Mark Ashton on Suffolk

[Cabanas Blue]

Anyone been listening?

I will give my last breath for this football club, what a man he is and how lucky are we to have him.

[Bluemike]

Yeah I love the way the guy has transformed our club, far more important than McKenna in my opinion

[AzzurroMark]

Have listened in full and this guy, his feelings for the club & area, along with the picture he paints of our beloved club is a breath of fresh air.
He is sticking to the mantra of 'trusting the process". I particularly like the line about; how many people need to 'see it to believe it' whereas himself he prefers to 'believe it to see it'. Of course there'll be people who rubbish some of his points but I certainly try to tap into the positive message he portrays.
Another point which interested me (for those who maybe haven't the time or inclination to listen in full) was in reference to Stadium upgrades. Although not high on the list of priorities, as we already know, the Cobbold stand replacement is certainly something they're looking at from many angles. MA mentioned about redevelopment of the West Stand first as a potential to gain perhaps 4k extra capacity, which could house those displaced while the Cobbold stand is replaced. For context, these were only thoughts and with no apparent concrete plans to say it will ever reach the drawing board stage. It shows just how cleverly this whole management structure are thinking, and with plenty of land behind the West Stand and therefore less potential upheaval, it certainly makes a modicum of sense.

[marko69]

Yes, must admit……. I didn’t like him. I thought he was full of sh*t.
But if he is full of sh*t, then i like him even more for being AWESOME at being full of sh*t.

But he’s not full of sh*t, he’s great. But i cannot kiss his a$$ because kieron might get jealous!

[Bluemike]

He phoned Howard Webb Saturday when we were 1-0 up as he sensed an indiscretion was coming, jesus christ, it really is absurd all this.

[hallamblue]

Finally got to listen to the interview. Very, very good and yet again fills me with confidence about the trajectory of our club. Interesting that there potentially will be development on the West Stsnd b4 the Cobbold stand, to build in 4k extra seats for when the Cobbold is re configured. Very clever.

[valleyroad]

He will be at Ipswich as long as it suits him. Very good at selling himself. Done a good job for the club so far but the quality of McKenna's management is so far been the most important thing at PR and will be going forward. Off the park is important but on the park is what its all about

[Bluemike]

There would be no Mckenna without Ashton, KM does stuff on the pitch, Ashton is rebuilding the whole club, no comparison.

[valleyroad]

There would be no Mckenna without Ashton, KM does stuff on the pitch, Ashton is rebuilding the whole club, no comparison.

My bet is that in time i think you will feel let down by Ashton. Just my gut feel on him but hope you are right

[Bluemike]

The same as I was with Bobby Robson when he left, it happens with everyone eventually, McKenna was happy to sod off in the Summer had things worked out, I think for me, Ashton is gonna be here a lot longer than KM.

[Mauswara]

Totally subjective opinion but if I had to choose between McKenna and Ashton I would go for the former.

[AzzurroMark]

The same as I was with Bobby Robson when he left, it happens with everyone eventually, McKenna was happy to sod off in the Summer had things worked out, I think for me, Ashton is gonna be here a lot longer than KM.

Firstly, I totally agree with the sentiment of your post. The one thing which does bother me is the highlighted comment. We have seen in so many cases where a comment is made (usually on social media) and before long it becomes like Chinese Whispers where, if enough people repeat it it starts to become true in many eyes. Not saying that KM wasn't 'happy to sod off', however I personally have NEVER seen this expressed by anyone in an official context. Yes, he may have weighed up his options first, which I'd expect anyone to do, and he may have had his head turned by offers, but for me, the key thing is (and once again the key man) Mark Ashton had a chat with Keiran saying why Ipswich was the right fit for him at this juncture of his career, and words to that effect are documented. MA and the board did absolutely the right thing to offer him a lucrative new deal as part of a near future 'hands off" to other clubs. Some may say "we'll why did he not come out and say he wanted to stay", but we should never look into the unsaid. There'd have been many reasons why KM kept a dignified silence.

But like you Mike, I agree, KM is like a bird which will no doubt fly off to a higher and much bigger perch someday, and quite possibly a lot sooner than most genuine Town supporters would like.

[Bluemike]

Not Chinese whispers Mark, it's been said by thousands already, I think it was so uncomfortably obvious back then when he was first interviewed, it couldn't have looked more uncomfortable.

But anyway that's all water under the bridge, the point is Ashton is here for the long haul, McKenna probably not but as the only boss in the country without a win if that carries on and on there will be a sizeable amount of fans who won't Shed tears should he move on, that's the nature of the beast.

[AzzurroMark]

Not Chinese whispers Mark, it's been said by thousands already.

That goes back to my point. If enough people repeat something a semblance of truth will come to the fore. I never heard anything come from within ITFC or with clubs who made approaches, allegedly or actual. For me, they're the only sources I am really interested in. As you say, it is by the by now. I'm sure MA by the nature of the game is keeping an eye out for up and coming KM replacements because we'll definitely need one one day.

[hallamblue]

I think Ashton will be here as long as there is a hefty bankroll behind the club. Lose that and I think he'll move on

[Mauswara]

I dunno McKenna comes across as self-effacing whereas perhaps Ashton tends to be self-promoting.

[marko69]

Not Chinese whispers Mark, it's been said by thousands already, I think it was so uncomfortably obvious back then when he was first interviewed, it couldn't have looked more uncomfortable.

But anyway that's all water under the bridge, the point is Ashton is here for the long haul, McKenna probably not but as the only boss in the country without a win if that carries on and on there will be a sizeable amount of fans who won't Shed tears should he move on, that's the nature of the beast.

Thankfully that’s been put to bed now. That “winless” chat would’ve added to the pressure big time. Was never going to be helpful.
Thankfully the guy is learning from the games played, tweaking here and there and making adjustments. And also having faith in the squad who’ve had howlers. I suppose that is the difference between the dugout & the terrace.
Thank FUUUUUUCK it was a win today.

[Bluemike]

And that's all some have asked for Marko, a few adjustments, we were right after all.

[marko69]

And that's all some have asked for Marko, a few adjustments, we were right after all.

Well, apologies for laughing here, , but I think there were always going to be adjustments. The difference is, did the naysayers “believe” he would? Because he sure as hell ain’t taking advice from Social media or forums!

He has done too much in such a short space of time in his career that you can only admire his patience. He (and the club) listened to no one when it was going tits in L1, or when it was going borderline tits in the Champ…… he (and the club) are doing it their way. Just got to hope the fans are onboard for the entire journey.

Telling ye……. IF spurs had’ve equalised in the 90+12, that would’ve helped leaps and bounds towards relegation because the toxic shyte (not on here) would’ve been well on route. But as said, THANKFULLY, it appears the club are going about the extremely difficult job within the walls of the club.

For me…….. an incessant Kieron a$$ ki$$er, when HE HIMSELF, starts talking utter nonsense in a presser, (actual untrue sh*t like Lambert) thats when i’ll jump off his bandwagon. For now, he’s doing ok………. in a free-hit season really
Well, it is for me anyway.

[Bluemike]

I do admire his patience and his belief in what he is doing, equally when you believe something is wrong or needs changing there isn't anything wrong in saying so.
FWIW I thought he got everything pretty much bang on today so fair play. Hopefully we can build on this result and move onwards and upwards.

[marko69]

There must be stuff going on in training that the fans just can’t be privy to.
I personally like to think that I can judge when a player during the 90 is having a mare. And I take onboard 100% what you guys say re Muric because highlights just do not allow a viable opinion. But after Brentford, he’s stuck with Muric. Muric must be on fire in training.
Would it have been a win today with Walton? Thats a genuine question about just an opinion if people reckon it’d been ok with Walton.

Point being, he stuck with Muric……. I really admire that. I mean maybe a few defenders dug muric out the sh*t today i dont know…….. but the patience is off the charts.

[Bluemike]

I thought Muric was excellent today and I doubt very much Walton would have commended his box anywhere near as good.

[arana peligrosa]

Ashton would have played a pivotal part when coming in from Bristol what with the major redevelopment of the club name when Evans took off and the Game Changer Group took up position. All the signings we made when getting rid of the dead weight at the same time, most of them worked and evolved into promising figures here. The appointment of McKenna, working alongside, putting his efforts into marketing the club name and undisputed improvement made the time he's been involved.

Wasn't an individual for everyone in fact many were wary the moment he came on board but his involvement has made us a much better club name that after years away is able to challenge and for that at least I thank him for that.

[Charnwood]

I think Mark Ashton did a great job inviting Howard Webb to Portman Road last week to discuss VAR and inconsistent refereeing decisions. I bet today’s officials at Tottenham had been briefed to take care not to make a f*ck up that proved costly to us. Had last weeks officials been in charge today there’s every chance their disallowed goal would gave been allowed to stand because the referee didn’t see it and VAR chose not review their decision.

Well done Mark Ashton