Gavin Ward will take charge of Ipswich Town’s decisive final-day Championship clash against QPR, a match that could seal promotion and define the season at Portman Road.
The experienced official will be the man in the middle for one of the most high-stakes fixtures of the campaign, with Ipswich still firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion heading into the weekend.
Ward is no stranger to either club and brings a long history of Championship experience into a game where every decision will be under intense scrutiny.
Familiar face for Ipswich Town
Ward last refereed Ipswich in the 2023/24 season during their 3-1 Championship win over Birmingham City at Portman Road.
On that occasion, Ipswich came from behind to win through goals from Conor Chaplin, Jeremy Sarmiento and Omari Hutchinson, sealing a strong home performance under pressure.
Across his career, Ward has now overseen 17 Ipswich matches in total, with a mixed record that includes wins, draws and defeats across Championship, League One and cup competitions.
Notably, he has previously been involved in key moments in Ipswich games, including a red card shown to Luke Chambers in a 2019 clash against Leeds United.
QPR looking to recent positive run under Ward
QPR also have recent familiarity with Ward, having had him in charge of 23 matches involving the club.
Their most recent experience with him came in December 2025 when they beat West Brom 3-1 at Loftus Road.
While the R’s are unbeaten in their last four games with Ward as referee, their away form under him has been less convincing, with defeats in their last two matches on the road when he officiated.
Experienced official in a high-stakes environment
Ward has been refereeing in the English Football League since 2008 and has overseen more than 500 matches across his career, making him one of the more experienced officials in the division.
So far this season, he has taken charge of 29 matches, issuing 94 yellow cards and three red cards, while also awarding three penalties.
He will be supported by assistant referees Alex James and Lee Venamore, with Josh Smith acting as fourth official at Portman Road.
All eyes on Portman Road
With promotion on the line, Ipswich vs QPR is set up as one of the defining fixtures of the Championship season.
Ipswich know a win could secure their return to the Premier League, but with pressure at its peak, the performance of the officials will inevitably come under the spotlight.
For Gavin Ward, it’s a final-day assignment where composure, control and consistency could prove just as important as the football itself.
