Norwich City fan Mike Rawlings is hoping to raise cash for the club through his new website, which allows City and Ipswich Town fans to demonstrate their support for their club.
There have been plenty of passion-filled battles on the football pitch, but the East Anglian derby between Norwich City and Ipswich Town is now moving into cyberspace ahead of Sunday's clash at Carrow Road.
Norwich City fan Mike Rawlings has set up a website which could make him and the football club he loves rich and put one over on the city's greatest rivals at the same time.
Fans of Ipswich Town and Norwich City can show their allegiance by paying as little as £1 to buy part of an image on his new website. The image will then change over time to show which set of supporters are most passionate in backing their team.
A percentage of the proceeds from the website - up to 20 per cent if it does well - will be shared between the two clubs.
Mr Rawlings, 42, had the idea when he read about a website which netted its lucky owner $1 million in two weeks by selling pixels. He said: “I also wanted to mix it in with the football. The rivalry between Norwich and Ipswich was a good focal point.”
The Canaries season ticket holder and former club steward watched his first game at Carrow Road in 1972, when he was nine years old. He saw Norwich beat Tottenham 2-1.
He now goes with his son Chris, 20. The IT trainer and consultant is married to Jackie, 43, who helps runs his IT company M&J Solutions from their home in Jasmine Close, Earlham. They have two other children Zoe, 13, and Charlie, 12.
His new website has won the endorsement of city councillor and chairman of the Canaries independent supporters Roy Blower.
Mr Blower said: “It's good that money can be raised by the friendly rivalry with our opposition down the road.” A Norwich City FC spokesman said: “Mr Rawlings notified us about his website idea a few weeks ago, although no formal arrangements had yet been made.”
You can do your bit by visiting www.prideofanglia.org.uk
t Do you have unusual plans to mark this weekend's match? Call Peter Walsh on (01603) 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk
t For all the latest Norwich City and local football news visit www.pinkun.com
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