Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich Town preview and match thread

[arana peligrosa]

Took the time to look through post-game report and reaction from a rival page and it doesn't always make for encouraging reading.

Seems McCarthy set out for a point from the start and only realized the importance of victory when we were a goal behind after 87 minutes ? Absurd, but in no way surprising.

Not so much high-ball as often it would appear and if not for Bialkowski himself, the margin of loss would have been that much greater. May be the greatest positive to come out of today were our own traveling support - who made up some one sixth of the overall attendance ? Pity they were unable to leave with something better for their efforts.

In short we came up against another mid-table side that will cause no great threat on the promotion challengers, and again made things hard for ourselves. No real transfer activity in the loan window, still seeing frustrating scores and taking zero from games of this nature when we should ideally be adding something to the points total.

You could say a bad word about McCarthy or question his leadership skills once again, but No - people wouldn't listen, or just shout you down once more, say you're not a proper supporter etc. It's all very well for some because "we're still near the play-off places" and (as is usual) - "Norwich City had a bad result also"

Yeah, (because) whatever they do or don't do, is going to be beneficial to ourselves..

This is just taking up time but was angered by today and to learn our manager only realized the need for victory when the opposition scored some three minutes from the end - this is simply unacceptable. Ok fair enough the McCarthy favorites and enthusiasts will defend their corner and remain resolute in their misguided beliefs, but seen enough to understand this was another largely negative showing and the team perhaps were deserving to come away with nothing from today.

Not something you want to write-up on your own club side, but some things need to be addressed out there. Bristol City should be interesting next up as last we looked they were in the relegation places so Mr McCarthy and players need to give something back. They must realize today was another (largely) unacceptable performance and score.

[ashfordblue]

SJ Brizzle City are on a good run so I dont expect much there, if we get a draw like the home fixture I will be pleased, but with Fraser out now and no one anywhere near his quality in the squad for the left wing position, I would think Mick will start searching the loan market for a decent left sided replacement, or I would expect him too, if he comes out with the sh*t comment of, we have able players to fill that position, I will definitely know he's lost the plot, and we will be punished for it.

[ipswichtownNo1]

Took the time to look through post-game report and reaction from a rival page and it doesn't always make for encouraging reading.

Seems McCarthy set out for a point from the start and only realized the importance of victory when we were a goal behind after 87 minutes ? Absurd, but in no way surprising.

Not so much high-ball as often it would appear and if not for Bialkowski himself, the margin of loss would have been that much greater. May be the greatest positive to come out of today were our own traveling support - who made up some one sixth of the overall attendance ? Pity they were unable to leave with something better for their efforts.

In short we came up against another mid-table side that will cause no great threat on the promotion challengers, and again made things hard for ourselves. No real transfer activity in the loan window, still seeing frustrating scores and taking zero from games of this nature when we should ideally be adding something to the points total.

You could say a bad word about McCarthy or question his leadership skills once again, but No - people wouldn't listen, or just shout you down once more, say you're not a proper supporter etc. It's all very well for some because "we're still near the play-off places" and (as is usual) - "Norwich City had a bad result also"

Yeah, (because) whatever they do or don't do, is going to be beneficial to ourselves..

This is just taking up time but was angered by today and to learn our manager only realized the need for victory when the opposition scored some three minutes from the end - this is simply unacceptable. Ok fair enough the McCarthy favorites and enthusiasts will defend their corner and remain resolute in their misguided beliefs, but seen enough to understand this was another largely negative showing and the team perhaps were deserving to come away with nothing from today.

Not something you want to write-up on your own club side, but some things need to be addressed out there. Bristol City should be interesting next up as last we looked they were in the relegation places so Mr McCarthy and players need to give something back. They must realize today was another (largely) unacceptable performance and score.

The wind has changed again i see, not so happy now. Discussion closed

[lucy]

Just read that Fraser was a doubt with a tight hamstring to begin with. Why play him then? . We have few players as it is so by playing him and then getting injured we've left ourselves short.

[Andym]

Just read that Fraser was a doubt with a tight hamstring to begin with. Why play him then? . We have few players as it is so by playing him and then getting injured we've left ourselves short.

I think you've answered your own question, Lucy. He played because we have so few players.

[Bluemike]

Well that was disappointing in the extreme. A day where pretty much nothing went right, from the team selection, to the performance to the injuries, everything was crap. Thanks to Bart we incredibly went in level, thanks in no small part to BB's 4 or 5 saves in the opening period, 3 of which were top saves too. As for our attacking efforts, well there wasn't any, we created nothing of note in the opening 45 minutes. On seein g the line up I was somewhat surprised to see Murphy on the bench and the first half showed exactly why he has to play, as good as varney did Tuesday he should never be starting over Murphy and so it proved. Unfortunately some others disappointed too, none more so than Kevin Bru who it has to be said was woeful, he had a mare today, while Pitman looked lethargic as well.

The second half could only be better and thankfully it was far more even, we finally started to get into it and make it a contest. Fraser had a great chance to put us ahead but his effort went agonisingly wide of the far post. The introdution of Murphy definitely had a positive effect as finally started to hold the ball up in the offensive third and look more likely, still though we often looked like we were going to be caught at the back as Rangers continued to look the more threatening. The loss of Skuse was another blow although to be fair to Coke he was no worse than anyone else and definitely more effective than Bru. As the game went into the last few minutes Pitman & Sears had chances to give us an undeserved lead but Smithies saved boh efforts. Typically as the game was looking set for a draw we lose a needless bloody goal, Phillips left unmarked to head home from close range.

What really pisses me off is in the few minutes that remain after they score we actually start to bloody play and create a few chances, good chances too with Pitman, Sears and Toure all having chances to get the point. In turth we got what we deserved, nothing, we didnt turn up in the first half and despite improvement after the break we still created too little until we went behind, had we approched it like we did in the last few minutes I doubt very much if we would have lost it, so frustrating.

While losing the game is not terminal, I fear the Three injuries we picked up today could be, Hyam (Calf), Skuse (Ankle I think) and especially Fraser (Hamstring) all possibly out for a while, hopefully not but it lookes bad with Fraser, he was in agony and it would not surprise me if we don't see him in a Town shirt again, I bloody hope I am wrong but it is not impossible. Thankfully we have the loan market opening on Monday and this is exactly why I did not want us to go out and sign players on a whim because we now have to sign 2 or 3 on loan and at least we know where they are required, MM needs to come up with something over the next 2 or 3 weeks. The Midfield could well be patched up at Bristol next weekend, Bru & Coke as it stands may well be in Midfield, hopefully Hyam recovers though. Douglas was missed today as far as I am concerned and Murphy defintely was in the first half. MOTM definitely Bart who kept us in it with a top performance.

[lucy]

Just read that Fraser was a doubt with a tight hamstring to begin with. Why play him then? . We have few players as it is so by playing him and then getting injured we've left ourselves short.

I think you've answered your own question, Lucy. He played because we have so few players.

Could of played Coke?.

[marko69]

Could have played Coke?.

Or taken it.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

The reality check has really struck today. The reality check for some percent of our fans and that's the 'we didn't need new players on January / we don't need to spend on fees / Marcus Evans is great ' group of people. Those people were in full voice after the 'glorious' Reading win and were convincing others that all is fine what ITFC do. We have lost significant percent of our threat (Fraser) and unfortunately lack of new additions last month may hit us hard.

The first half was almost as bad as the previous game in which we we did wear the 'Barca' shirt. I mean Blackburn away. The difference was the result of the first half and form of the keeper. Bialkowski made at least five very good saves, the first double one on in the opening minute.

We were really flattered to be 0-0 at half time. Should have been the game over but for the Bialkowski's heroics and perhaps Berra too who himself was coping quite well with Polter. Apart from that no positives at all. Our first shot on target on 41st minute was followed by ironic cheers from the Town end.

A few thoughts about really terrible Town midfield today. There was no-one in the middle to distribute the ball, to pass towards wingers or strikers. Fraser aside they were non-existing. Skuse regularly pampered by number of our fans had a very poor afternoon. He just needs to be on the pitch and that automatically means he plays well doesn't he? He 'always plays well' according to that section of people. What was his role today? The protection for back four? What protection as QPR were all over us. He's too comfortable in this team. Giles Coke who replaced him in the second half did better and that was probably the best I've seen from Coke ever since he's joined us.

Kevin Bru..... don't get me wrong I like him but he's slightly overrated. Yes he gives us a movement and energy but he doesn't do that on regular basis. Quite inconsistent. Very good against Reading last Tuesday but not much today unfortunately.

Luke Varney...... oh yes he was such unlucky with his injury so he deserved a new contract didn't he? What does he offer? A quality? Nice set-up for the Pitman's goal last Tuesday doesn't mean he's great player and badly needed by us. He has had a mare today. Arguably our worst player and I don't know what his duties were today. 100% non-existent.

2nd half was a bit better. Perhaps the changes made some effect but we didn't really tested Smithies until the 80th minute and scramble in the box where Sears' shot from close range was grabbed by the keeper.

That doesn't mean though we can be pleased with the 2nd half. I've only said it was a bit better. Bialkowski was still a busier goalkeeper. And then we concede the goal two minutes from time and all of sudden .... we are starting attacking and playing football ! Had to wait for that 88 minutes and concede the goal. Really annoying !

We were really close in the dying moments, loads of havoc in their box but ultimately we didn't deserve anything.

A few seconds before the end there was perhaps a turning point of our season in the shape of Fraser's injury. It looked really nasty and I wouldn't be surprised if he's out for the rest of the campaign.

Hoofball was our domain today. I have no issues with that at all as long as it gives us good results. But it didn't worked out today and I can repeat my words from my Birmingham match report. If the hoofball isn't the way to get past an opponent we have to have plan B. Unfortunately this isn't the case. No imaginations, non-existing midfield as they were unable to pass and distribute the ball.

Fraser's injury. That's why we needed some quality additions last month. 2-3 good players to gives us a chance to compete in case of injuries/suspensions. Of course it's still long way to go but can we really replace Fraser with what we have got? Jay Tabb who hasn't played a league game this season? Laursen Toure who isn't good enough? Luke Varney, hahahhaha???

QPR was always going to be a difficult game but the manner of our performance was very disappointing. Fraser's injury is for me by far the bigger worry than todays result as his absence could severely hamper our top 6 challenge.

[Tangfastic]

Once again Mach and Blue Mike put in good reports. Both mentioned we didn't deserve anything. It's good for discussion that they have views which conflict other than the actual game.
Our strategy is to keep it tight and perhaps sneak a winner. That's worked in the past, but we've got to accept if we can't dominate teams and rely on huff and puff alone,then we will lose a certain amount of these types of games.
In terms of the league, it's hardly catastrophic.
It's just this ongoing discussion about our squad strength and apparent lack of ambition.

Much as I respect and thank our players and manager for getting us around the play off zone through grit and determination ( and a fair bit of ugly hoofball), we need to strengthen.
Don't agree with Mike that Mick has played a blinder in not bringing in players so that we can now pick and choose loan players to replace the injured. That's not a strategy- that's doing nothing until we're in a desperate position. I hope Mick can be active in the loan market, but there's a good chance we will be left with the dregs to choose from. There's nothing better than having our own players rather than loanees. Fraser and AMN were planned in advance in the summer and worked out for us, but wont hold my breath to see who we'll bring in.
Digby and Foley were the last players to bring in. Not writing these off, but these are not players who have been on an upward curve and deserve the right to be in a promotion chasing Championship team- they're just squad filler.
This idea that fans are wanting to compete with Middlesborough, etc by spending millions is crap. There's got to be players from League 1 with 100+ games and in their twenties under their belt who have potential to step up.
We've got players like Coke, Toure, Malarcyzk, Tabb, Foley, Digby who I can't see adding anything to the squad.
it's not negativity to ask for a little bit more from our manager and owner to try and improve the squad with half an eye on the big prize.

[Bluemike]

The injuries yesterday to Hyam, Skuse & most importantly Fraser says to me it was exactly the right thing to do in not spending on willy nilly signings in the window in the hope of improving what we already have. Ok I accept Tangs comment that it isn't a "strategy" but in the position we are in it is the way we were always goin g to go and in turth the way we have to go. We now know we have to strengthen in a couple of areas, had we spent money there is no way in hell we would have brought another wide man in to challenge Fraser, AMN and Sears in those areas, so had we spunked all our money away we would be stuffed, don't forget the high wages too when players are being signed, especially ones that are expected to "improve" the team, they won't be cheap and they wont be wanting to sit on the bench.

I don't agree that will we have the "dregs" to choose from, there are loads of players at prem clubs who could now become available, it is finding the right ones that fit into what we are trying to do which is the tough part but I have faith in our scouting network etc to get something done. Tang I am sure there are players in League One ready to step up, Moncur at Colchester being a prime example so you have kinda argued against yourself with the Dregs thing, they can still be loaned in with a view to a permanent move, nothing wrong with that stategy at all.

If Mach is correct regarding Skuse, which I disagree completely with by the way as there has always been a bit of a witch hunt against Skusey with Mach, then he will not be missed at all so no loss there !! For me it showed me yesterday why MM plays Skuse & Douglas, we have lost very few games with those Two in the middle, same with Murphy, if fit he has to play irrespective of how many goals he is scoring, he should be the first name on the team sheet, Pitman and Varney do not come close, especially taking into account the way we play, I see no reason why it wasn't Murphy & Pitman yesterday, none at all.

It disappoints too that people seem to have written off the lad Digby after 45 minutes and a meaningless pair of cup games where the team was "thrown" together, lets give the lad a bloody chance, of course he isn't going to hit the ground running, it does take time but I hope to god the fella doesnt read all the crap being bandied about on forums etc, not the way we should be doing things.

[hallamblue]

Lloyd Dyer ( Watford winger) is supposed to joining us...........we'll see.

[Tangfastic]

The injuries yesterday to Hyam, Skuse & most importantly Fraser says to me it was exactly the right thing to do in not spending on willy nilly signings in the window in the hope of improving what we already have. Ok I accept Tangs comment that it isn't a "strategy" but in the position we are in it is the way we were always goin g to go and in turth the way we have to go. We now know we have to strengthen in a couple of areas, had we spent money there is no way in hell we would have brought another wide man in to challenge Fraser, AMN and Sears in those areas, so had we spunked all our money away we would be stuffed, don't forget the high wages too when players are being signed, especially ones that are expected to "improve" the team, they won't be cheap and they be wanting to sit on the bench.

I don't agree that will we have the "dregs" to choose from, there are loads of players at prem clubs who could now become available, it is finding the right ones that fit into what we are trying to do which is the tough part but I have faith in our scouting network etc to get something done. Tang I am sure there are players in League One ready to step up, Moncur at Colchester being a prime example so you have kinda argued against yourself with the Dregs thing, they can still be loaned in with a view to a permanent move, nothing wrong with that stategy at all.

If Mach is correct regarding Skuse, which I disagree completely with by the way as there has always been a bit of a witch hunt against Skusey with Mach, then he will not be missed at all so no loss there !! For me it showed me yesterday why MM plays Skuse & Douglas, we have lost very few games with those Two in the middle, same with Murphy, if fit he has to play irrespective of how many goals he is scoring, he should be the first name on the team sheet, Pitman and Varney do not come close, especially taking into account the way we play, I see no reason why it wasn't Murphy & Pitman yesterday, none at all.

It disappoints too that people seem to have written off the lad Digby after 45 minutes and a meaningless pair of cup games where the team was "thrown" together, lets give the lad a bloody chance, of course he isn't going to hit the ground running, it does take time but I hope to god the fella doesnt read all the crap being bandied about on forums etc, not the way we should be doing things.

Mike, these loans with a view to a permanent move always provide added interest, but can't see that happening with the type of players we would want.
They would probably involve players who would come under the scope of LWAVTAPM (sorry... who are surplus to requirement.
Players like Sears we had to buy. That's the type we want. Maybe Didsy came under this LWAVTAPM deal and going back further Gary Roberts, but we're more likely to get more Hunts (30 something surplus squad players) or PL youngsters (inexperienced kids who maybe have 1 or 2 Carling Cup [or whatever the League Cup is called]appearances).

Hope you're right that we can bring fit for purpose players in.

As for Digby, it's not right to write of a twenty year old, I agree. On the other hand, I think he's more likely to be a Nouble or a Alabi, whereby hes been given last chance saloon in being transformed into a decent player. Never happened with those two as well as Henshall, Cameron and numerous Irish youngsters, so think he's just an inexpensive gamble. Barnsley fans were hardly up in arms in losing Digby.... I think they were as confused as our fans.

I'm all for spending wisely, but it's like the over prudent, spendthrift parents who take their kids camping every Summer to Skegness or somewhere grey and wet and then brag and delight how much money they save.... and then they eventually get their kids screaming at them to spend a bit more because they're fed up having a sh*t time. Take the kids to somewhere sunny,Mick, for a change.

Anyway, the team has constantly surprised the critics so probably expect a win next game with a Coke screamer.

[hallamblue]

What a sh1t away day 22:18 - Feb 6 with 926 views Uncle_Bulgaria

Painful public transport, ridiculously difficult to a) get into a pub & then b) get a beer...in our capital city?!!...poor starting XI, dreadful 1st half, clear handball for their goal, 10 mins of decent attacking football (finally) almost get us an undeserved equaliser, fraser gets injured, sh1t journey home

Cheers Town !

I think this is how a lot of us saw ut yesterday ( another fans post, )

[Bluemike]

Handball for their goal ? f*ck we were robbed !!

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I didn't manage to get to the game after all as was held up in the city - by the sounds of it I didn't miss much.
Only one thing I want to say about the game........what the f**k was Chambers doing for their goal. He is NOT a right back, never has been and never will be. FFS MM, get away from this policy of square pegs in round holes.

[number 9]

Many of us recognized the need for more depth in our squad, and now unfortunately it is painfully obvious. I think we'll struggle for the rest of the season...I hope I'm wrong. Once again I'd like to thank the travelling support for ITFC...many fans would have wrote off the team by now. But as Bluemike has said in the past, we'll just have to support the team we have or 'bugger-off'. Mach, Tang and Rossi's comments do not fall on deaf ears, but I have to say many of us have sang that song before. Fingers crossed MM will find a couple of shrewd loans to prop us up for another season. COYB!

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

The injuries yesterday to Hyam, Skuse & most importantly Fraser says to me it was exactly the right thing to do in not spending on willy nilly signings in the window in the hope of improving what we already have. Ok I accept Tangs comment that it isn't a "strategy" but in the position we are in it is the way we were always goin g to go and in turth the way we have to go. We now know we have to strengthen in a couple of areas, had we spent money there is no way in hell we would have brought another wide man in to challenge Fraser, AMN and Sears in those areas, so had we spunked all our money away we would be stuffed, don't forget the high wages too when players are being signed, especially ones that are expected to "improve" the team, they won't be cheap and they wont be wanting to sit on the bench.

I don't agree that will we have the "dregs" to choose from, there are loads of players at prem clubs who could now become available, it is finding the right ones that fit into what we are trying to do which is the tough part but I have faith in our scouting network etc to get something done. Tang I am sure there are players in League One ready to step up, Moncur at Colchester being a prime example so you have kinda argued against yourself with the Dregs thing, they can still be loaned in with a view to a permanent move, nothing wrong with that stategy at all.

If Mach is correct regarding Skuse, which I disagree completely with by the way as there has always been a bit of a witch hunt against Skusey with Mach, then he will not be missed at all so no loss there !! For me it showed me yesterday why MM plays Skuse & Douglas, we have lost very few games with those Two in the middle, same with Murphy, if fit he has to play irrespective of how many goals he is scoring, he should be the first name on the team sheet, Pitman and Varney do not come close, especially taking into account the way we play, I see no reason why it wasn't Murphy & Pitman yesterday, none at all.

It disappoints too that people seem to have written off the lad Digby after 45 minutes and a meaningless pair of cup games where the team was "thrown" together, lets give the lad a bloody chance, of course he isn't going to hit the ground running, it does take time but I hope to god the fella doesnt read all the crap being bandied about on forums etc, not the way we should be doing things.

Mike so does it mean Skuse is free of criticism? Knudsen, Douglas and Gerken have been slated for every poor kick.

Some of our fans never criticise him as 'he is always fine and always plays well'.

When he actually plays well then it is being underlined how good player he is for us whereas when he has a poor spell some people defend him no matter how he performs. 'Don't you understand his role in the team?' blah blah blah.

What poor week he's had. Needless stupid penalty given at the Reading game and bad performance yesterday. If other players are being slated for bad things it doesn't mean he is entitled to be pampered.

But as I've said in my original post whole midfield (bar Fraser) was non-existent and very poor yesterday. Mick gave Varney a starting role and the latter didn't really know why he was on the pitch.
If his contract isn't extended for the next season he'll probably end up at Chesterfield or Shrewsbury as he is no longer good enough for the Championship.

[Bluemike]

Of course Skuse isn't free from criticism, that isn't the issue, what is the issue that when he does play well nothing is said at all until his next poor game and then he is slated again, that's not fair on the guy. Yesterday Mach Bru was f**king useless, and yet because people like him and we have a stupid bloody chant for him he gets away with very little comment, Mick may have his favourites by OMG so do fans. I have defended Douglas & Gerken to the hilt and rightly so, they have done little wrong this season, Knudsen is poor at this level but look back to recent posts, at least when he plays well and improves I say it, he was crap yesterday but I did not rip him to shreds, in fact I didn't even pass comment on the lad.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

My comment re Skuse and other players weren't aimed at you Mike as loads of our fans have been slating Knudsen, Douglas and Gerken for everything. It's unfair as every player should be equally judged.

[ashfordblue]

MPB the test will be against Brizzle City next Saturday, New manager, if we don't get ourselves organised we will come a cropper here as well, I'm not being negative just realistic with what we have as back ups to injuries, sorry but Mick will have to dig into the loan market and bring in some decent back up, because as from next season there will be no loan market after the windows shut, so clubs will have to make sure they have very strong player squads, and no carrying poor players, in the summer mick must clear the squads of all dead wood, as I cant see us getting into the playoffs without some decent loan players coming in.

Rant over, I'm off to Landsogrotty for a 15 day break were its 20 degrees, get away from this sh*t weather and footie.

[marko69]

Always great to read an "Ash" rant......, superb!

Enjoy your break in Landsogrotty ya jaggy bawbag!

[Bluemike]

Always great to read an "Ash" rant......, superb!

Enjoy your break in Landsogrotty ya jaggy bawbag!

Yes it's always good for a laugh.

[ashfordblue]

Marco, after this fooking storm Imogen that's just blown through the south coast and pissing down with rain all the time, I cant wait to board that Focker jet and find the sunshine,
Mike me and you must have a pre home match meet up before the end of the season, and have a few beers and discuss certain items of the club and team, now you say you meet in the Cricketers before hand ????, I've nearly always gone to the Drum & Minkey with the wife, as we normally stay in the Novatel round the corner on a Friday night, then pop down to Johny's Indian delli in Hamilton Road Felixstowe, my old stomping ground, we just love that food, anyway it will be good to see you and Liz and a few others and put faces to the board names on here, so what do you say ????

[Bluemike]

Marco, after this fooking storm Imogen that's just blown through the south coast and pissing down with rain all the time, I cant wait to board that Focker jet and find the sunshine,
Mike me and you must have a pre home match meet up before the end of the season, and have a few beers and discuss certain items of the club and team, now you say you meet in the Cricketers before hand ????, I've nearly always gone to the Drum & Minkey with the wife, as we normally stay in the Novatel round the corner on a Friday night, then pop down to Johny's Indian delli in Hamilton Road Felixstowe, my old stomping ground, we just love that food, anyway it will be good to see you and Liz and a few others and put faces to the board names on here, so what do you say ????

Lets do it !!! Although I must confess i do not like the Drum one bit but would be happy to hve a beer or Two at the Cricketers some time. Please don't mention Indian, my fav.

[hallamblue]

great idea AB. ...Let's do it!

[ashfordblue]

Right BM & H, I'll work out which game is best for Sue & Me and confirm with you guys ok, if you do like Indian then Johnny's is the best, and your more than welcome to join us on the Friday night ok, by the way does big Dave L&P get in the Cricketers at all, haven't seen him since we went to the Dusseldorf bash weekend with the gang in the minibus, to meet up with the Fortuna boys Uli & Freddie, that was a great crack, anyway will keep you posted on this arrangement.

[Bluemike]

Right BM & H, I'll work out which game is best for Sue & Me and confirm with you guys ok, if you do like Indian then Johnny's is the best, and your more than welcome to join us on the Friday night ok, by the way does big Dave L&P get in the Cricketers at all, haven't seen him since we went to the Dusseldorf bash weekend with the gang in the minibus, to meet up with the Fortuna boys Uli & Freddie, that was a great crack, anyway will keep you posted on this arrangement.

Just let us know when you are about and we will meet up, we meet up before every home game so no problem for us at all. I don't think Dave goes to any of the games now, as far as I am aware anyway but no he does not frequent the Cricketers before games.

[ipswichtownNo1]

The injuries yesterday to Hyam, Skuse & most importantly Fraser says to me it was exactly the right thing to do in not spending on willy nilly signings in the window in the hope of improving what we already have. Ok I accept Tangs comment that it isn't a "strategy" but in the position we are in it is the way we were always goin g to go and in turth the way we have to go. We now know we have to strengthen in a couple of areas, had we spent money there is no way in hell we would have brought another wide man in to challenge Fraser, AMN and Sears in those areas, so had we spunked all our money away we would be stuffed, don't forget the high wages too when players are being signed, especially ones that are expected to "improve" the team, they won't be cheap and they be wanting to sit on the bench.

I don't agree that will we have the "dregs" to choose from, there are loads of players at prem clubs who could now become available, it is finding the right ones that fit into what we are trying to do which is the tough part but I have faith in our scouting network etc to get something done. Tang I am sure there are players in League One ready to step up, Moncur at Colchester being a prime example so you have kinda argued against yourself with the Dregs thing, they can still be loaned in with a view to a permanent move, nothing wrong with that stategy at all.

If Mach is correct regarding Skuse, which I disagree completely with by the way as there has always been a bit of a witch hunt against Skusey with Mach, then he will not be missed at all so no loss there !! For me it showed me yesterday why MM plays Skuse & Douglas, we have lost very few games with those Two in the middle, same with Murphy, if fit he has to play irrespective of how many goals he is scoring, he should be the first name on the team sheet, Pitman and Varney do not come close, especially taking into account the way we play, I see no reason why it wasn't Murphy & Pitman yesterday, none at all.

It disappoints too that people seem to have written off the lad Digby after 45 minutes and a meaningless pair of cup games where the team was "thrown" together, lets give the lad a bloody chance, of course he isn't going to hit the ground running, it does take time but I hope to god the fella doesnt read all the crap being bandied about on forums etc, not the way we should be doing things.

Mike, these loans with a view to a permanent move always provide added interest, but can't see that happening with the type of players we would want.
They would probably involve players who would come under the scope of LWAVTAPM (sorry... who are surplus to requirement.
Players like Sears we had to buy. That's the type we want. Maybe Didsy came under this LWAVTAPM deal and going back further Gary Roberts, but we're more likely to get more Hunts (30 something surplus squad players) or PL youngsters (inexperienced kids who maybe have 1 or 2 Carling Cup [or whatever the League Cup is called]appearances).

Hope you're right that we can bring fit for purpose players in.

As for Digby, it's not right to write of a twenty year old, I agree. On the other hand, I think he's more likely to be a Nouble or a Alabi, whereby hes been given last chance saloon in being transformed into a decent player. Never happened with those two as well as Henshall, Cameron and numerous Irish youngsters, so think he's just an inexpensive gamble. Barnsley fans were hardly up in arms in losing Digby.... I think they were as confused as our fans.

I'm all for spending wisely, but it's like the over prudent, spendthrift parents who take their kids camping every Summer to Skegness or somewhere grey and wet and then brag and delight how much money they save.... and then they eventually get their kids screaming at them to spend a bit more because they're fed up having a sh*t time. Take the kids to somewhere sunny,Mick, for a change.

Anyway, the team has constantly surprised the critics so probably expect a win next game with a Coke screamer.

Dont have to go somewhere sunny to have a great holiday, my holidays were in rainy scotland but as a family we loved them, all about making the most of what youve got and having a strong family bond. Pretty much like MM the lads a itfc, MM making the most of whats available and the squad sticking together and playing for each other.

[ashfordblue]

ITNo1 if you think for one moment I would have a holiday in Scotland this time of the year, with all the sh*t weather ice and snow forget it, its Landsogrotty for me 20 degree's and sunny?? well most of the time lol