Ipswich Town v Sheffield Wednesday preview and match thread

[marko69]

Come on now, Ohio, don't be like that. I'm pretty sure not every loss was Tommys fault, of course they weren't. But it's ok for fans to point out the times when Tommy was indeed at fault. Which were a few, and you must know that.

But very well done yesterday to TS on scoring the eventual winner. And thanks Bluemike for the fans report. Sounds like it was a decent game.

[nicscreamer]

A well deserved win , and an enjoyable match to watch. I think we dominated first 20 mins but then the Wednesday keeper slowed things down and the heat went out the game. After half time we again dominated and deserved the lead, although the last 10 mins were nervy.

Sears was impressive, as was maitland-Niles and Fraser. God knows what was wrong with mcgoldrick, but he seemed disinterested at best and not worth putting on the pitch! I think skuse did an excellent job in midfield breaking things up and doing the unpretty work.

Well done tommy smith , you did a good job and certainly silenced my critism for at least another match. Good atmosphere too!

[marko69]

Can I walk into the "Tommy Smith Egg shells" department and ask people like Mike, Nics, or AndyM......, did Tommy play a decent game in defence yesterday?

And no, I'm not asking so that I can pick fault with the laddie, I'm asking because I want to know if he's looking confident. Is he looking a bit more assured?

[Bluemike]

Yes he did Marko, you know my thoughts on Smith and that is that he should be on the bench but being totally honest he has played pretty well in the first two league games, ok he has to take some blame at brentford but as i keep repeating it was far from just him that contributed to the first goal last week, it also should not detract from all the good stuff he did in the remainder of the game.

Yesterday he was solid and I don't remember any errors that could have been costly, what I will say is that as much as I prefer Berra as a CB Mick McCarthy is spot on regarding Smith's heading ability, it knocks spots of Berra's, unfortunately that is the only thing he is better at, Tommy also did very well to be Johnny on the spot and head the winner.

[herforder]

TS had a better game at CB than Chambo did at RB. Both are being played out of position. It was not that long ago, in our 'very hard to beat' days, that the CB pairing of TS and Chambo was viewed as outstanding. However, MM seems determined to include CB, TS and Chambo in his starting 11 - presumably accepting the defensive imbalance as a risk he's prepared to take. But, it's shades of grey we're talking about. Better maybe to see the situation for what it is, and support those wearing the shirts.

[Ando]

2-0 to the town.
That pizza has not even been cooked!

Welcome to the forum Ando and thank you for posting and participating in the Prediction League as well


cheers Dave

Thanks Frosty,

Prediction League looks good. Makes saturday even more exiciting.

Good game yesterday, good to now have more players to get us on the edge of our seats. The big question for me is, where will it get us? Think we are in for a bit of a roller coaster ride but far me entertaining!

Trying to play more football which will hopefully shut up a bloke sitting a few rows behind me

[marko69]

Very good to know, Mike......, and really hoping he can keep the confidence and good performances up when it really matters; bigger pressure games as the season progresses.

And I know what you mean about some fans, Ando......., we had some complete bawbag having a feckin aneurism over Fraser Fyvies game at Easter Road yesterday...... AND..... Fyvie ended up being MOTM. Some people have no clue.

[stowblue]

For me, the fact that Tommy Smith is a central defender means that when something happens at the back - good or bad - he will be somewhere near it! You could argue that the attacker beat him to get the cross in for their goal but the fact is that this happens to the best of defenders, I wouldn't blame Tommy for that one. My bigger concern remains the goalkeeping situation. I have no huge issue with Bart or Gerks from an ability to save standpoint. My concern is about "owning" the area. Neither do it and it drives me nuts when Bart stays on his line all the time, only to come out and flap at crosses when the pressure is on. Years ago, GK's were encouraged to get off the line and take the ball. These days they just seem rooted to it. It must be some coaching rule for goalies these days - makes no sense to me but I can't see it changing.

One other point - and we are as bad for it as all of the other teams - is the whole "holding on" thing. It is blatant, in front of all officials and basically makes the game a wrestling match. I have said on here before that I am a traditionalist (some would say old ) but I really think it is the latest trend that is spoiling the game. It used to be diving and now it is holding (and diving..). Just my observation.

[nicscreamer]

Tommy played pretty well I think Marko. No real worries, but he doesn't seem (or maybe its me worrying) that hes that assured or confidence in the central position. I like the lad, and it wasn't long ago he was overwellmingly the player of the season! He certainly has a great header on him, and he will score a few for us this year.

But something just gets the alarm bells ringing in me when hes one on one !

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I also enjoyed the game, and especially the result.
It was a good team performance, and for me Sears was absolutely outstanding.
The only criticism I would make is that we still have a tendency to hoof the ball up from defence to attack, completely bypassing the midfield - and as we now have 2 really good wide players that's a shame.
As far as the TS issue is concerned, I thought he had a good game yesterday and I think there is little to choose between him and Berra - Berra is more composed and TS is better in the air and better on the ball too. I think a big clue was posted in MM's praise of TS - and I'm sure that if Chambo, TS, and Berra are all available then he will play all 3.

[Bluemike]

For me, the fact that Tommy Smith is a central defender means that when something happens at the back - good or bad - he will be somewhere near it! You could argue that the attacker beat him to get the cross in for their goal but the fact is that this happens to the best of defenders, I wouldn't blame Tommy for that one. My bigger concern remains the goalkeeping situation. I have no huge issue with Bart or Gerks from an ability to save standpoint. My concern is about "owning" the area. Neither do it and it drives me nuts when Bart stays on his line all the time, only to come out and flap at crosses when the pressure is on. Years ago, GK's were encouraged to get off the line and take the ball. These days they just seem rooted to it. It must be some coaching rule for goalies these days - makes no sense to me but I can't see it changing.

One other point - and we are as bad for it as all of the other teams - is the whole "holding on" thing. It is blatant, in front of all officials and basically makes the game a wrestling match. I have said on here before that I am a traditionalist (some would say old ) but I really think it is the latest trend that is spoiling the game. It used to be diving and now it is holding (and diving..). Just my observation.

I agree on the keeper front, neither of them command the box well enough and invite added pressure on to the likes of Smith who them gets the blame for any c*ck up's. For me Gerken is slightly the better keeper but very little to choose between them in truth.

[Foxy Lady]

Aaaahh the keeper convo, we had this convo in the pub before the match and the jury is split. TBH I like both as both have good and bad abilities, sometimes I wish I could merge the two together if I have to choose then for me Bart just edges it, his kicking is far better than Gerkins.

I see Tommy was in the Football League team of the week and well deserved to.

[Bluemike]

The thing is Foxy, kicking really is the least important attribute, in my opinion it rarely loses you a game, failing to come for crosses etc often loses you games and for me Bart is worse than gerks for this, just my opinion, I also think bart's positioning is shocking at times and he can be very slow to react.

[Foxy Lady]

but what you say about Bart is what I think of Gerkin, so for me Bart edges it with his stronger kicking.

[Andym]

The thing is Foxy, kicking really is the least important attribute, in my opinion it rarely loses you a game, failing to come for crosses etc often loses you games and for me Bart is worse than gerks for this, just my opinion, I also think bart's positioning is shocking at times and he can be very slow to react.

I agree with your comment regarding coming for crosses; Gerks is the better. I also agree regarding the relative unimportance of kicking. Bart is possible a better shot stopper but as you say his positioning might be suspect at times. Two decent keepers, both with strengths and weaknesses, little to choose between them. Neither are brilliant but both are reasonably solid.

Regarding Smith, I thought he had a decent game although we all agree about him playing on the wrong side. Without looking at the stats, I suspect that we kept the most clean sheets in the half season after MM arrived, with a central pairing of Smith and Chambers. While I'm not suggesting that MM should revert to that, I think it shows that Smith is decent enough. unfortunately he has made mistakes and gets possibly overcriticised.

I've not been a huge fan of Sears but he was my man of the match on Saturday. Workrate, performance and a goal that made all the difference.

[marko69]

That's very interesting about Sears, Andy. What aspect of his game is not allowing you to be a big fan of him? Genuinely interested because I've only ever read, (and saw) very good things.

Regarding Smith. He probably is overcritisied, (by me at least) but I reckon that's maybe (operative word being "maybe") he is slightly more nervous during live games on Sky. I can count on both hands some real dodgy, nervy defending.

That's Edinburgh hands. Won't be overly critical and say a couple of Norwich hands.