Ipswich Town vs Nottm Forest: Head-to-Head Record & Rivalries

Football rivalries are rarely about numbers alone, but when Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest meet, the statistics tell a story worth unpacking. With 83 meetings across more than a century, these two clubs have shared moments of triumph and heartbreak, from FA Cup classics to Premier League battles. This article explores their head-to-head record, the deeper rivalries that define each club, and the unique cultural threads—including a pop star’s minority stake—that make this matchup more than just a fixture.

Games Played (Overall): 83 ·
Nottingham Forest Wins: 42 ·
Ipswich Town Wins: 22 ·
Draws: 19 ·
Next Match Date: 24 Oct 2026 ·
Portman Road Capacity: 30,311

Two clubs, two sets of identities—here’s how Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest compare on the essentials.

What is Ipswich Town’s biggest rivalry?

Ipswich Town’s main rival is Norwich City, with whom they contest the East Anglian derby. The fixture dates back to 1902 and has been played over 140 times (Wikipedia). Nottingham Forest’s primary rivalry is with Derby County in the East Midlands derby, a fixture that has defined both clubs for generations (Wikipedia).

Who is Nottingham Forest’s biggest rivalry?

• Derby County is the most intense rivalry (East Midlands derby) (Wikipedia)
• Notts County is a local rival but less intense; the two clubs have a history of sharing the city but now play in different leagues

Do Notts County and Nottingham Forest hate each other?

There is a historical rivalry, but it has cooled as Nottingham Forest rose to the Premier League while Notts County remained in the Football League. The animosity is not as fierce as the Derby County fixture (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Both clubs’ primary rivalries are with neighbours from the same region, but the intensity of those rivalries far exceeds any cross-region matchup. For Ipswich, the East Anglian derby is the annual highlight; for Forest, it’s the East Midlands derby. Neither club considers the other a traditional rival, but their head-to-head record still carries weight.

Is Ipswich Town a big club?

Ipswich Town has a rich history that includes winning the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981 (Wikipedia). The club has a loyal fanbase known as the “Blue Army” (Wikipedia). However, it is not considered a “big six” club in the Premier League context. The classification is subjective: by historical achievements, Ipswich is a notable club; by commercial power, it sits below the top tier.

What are Ipswich Town fans called?

• They are known as the “Blue Army” (Wikipedia)
• The nickname “Tractor Boys” reflects the agricultural heritage of Suffolk

The implication: Ipswich Town’s stature is a matter of perspective. Their trophy cabinet is deeper than many current Premier League clubs, but their modern financial footprint is smaller. For the neutral observer, the club’s history earns them respect, not dominance.

What famous players have played for Ipswich Town?

Ipswich Town has produced and hosted several notable players. Among the most celebrated are John Wark, Kevin Beattie, Paul Mariner, Terry Butcher, and Mick Mills (Wikipedia). In recent years, Conor Chaplin has been a key figure in the club’s promotion success. For Nottingham Forest, legendary figures include Brian Clough (manager and player), Stuart Pearce, and Peter Shilton (Wikipedia).

The trade-off: Ipswich’s famous players are mostly from the 1970s and 1980s golden era, while Forest’s icons span both the Clough years and the modern Premier League resurgence. The difference reflects the clubs’ respective peaks.

Does Ed Sheeran own Ipswich Town?

Yes, Ed Sheeran is a lifelong fan and holds a minority stake in Ipswich Town. The exact percentage of his ownership has not been publicly disclosed (BBC Sport). In addition, Sheeran’s company sponsors the club’s kit, making him one of the most visible celebrity owners in English football.

What percent of Ipswich does Ed Sheeran own?

No official figure has been released. Sheeran’s investment is believed to be a minority share, but the club has not disclosed the exact stake. This is a common confidentiality measure in private ownership structures.

What this means: Sheeran’s minority stake is more about cultural connection than financial control. It raises Ipswich’s profile internationally, particularly among younger audiences, but does not change the club’s day-to-day operations.

What is the head-to-head record between Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest?

According to Sports Mole, there have been 83 meetings in all competitions, with Nottingham Forest winning 42, Ipswich Town winning 22, and 19 draws (Sports Mole). The most recent meeting was on 15 March 2025, a Premier League match that ended Nottingham Forest 4-2 Ipswich Town (11v11).

When is the next Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest match?

The next scheduled meeting is on 24 October 2026 at Portman Road, Ipswich, in the Premier League.

Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest prediction

Based on recent form, Nottingham Forest have won each of the last three head-to-head meetings and have a dominant overall record. Ipswich Town have managed only one win in the last nine fixtures (Sports Mole). However, home advantage at Portman Road could prove decisive, especially with the passionate Blue Army behind them.

Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest stats

Six facts from the head-to-head:

• 83 total meetings (all competitions)
• Nottingham Forest 42 wins, Ipswich Town 22 wins, 19 draws
• Forest have won the last three meetings
• Most recent FA Cup meeting: 3 Mar 2025, 1-1 draw, Forest win on penalties
• Most recent Premier League meeting: 15 Mar 2025, Forest 4-2 Ipswich
• 1978 FA Community Shield: Forest 5-0 Ipswich

Sources: Sports Mole, 11v11, Soccerway.

The catch: The head-to-head numbers hide a recent shift. Forest’s dominance in the last three meetings masks a more balanced history in the 20th century. The pattern is clear: Forest have pulled ahead in the modern era, but Ipswich have the quality to reverse that trend with home advantage.

For Ipswich Town, the task ahead is clear: reverse a recent trend of one win in nine meetings against a Forest side that has found consistency. For Nottingham Forest, maintaining momentum against a historical rival that has underperformed in recent head-to-heads is a chance to cement their dominance. The next match on 24 October 2026 at Portman Road will be a test of both clubs’ trajectories.