Has this Town fan hit the nail on the head?

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 12:54 am

Tuesday 30th December- Ipswich 2nd place on 47 points. Norwich and Wolves in 7th and 8th place on 37 points. The Premier League looks like a possibility!!

2015 (Played 17- Won 6; Drawn 3; Lost 8- Points Tally: 21 points out of possible 51): -
Derby- Lost 1-0; Millwall- Won 3-1; Brighton- Lost 3-2; Wigan- Drew 0-0; Rotherham- Lost 2-0; Sheffield Wednesday- Won 2-1; Fulham- Won 2-1; Reading- Lost 1-0; Birmingham- Won 4-2; Norwich- Lost 2-0; Leeds- Lost 2-1; Brentford- Drew 1-1; Middlesbrough- Lost 4-1; Bolton- Won 1-0; Watford- Won 1-0; Bournemouth- Drew 1-1; Huddersfield- Lost 2-1.

Current position- 8th place (68 points) while Wolves sit in 6th place on 71 points and Norwich sit in 2nd place on 76 points. Where did it go so wrong!!

This new year form has been nothing short of a shambles and a significant degree of stubbornness from our manager. Ever since Tommy Smith messed up against Derby in our first match of the year, we just haven't seemed to recover at any point. I have watched the likes of Bournemouth, Watford, Norwich and Brentford this season, and their composure on the ball puts our team to shame. I would say the two Bournemouth centre backs are more accomplished with the ball at their feet than most of our attacking players. The two Bournemouth full backs attack like true attacking full backs unlike our cumbersome Mings and Chambers double act. The other 7 teams who are now deservedly above us in the league table build calmly from the back and are able to create chances and score bundles of goals. All Ipswich seem capable of doing is hoofing the ball to Daryl Murphy and praying that he knocks the ball down to someone else or carries the team as he has all season.

Our midfielders need to hang their heads in shame with their goal return record. I see no sign of a Bradley Johnson from Norwich or a Harry Arter from Bournemouth in the Ipswich team, and this is a problem we have suffered from for years. I recall the good early 2000 days of Tommy Miller poaching 10 goals a season, Matt Holland notching key goals, but I've got more chance of scoring from the North Stand lower than Cole Skuse has on the football pitch. I know he is more defensive minded, but at the same time, he needs to at least contribute with some assists. Teddy Bishop is a young lad who has so much potential. Why is he too tired to play 2 games in 4 days???? I played 2 school games in 2 days and if I had told my PE teacher I was too tired for the 2nd game, he would of launched chalk in my direction. Blimey, Mick is quick to take Sears and Bishop out of the starting 11 (our two key players for next season) yet continues with Tommy "No Right Foot" Smith week in week out. Where is the pace in our team? Why has he continued to ignore Paul Anderson, Cameron Stewart, Alex Henshall etc? I'm pretty certain Elliott Hewitt wasn't all that bad as a right back. Certainly more composed than Chambers, who only remains in the team for 2 reasons- his passion and his captaincy. All I have learnt in the 2nd half of the season is that Mick McCarthy has his favourites at Ipswich- Tommy Smith, Luke Chambers, Jay Tabb, Cole Skuse.

It may well be in 10 days time that Ipswich have secured 6 points out of 6 against Blackpool and Cardiff, however with Wolves our next away game on Sky, I can only see us crumbling under pressure again. Unless McCarthy's mind-set and game-plan adapts, we will finish in 7th or 8th place which I would have taken at the start of the season. Unfortunately, it will only fill me with disappointment come May.

My team for next season: new goalkeeper; new right back; new centre back; Berra; Mings; Bishop; 2 new centre midfielders; McGoldrick; Murphy; Sears.

arana peligrosa · Post by **arana peligrosa** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:23 am

It causes a certain level of offense when some of our support say they are 'planning for next season'. Why, because this one still underway has nothing left in it ? It's almost as if some are content to give up and write off our chances when there's still very much to play for. I'm not 'planning for next season', I'm still focusing on this one, and all that lays ahead, be it we grab a top-six finish - or whether we miss out. First things first

Also - (quote from above) "This new year form has been nothing short of a shambles " - That's a little harsh isn't it, Ok the team has been largely inconsistent and results have sometimes been disappointing but didn't deem it to be as bad as what was said. Not really something to warrant a 'shambles'

Viewing the rest (however) makes for fair and accurate reading although guessing the person involved gets to take in regular games home and away, something that not all of us can undertake.

All I know is, whatever promotion hopes we have tried to achieve now hang in the balance, the unrest with the manager continues to become more tangible - not just some idle talk or 'did he really say that' - and as before, finally after 10 years out of the play-off scene (which you would have imagined only a few weeks recent that we were going to be involved once again), a golden opportunity is being slowly drained away.

Post by **Bluemike** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 6:59 am

I will answer it in better detail later but for me it is a bloody stupid post and indicative of the knee jerk bollocks we get after every defeat.

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 8:45 am

I don't understand the thread title, Hallam. I was expecting a massive revelation that none of us had heard before. It's the same Shyte, worded differently.

I really hate jumping on players backs, or singling people out, but after reading the last few reports, (except Watford) ......, Tommy needs a rest.

The Odious Mr Rossi · Post by **The Odious Mr Rossi** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 12:59 pm

Still 5 games to go of course - anything could still happen, but I think that there is a lot of truth in the OP.

I'm too angry and frustrated to say anything either positive or constructive at the moment, so will keep my opinions to myself until the end of the season.

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:48 pm

Having had a bit more time to properly read the opening post,......, it does make a lot of sense, but it really is nothing that I think all have read before.

For me, you cannot compare how Bournemouth play with how ITFC play. Simple fact is, Bournemouth actually have better players........, Mick has players that he has inherited AND managed to get in with the help of fk all, financially......., so all the comparison pish can go out the window.
Firm believer in starting a game with the best team available to you. Mick may be guilty of not doing this and maybe why it's reminding MPB of the Jewell era.

I ask; Is Luke Chambers as "iffy" as the opening poster is suggesting? Certainly not aware that he's been a bit of a liability recently.

Edit: Also not so sure about the "new goalkeeper". Bailkowski or Gerken; one of them must be good enough?

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:00 pm

Hi Guys , Im not saying he is right Im just posting it on here to see what people think of his views.

Some of his views are knee jerk, I grant you but as marko says, a lot of the issues he raises are not new, but are nonetheless still a problem. Goals from Midfield for example. Why should expect only the strikers , and in Towns case , Murphy only , to be the sole [rovider. Its ridiculous.

For me MM got his tactics very wrong yesterday. But we looked leg weary once they went in front.

Yes there is still a chance of PO's , but from January onwards we have been dire in form by and large IMO and have gone from a top 2/ 3 place to 8th and 3pts off 6th. Whats gone wrong with that early season form? Just asking.

herforder · Post by **herforder** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:43 pm

It comes down to depth of quality over a long, hard season. That, in turn, reflects the amount of investment into the squad; and we sort of know where ME appears to stand on that. Picking up non-league bargains with potential; short-term deals; loans in the form of players parent clubs don't want etc. Bringing players in (Stewart, Henshall) and then not rating them as good enough for the 1st team squad - but still taking us forward, and still progressing. When you really think about it, and look honestly at the quality of our midfield, then to be where we are is truly amazing. Anyone watching Wolves last night will get the point. Locked at 3-3 with Leeds they bring on a quality midfield player who wins them the game. Could we do that? Or come back a la B'mth? Off course we're not comparing apples with apples, relative to the investment those clubs have made - and in the end it tells.

Not making the play-offs will be bitterly disappointing. But failure to invest, to ensure the progress we've made so far continues, will be an even greater one.

number 9 · Post by **number 9** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:59 pm

Well you can't argue that our season has taken a downward turn since the new year. Players will have good and bad games, and you can only work with what you have. But the one criticism that repeatedly surfaces is this hoofball nonsense. Who should take responsibility for that?...the players or the manager?

arana peligrosa · Post by **arana peligrosa** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 3:37 pm

quote : it does make a lot of sense, but it really is nothing that I think all have read before

And that's pretty much it. People are upset, some more than others, but most (if not all) can see where the real problems lie. Reading the hoofball comments it seems as if we're trying to emulate the Wimbledon team of the 1990s. Teams such as Bournemouth and Middlesbrough are where they now find themselves by being far more regularly consistent and playing in a more effective style. Not to say Ed Howe and whoever manages 'Boro are better than McCarthy, they just have their own ideas of how the game should be played.

Let's face it we were very fortunate to not only win at Watford but in the end take a point from the Bournemouth game. Yes I got caught up in the emotion of those two games but realized soon after that they are far better teams than what we have right now and good luck to them if they can achieve a promotion this season.

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 3:58 pm

Not to veer off topic, promise, but even though Boro were beaten yesterday, I thought they were so much better than Watford. Real classy side, especially down the right hand side. I'll be very surprised if they do not make the autos......., and if they don't, my money will be on them for the play off final win at Wembley.

derick_ipsw · Post by **derick_ipsw** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:32 pm

I think MM should go back to the players that got us 2nd Anderson on the right, S Hunt on the left midfield of Bishop and skuse or Parr. Anderson and bishop have created more goals than any other players. If Mcgoldrick is fit play him if not Sears. Leave the loan players on the bench let those who achieved so much achieve more. But I do agree the teams who play the ball on the ground more are now above us.

Post by **Bluemike** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 5:16 pm

For me there is no mysterious reason as to why our season is panning out as it is, it really doesnt matter where we were at the end of December, that is only half way and no sporting event is won at half time, it could very well that any given team had the rub of the green with easier fixtures at that point in time, I am not saying that is the case with us, as far as we are concerned we massively punched above our weight and have continued to do so at times, it was and always has been a very uneven playing field where Town are concerned, due in no small part to the lack of spending, some will say that is our own fault while others will say that is the correct way to do things considering our past issues.

The opening post mentions Bournemouth, Brentford & Watford, it goes on to say that they show more composure on the ball blah blah blah, that is fair comment, BUT what it doesnt go on to say is that in Six games against those Three sides we have not lost once !!! Three wins and Three draws to be precise. It also goes on to say that Mings is now a cumbersome Fullback, rerally ? A young kid learning his trade who is basically burnt out, I really dont think the likes of Arsene Wenger and co would be so interested in a cumbersome Full back. We then read the comparison between Tommy Miller & Cole Skuse, one an attacking Midfielder and the other a defensive Midfielder, yes Miller scored goals, most of them penalties I believe, it's like comapring chalk with cheese. The question is asked as to why Teddy Bishop can't play two games in a week, should we risk his sore shins developing into Shin Splints ? Would we all be happy with that ? I think it is far more important that the kid is nurtured in the same way and not messed up for a long period of time, kieron Dyer had similar issues and look what it did to him albeit at an older age.

I do agree with the odd bit of the ramble and that is the lack of goals from the more attacking Midfielders which is why Anderson, S.Hunt and co would not be here next season, we are addressing it already though, Chaplow and varney have both notched their first goals for the club and have barely played, Tabb has Three or Four I believe so he has chipped in, Hyam has been out half a season which really leaves Bru & Bishop who are in and out of the side but who will need to improve this aspect of their games next season.

The final paragraph says we may secure six points from the next Two home games but will crumble against Wolves, who is to say we will crumble ? As far as I can see it is the not turning up at places like Rotherham and Huddersfield which has been our achilles heel and always has been. If we finish 8th then so be it, it will show we havent been good enough but as it stands we still have a chance, a more difficult one than it should have been I grant you but if come May 2nd we creep into the top six it will be job done and our aim achieved while giving us a shot at the big prize. I just dont like the feel that many are quite looking forward to us failing so the fall out and "I told you so" mentality can begin, we have come so far under MM, yes he buggers things up from time to time but under him things are moving forward in every aspect of the club. Suddenly Mark Warburton is flavour of the month, a manager who is not even wanted by Brentford and who saw his team ripped apart by Town on thier own patch. The whole thing is way OTT and so very Knee jerk, obviously just my opinion, but I would love it so much if we were to creep in come the end of the season and then I would enjoy reading the posts proclaiming Mick the Messiah. If we don't do it, we go again next season, that's just the way it is.

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 6:17 pm

Good post, Mike. Only one statement that I disagree with, (and can't quite figure out where you are getting it from) is ; quote; "I just dont like the feel that many are quite looking forward to us failing......"
I think that's just how you are perceiving peoples reactions, buddy. My opinion of course.

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:28 pm

marko69 wrote:Good post, Mike. Only one statement that I disagree with, (and can't quite figure out where you are getting it from) is ; quote; "I just dont like the feel that many are quite looking forward to us failing......"
I think that's just how you are perceiving peoples reactions, buddy. My opinion of course.

Well i can think of one person on here that definately is looking forward to any Town failure.

herforder · Post by **herforder** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:42 pm

Great thing about this site - it's entirely made up of individuals' opinions and perceptions! Some of course are more perceptive, and some more opinionated, than others

Just about all of us, however, are glued together by a love for the Club, and a real desire for success. It's the bits in between that make us bad, mad and dangerous to know!

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 8:10 pm

herforder wrote:Great thing about this site - it's entirely made up of individuals' opinions and perceptions! Some of course are more perceptive, and some more opinionated, than others

Just about all of us, however, are glued together by a love for the Club, and a real desire for success. It's the bits in between that make us bad, mad and dangerous to know!

Ha ha , spot on herforder. COYBs

reidbob · Post by **reidbob** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 8:29 pm

Well thought out and reasoned post from Blue Mike providing, IMO, a balanced and constructive summary covering a wide range of issues which have impacted Town over the season to date.

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 8:43 pm

hallamblue wrote:
marko69 wrote:Good post, Mike. Only one statement that I disagree with, (and can't quite figure out where you are getting it from) is ; quote; "I just dont like the feel that many are quite looking forward to us failing......"
I think that's just how you are perceiving peoples reactions, buddy. My opinion of course.

Well i can think of one person on here that definately is looking forward to any Town failure.

Well, eliminating the "possible" intentional wind up posts, ...... People like Ashfordblue and Barmy post some real , from the heart, passionate posts, ......, pretty sure their posts could be perceived as knee jerkers by some...... But they are not....... IMO

But Herford is correct...... It's all above the different ways that the passion is portrayed towards the club. There'd be f*ck all to discuss if we all thought the same.

I'm off to shave the cat. Not a euphemism or anything......., genuinely going to shave the cat. Had instructions from the vet. The hairy b*stard gets shaved...., TONIGHT.

herforder · Post by **herforder** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:04 pm

marko69 wrote:
hallamblue wrote:
marko69 wrote:Good post, Mike. Only one statement that I disagree with, (and can't quite figure out where you are getting it from) is ; quote; "I just dont like the feel that many are quite looking forward to us failing......"
I think that's just how you are perceiving peoples reactions, buddy. My opinion of course.

Well i can think of one person on here that definately is looking forward to any Town failure.
Well, eliminating the "possible" intentional wind up posts, ...... People like Ashfordblue and Barmy post some real , from the heart, passionate posts, ......, pretty sure their posts could be perceived as knee jerkers by some...... But they are not....... IMO

But Herford is correct...... It's all above the different ways that the passion is portrayed towards the club. There'd be f*ck all to discuss if we all thought the same.

I'm off to shave the cat. Not a euphemism or anything......., genuinely going to shave the cat. Had instructions from the vet. The hairy b*stard gets shaved...., TONIGHT.

Good God Marko - be soooo careful shaving that there pussy!

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:09 pm

Deary me!

I wondered how long it'd be before the "pussy" was mentioned!

Post by **marko69** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:11 pm

On a serious note....... Not trying to be funny........ But the wife is shaving the pussy tonight. I'm doing it wrong apparently.

ashfordblue · Post by **ashfordblue** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:18 pm

Marco Marco, you don't use Fooking hedge shears to clip the pussy,

give the thing a Brazilian, that should cause a ruckus down the vets,

herforder · Post by **herforder** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:01 pm

ashfordblue wrote: Marco Marco, you don't use Fooking hedge shears to clip the pussy, give the thing a Brazilian, that should cause a ruckus down the vets,

Smooth talking bugger!

Post by **marko69** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 12:23 am

herforder wrote:
ashfordblue wrote: Marco Marco, you don't use Fooking hedge shears to clip the pussy, give the thing a Brazilian, that should cause a ruckus down the vets,
Smooth talking bugger!

A Brazilian? I gave the last cat away to a Columbian. That's one smooth talking, laidback pussy right about now.

Tractor-Boys.com

Has this Town fan hit the nail on the head?

Has this Town fan hit the nail on the head?

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