him go! But MM is a great replacement - have loved the new version of lifes a pitch too!
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jalapenosteve added 18:59 - Aug 9 This is great news! Foz was OK but so much better than Rob Chandler. At last we have someone with passion, someone who can engage with the stadium.
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blueboy1981 added 19:23 - Aug 9 Rib Chandler and Steve Foster have both done an excellent job for the Club, massive credit due to both for that. Both Guys Top Professional Presenters. The Club has certainly changed, and the loyalty factor the Club was once renowned for, may well have gone with that change.
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BurleysGloryDays added 22:30 - Aug 9 Great choice. Is brilliant on Life’s a Pitch, v skilful operator
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LuciBlue added 23:34 - Aug 9 The club can't get every decision right I guess.
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Cakeman added 21:49 - Aug 10 Strange decision, replacing a pretty much like for like person. No disrespect to Foz and Mark but we need a fresh approach. Our club is growing fast in many ways but the attention to detail with the likes of pre-match activities should not be overlooked. The pre-match chats have become repetitive and lack imagination. Also the pre-kick-0ff and entrance music needs freshening up. None of what we currently have fire the crowd up. Should perhaps learn from the likes of Cardiff, Leicester and Crystal Palace to name but a few.

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