Premier League - Ipswich Town vs Chelsea FC Preview & Matchday Thread

[Blue Wilf]

It's crazy really, when you think about it. It's almost as if a young Manager who got us back to back promotions after over 20 years rotting in the championship and, latterly, League 1, knows more about football than some of our more vocal fans.

We have the weakest squad in this league. We should be cannon fodder for most teams in the Premiership. Apart from a couple of matches, we have been very competitive. A few individual errors have cost us in a few games but we are still hanging in there and picking up valuable points.

We have a definite identity. We have a wonderful team spirit. We are within touching distance of lower to mid table safety.

There is a long way to go, for sure, but we are looking increasingly comfortable at this level.

Well as one of 'our more vocal fans' on here, I feel fully vindicated that I (and a few others) have been asking for exactly what we got last night and feel we have been proved exactly correct, so will treat your snide little 'dig' with the contempt it deserves. We didn't want much - just play to our strengths and change tactics to hold onto leads. If you can't see that then you continue to be mistaken.

Anyway - its about moving forward now and seeing which teams we can reel in so lets all focus on that positive.

[Bluemike]

It's crazy really, when you think about it. It's almost as if a young Manager who got us back to back promotions after over 20 years rotting in the championship and, latterly, League 1, knows more about football than some of our more vocal fans.

We have the weakest squad in this league. We should be cannon fodder for most teams in the Premiership. Apart from a couple of matches, we have been very competitive. A few individual errors have cost us in a few games but we are still hanging in there and picking up valuable points.

We have a definite identity. We have a wonderful team spirit. We are within touching distance of lower to mid table safety.

There is a long way to go, for sure, but we are looking increasingly comfortable at this level.

Well as one of 'our more vocal fans' on here, I feel fully vindicated that I (and a few others) have been asking for exactly what we got last night and feel we have been proved exactly correct, so will treat your snide little 'dig' with the contempt it deserves. We didn't want much - just play to our strengths and change tactics to hold onto leads. If you can't see that then you continue to be mistaken.

Anyway - its about moving forward now and seeing which teams we can reel in so lets all focus on that positive.

WORD

[mendipblue]

WOW, what a brilliant defensive performance. Well done KMck for dropping Muric and changing the system. Liam Delap what a amazing performance. Yessssss

And Hutchy scoring from playing through the middle. Don't forget that.

He played on the right hand side?

[marko69]

WOW, what a brilliant defensive performance. Well done KMck for dropping Muric and changing the system. Liam Delap what a amazing performance. Yessssss

And Hutchy scoring from playing through the middle. Don't forget that.

He played on the right hand side?

Did he? Bloody BBC !

[mendipblue]

And Hutchy scoring from playing through the middle. Don't forget that.

He played on the right hand side?

Did he? Bloody BBC !

[marko69]

Not what many posters of this great forum expected when getting to the EPL and wanting to support a great team ——>> a feeling of division and a reluctance to post. Especially after a historically fantastic result against top 4 opposition. It’s not good.
Its essentially being created by certain posters who were pishing their y’fronts while Ipswich Town were going through a difficult period exactly one year ago.
“Never mind promotion, we’ll not make autos.”
Etc etc etc blaw blaw blaw……..

Remember Mick McC? And his relentless stubbornness not to change? And we ALL moaned our tits off.
Its not like that with Kieron McKenna. The guy is learning his managerial career AT Ipswich Town and is tweaking and changing things as he goes along in this infinitely more difficult League. It is refreshing and every game is a brand new challenge.

But , being part of this fantastic place for nearly 16 years, I am NOT willing to be quiet and crawl into a hole because the Messiah boss is “listening” to the gurus on here…….. nope, i’m going to embrace it because i want to enjoy TB.Com like most of us have done over the years.
Going to say i’m very very proud to share these threads with you “Messiahs” …… Yes sometimes you spunk yer load with abandon creating a bit of an atmosphere, but sometimes you’re actually right.
For me, i’ll continue to watch with intent what the boss does and “believe” he’s doing things in a non Paul Lambert way.

NOT ….. a sarcastic post. So fking put your wigs back on. Just a post to say that sometimes its difficult to post AFTER a win for some of the more positive people because it seems there is no point. Its like “conversation” has been culled.

Next season…… EPL or Championship….. i reckon there should be a new prediction League comp run alongside the current one and it be based purely on Ipswich Town. I know the first 5 questions are that in the current set up but do a different comp completely.
10 questions……. 1pt for all correct answers.
Then at the end of the season, we’ll have a “Manager of the Year” trophy.
THE MESSIAH CUP.

I’ll ask the mods…… They might say yes if i go buy the trophy.

[mendipblue]

As much as I enjoyed that last night, that has to be the standard now. If we play with that much determination and the quality shown against Southampton, Leicester, Everton, Wolves, Palace, Man Utd, West Ham, Brentford,Tottenham Fulham, Brighton, Villa and Bournemouth we should get the points required to stay up.

[Blue Wilf]

Not what many posters of this great forum expected when getting to the EPL and wanting to support a great team ——>> a feeling of division and a reluctance to post. Especially after a historically fantastic result against top 4 opposition. It’s not good.
Its essentially being created by certain posters who were pishing their y’fronts while Ipswich Town were going through a difficult period exactly one year ago.
“Never mind promotion, we’ll not make autos.”
Etc etc etc blaw blaw blaw……..

Remember Mick McC? And his relentless stubbornness not to change? And we ALL moaned our tits off.
Its not like that with Kieron McKenna. The guy is learning his managerial career AT Ipswich Town and is tweaking and changing things as he goes along in this infinitely more difficult League. It is refreshing and every game is a brand new challenge.

But , being part of this fantastic place for nearly 16 years, I am NOT willing to be quiet and crawl into a hole because the Messiah boss is “listening” to the gurus on here…….. nope, i’m going to embrace it because i want to enjoy TB.Com like most of us have done over the years.
Going to say i’m very very proud to share these threads with you “Messiahs” …… Yes sometimes you spunk yer load with abandon creating a bit of an atmosphere, but sometimes you’re actually right.
For me, i’ll continue to watch with intent what the boss does and “believe” he’s doing things in a non Paul Lambert way.

NOT ….. a sarcastic post. So fking put your wigs back on. Just a post to say that sometimes its difficult to post AFTER a win for some of the more positive people because it seems there is no point. Its like “conversation” has been culled.

Next season…… EPL or Championship….. i reckon there should be a new prediction League comp run alongside the current one and it be based purely on Ipswich Town. I know the first 5 questions are that in the current set up but do a different comp completely.
10 questions……. 1pt for all correct answers.
Then at the end of the season, we’ll have a “Manager of the Year” trophy.
THE MESSIAH CUP.

I’ll ask the mods…… They might say yes if i go buy the trophy.

I think the only division has been a difference of opinion and people get set in their ways about whatever way they feel. I think that is fine as long as it is done respectfully and where possible in an open minded way. I am always open to having my mind changed as I am sure most people on here are but to get to that point requires a sensible debate and exchange of views - that is why I like it on here! I don't like the snide remarks that often appear just because someone disagrees with a point of view. If I have been guilty of that (surely not!) then I apologise but I certainly do not apologise for having a strong opinion and will only sway from that if debate, facts or events change it. I don't think that's unreasonable.

I will make a resolution to continue to be constructive and respectful (as I think I have been all along (but other views are possible...) but there you go. Lets keep the debate strong and no-one should feel their opinion is not valued. They should however, expect firm response in support or disagreement of arguments from equally passionate fans! Thats what we all are here, fans... so let the debate continue and please all of those who sit and read but don't engage - start to join in. 'More fun if we all join in' - Happy New Year, All

[ITFC2024]

Who would have guessed we'd only concede one goal against the second and third top scoring teams in the Prem? However, I'm not sure it would have been a clean sheet yesterday if Muric had started.

Many have criticized KM's tactics and formations, but ultimately the players have to perform. Last night, every player executed and contributed to the overall tactical setup (aggressively), and that is what won us the match (with a clean sheet).

What is it?...15pts we've shipped after having the lead? Players making stupid mistakes and gifting goals. Powder puff performances in the form of Jack Clarke, Wes Burns, Muric etal.?

If the players perform like they did last night, we'll be hard to beat no matter what the formation and tactics are.

[arana peligrosa]

Why was Muric not picked last night anyway. Fell out of favor, McKenna could see the problems with him etc. Maybe just wasn't game fit, could have asked to be left out. Walton's been out of first team action for so long and after yesterday's result and maybe performance he'll now keep Muric away from game action for lengthy time instead of vice versa.

Yet to see game highlights which perhaps is a crime in itself but one last time it were a monumental piece of club history to be part of a first home victory back at top level. Not only that, there were a bomb threat somewhere in town that could have postponed the game had it been found hours after, an ex-president leaves us at 100 years of age and Southgate takes away a Knighthood (for what I can't quite comprehend). It could only happen at this club.

[marko69]

Not what many posters of this great forum expected when getting to the EPL and wanting to support a great team ——>> a feeling of division and a reluctance to post. Especially after a historically fantastic result against top 4 opposition. It’s not good.
Its essentially being created by certain posters who were pishing their y’fronts while Ipswich Town were going through a difficult period exactly one year ago.
“Never mind promotion, we’ll not make autos.”
Etc etc etc blaw blaw blaw……..

Remember Mick McC? And his relentless stubbornness not to change? And we ALL moaned our tits off.
Its not like that with Kieron McKenna. The guy is learning his managerial career AT Ipswich Town and is tweaking and changing things as he goes along in this infinitely more difficult League. It is refreshing and every game is a brand new challenge.

But , being part of this fantastic place for nearly 16 years, I am NOT willing to be quiet and crawl into a hole because the Messiah boss is “listening” to the gurus on here…….. nope, i’m going to embrace it because i want to enjoy TB.Com like most of us have done over the years.
Going to say i’m very very proud to share these threads with you “Messiahs” …… Yes sometimes you spunk yer load with abandon creating a bit of an atmosphere, but sometimes you’re actually right.
For me, i’ll continue to watch with intent what the boss does and “believe” he’s doing things in a non Paul Lambert way.

NOT ….. a sarcastic post. So fking put your wigs back on. Just a post to say that sometimes its difficult to post AFTER a win for some of the more positive people because it seems there is no point. Its like “conversation” has been culled.

Next season…… EPL or Championship….. i reckon there should be a new prediction League comp run alongside the current one and it be based purely on Ipswich Town. I know the first 5 questions are that in the current set up but do a different comp completely.
10 questions……. 1pt for all correct answers.
Then at the end of the season, we’ll have a “Manager of the Year” trophy.
THE MESSIAH CUP.

I’ll ask the mods…… They might say yes if i go buy the trophy.

I think the only division has been a difference of opinion and people get set in their ways about whatever way they feel. I think that is fine as long as it is done respectfully and where possible in an open minded way. I am always open to having my mind changed as I am sure most people on here are but to get to that point requires a sensible debate and exchange of views - that is why I like it on here! I don't like the snide remarks that often appear just because someone disagrees with a point of view. If I have been guilty of that (surely not!) then I apologise but I certainly do not apologise for having a strong opinion and will only sway from that if debate, facts or events change it. I don't think that's unreasonable.

I will make a resolution to continue to be constructive and respectful (as I think I have been all along (but other views are possible...) but there you go. Lets keep the debate strong and no-one should feel their opinion is not valued. They should however, expect firm response in support or disagreement of arguments from equally passionate fans! Thats what we all are here, fans... so let the debate continue and please all of those who sit and read but don't engage - start to join in. 'More fun if we all join in' - Happy New Year, All

Sometimes the indirect “division” is worse and makes it like a bit of a playground……. Which no one can be arsed with.

“Oh yeah, but we must trust the process” bullshit. And the people who choose to trust Mashtons process and Kierons “ways” as boss are boardroom bum lickers. Thats why more are not joining in.
I am WAAAAAAY too thick skinned to let that pish bother me but I do miss certain posters who wrote up well written, informative posts who’ve disappeared.

Bottom licking line for me, and i realise the guy has “tweaked” and its a huge 2-0 v Chelsea…… (and as 24 says, only 1 goal conceded past 2 games) ….. but the fact that he’s the best manager at Ipswich Town since Dode Burley; i hate seeing him criticised for stuff that he’ll address. Really gets me. But i choose to keep it all respectable because a thriving TB.com is what its all about ——>> more people with big opinions posting.

3-0 Fulham
3 Muric howlers
KMcK the fk out.

[Bluemike]

It works both ways Marko, snide comments regarding people being "Bedwetters" because they dare to moan about KM or question his ways when we are struggling, that comment alone is very inflammatory, then the posters who put these things p*ss off for weeks in a huff when they don't like a retort to it. Like you I couldn't give a toss what people think, I have an opinion and I will voice it and face the music, always have done, always will do, more often than not it proves to be correct

Out of interest who is refraining from joining in the debates ? Apart from AzzuroMark I cannot think of anyone else of any relevance to be honest. Mark is a good guy and very passionate and I am sure he will be back after a wee rest.

[JohnnyB]

Not what many posters of this great forum expected when getting to the EPL and wanting to support a great team ——>> a feeling of division and a reluctance to post. Especially after a historically fantastic result against top 4 opposition. It’s not good.
Its essentially being created by certain posters who were pishing their y’fronts while Ipswich Town were going through a difficult period exactly one year ago.
“Never mind promotion, we’ll not make autos.”
Etc etc etc blaw blaw blaw……..

Remember Mick McC? And his relentless stubbornness not to change? And we ALL moaned our tits off.
Its not like that with Kieron McKenna. The guy is learning his managerial career AT Ipswich Town and is tweaking and changing things as he goes along in this infinitely more difficult League. It is refreshing and every game is a brand new challenge.

But , being part of this fantastic place for nearly 16 years, I am NOT willing to be quiet and crawl into a hole because the Messiah boss is “listening” to the gurus on here…….. nope, i’m going to embrace it because i want to enjoy TB.Com like most of us have done over the years.
Going to say i’m very very proud to share these threads with you “Messiahs” …… Yes sometimes you spunk yer load with abandon creating a bit of an atmosphere, but sometimes you’re actually right.
For me, i’ll continue to watch with intent what the boss does and “believe” he’s doing things in a non Paul Lambert way.

NOT ….. a sarcastic post. So fking put your wigs back on. Just a post to say that sometimes its difficult to post AFTER a win for some of the more positive people because it seems there is no point. Its like “conversation” has been culled.

Next season…… EPL or Championship….. i reckon there should be a new prediction League comp run alongside the current one and it be based purely on Ipswich Town. I know the first 5 questions are that in the current set up but do a different comp completely.
10 questions……. 1pt for all correct answers.
Then at the end of the season, we’ll have a “Manager of the Year” trophy.
THE MESSIAH CUP.

I’ll ask the mods…… They might say yes if i go buy the trophy.

I think the only division has been a difference of opinion and people get set in their ways about whatever way they feel. I think that is fine as long as it is done respectfully and where possible in an open minded way. I am always open to having my mind changed as I am sure most people on here are but to get to that point requires a sensible debate and exchange of views - that is why I like it on here! I don't like the snide remarks that often appear just because someone disagrees with a point of view. If I have been guilty of that (surely not!) then I apologise but I certainly do not apologise for having a strong opinion and will only sway from that if debate, facts or events change it. I don't think that's unreasonable.

I will make a resolution to continue to be constructive and respectful (as I think I have been all along (but other views are possible...) but there you go. Lets keep the debate strong and no-one should feel their opinion is not valued. They should however, expect firm response in support or disagreement of arguments from equally passionate fans! Thats what we all are here, fans... so let the debate continue and please all of those who sit and read but don't engage - start to join in. 'More fun if we all join in' - Happy New Year, All

Well put HNY all

[Ricco]

It's the polarising and name calling that is the issue in my opinion.

Defend McKenna... people assume you're saying he's beyond reproach, should never be criticised and you're called a delusional as* kisser.

Criticise McKenna... people assume you want him out the door, and that you're thickle, deluded, and 'everything that is wrong with the modern supporter'.

Sit in a pub and I'd bet the name calling would stop for starters, and then you'd realise your opinions aren't nearly the polar opposites that you've both made it out to be.

Same happens in politics...

Defend animal hunting/control and you're a murderous psychopath who gets a kick from seeing animals in pain.

Attack it and you're labelled a soft woke pansy who doesn't know how the countryside works.

Well that's my moan over anyway, the little digs after the games go either way are pathetic.

[MasseyFerguson]

It works both ways Marko, snide comments regarding people being "Bedwetters" because they dare to moan about KM or question his ways when we are struggling, that comment alone is very inflammatory, then the posters who put these things p*ss off for weeks in a huff when they don't like a retort to it. Like you I couldn't give a toss what people think, I have an opinion and I will voice it and face the music, always have done, always will do, more often than not it proves to be correct

Out of interest who is refraining from joining in the debates ? Apart from AzzuroMark I cannot think of anyone else of any relevance to be honest. Mark is a good guy and very passionate and I am sure he will be back after a wee rest.

As the person who made the bedwetters comment, I accept the comment was intemperate. However. I can assure you I did not not p*ss off in a huff at retorts. Its just that I have always been an intermittent contributor. I'm a reader not a writer. Of course, in your eyes that makes me irrelevant, as you have said more than once about people who are not prolific.

There are some fantastic contributors here, but there are quite a few who, in my opinion (and it is only my opinion) are odious. I'm disappointed in myself that I have engaged a couple of times recently with a couple of those posters. I won't be doing that again.

[valleyroad]

Not what many posters of this great forum expected when getting to the EPL and wanting to support a great team ——>> a feeling of division and a reluctance to post. Especially after a historically fantastic result against top 4 opposition. It’s not good.
Its essentially being created by certain posters who were pishing their y’fronts while Ipswich Town were going through a difficult period exactly one year ago.
“Never mind promotion, we’ll not make autos.”
Etc etc etc blaw blaw blaw……..

Remember Mick McC? And his relentless stubbornness not to change? And we ALL moaned our tits off.
Its not like that with Kieron McKenna. The guy is learning his managerial career AT Ipswich Town and is tweaking and changing things as he goes along in this infinitely more difficult League. It is refreshing and every game is a brand new challenge.

But , being part of this fantastic place for nearly 16 years, I am NOT willing to be quiet and crawl into a hole because the Messiah boss is “listening” to the gurus on here…….. nope, i’m going to embrace it because i want to enjoy TB.Com like most of us have done over the years.
Going to say i’m very very proud to share these threads with you “Messiahs” …… Yes sometimes you spunk yer load with abandon creating a bit of an atmosphere, but sometimes you’re actually right.
For me, i’ll continue to watch with intent what the boss does and “believe” he’s doing things in a non Paul Lambert way.

NOT ….. a sarcastic post. So fking put your wigs back on. Just a post to say that sometimes its difficult to post AFTER a win for some of the more positive people because it seems there is no point. Its like “conversation” has been culled.

Next season…… EPL or Championship….. i reckon there should be a new prediction League comp run alongside the current one and it be based purely on Ipswich Town. I know the first 5 questions are that in the current set up but do a different comp completely.
10 questions……. 1pt for all correct answers.
Then at the end of the season, we’ll have a “Manager of the Year” trophy.
THE MESSIAH CUP.

I’ll ask the mods…… They might say yes if i go buy the trophy.

I think the only division has been a difference of opinion and people get set in their ways about whatever way they feel. I think that is fine as long as it is done respectfully and where possible in an open minded way. I am always open to having my mind changed as I am sure most people on here are but to get to that point requires a sensible debate and exchange of views - that is why I like it on here! I don't like the snide remarks that often appear just because someone disagrees with a point of view. If I have been guilty of that (surely not!) then I apologise but I certainly do not apologise for having a strong opinion and will only sway from that if debate, facts or events change it. I don't think that's unreasonable.

I will make a resolution to continue to be constructive and respectful (as I think I have been all along (but other views are possible...) but there you go. Lets keep the debate strong and no-one should feel their opinion is not valued. They should however, expect firm response in support or disagreement of arguments from equally passionate fans! Thats what we all are here, fans... so let the debate continue and please all of those who sit and read but don't engage - start to join in. 'More fun if we all join in' - Happy New Year, All

Sometimes the indirect “division” is worse and makes it like a bit of a playground……. Which no one can be arsed with.

“Oh yeah, but we must trust the process” bullshit. And the people who choose to trust Mashtons process and Kierons “ways” as boss are boardroom bum lickers. Thats why more are not joining in.
I am WAAAAAAY too thick skinned to let that pish bother me but I do miss certain posters who wrote up well written, informative posts who’ve disappeared.

Bottom licking line for me, and i realise the guy has “tweaked” and its a huge 2-0 v Chelsea…… (and as 24 says, only 1 goal conceded past 2 games) ….. but the fact that he’s the best manager at Ipswich Town since Dode Burley; i hate seeing him criticised for stuff that he’ll address. Really gets me. But i choose to keep it all respectable because a thriving TB.com is what its all about ——>> more people with big opinions posting.

3-0 Fulham
3 Muric howlers
KMcK the fk out.

Aye what clown of a manager plays Woolfie, Burns and Broadhead against Chelsea. Oh wait he got it right. I thought those guys were all junk and surplus to requirements??

Wonder if I'm relevant though ?

[hallamblue]

Shop window?

[ITFC2024]

Shop window?

Maybe…but I think that’s a stretch. We’ll never know for sure. Personally I’m still on cloud 9 after that win. Once again, if the players can emulate that intensity and commitment with out gifting goals we just may have a slight chance of staying up.

Btw, if we lose Delap all bets are off.

[QldBlue]

I check in with this forum everyday and really enjoy the opinion and the banter. Sure there’s a bit of tension, some differences of opinion and the odd brain fart but this board is light years ahead of other forums when it comes to respectfulness.

Back on thread, I spent yesterday thinking about what a great end to the year this was. Thinking about last season, I remember watching the two Prem league opponents we faced fielding weaker teams in cup games and being blown away by the step up. The Fulham game in particular where they were so slick, physical and quick. Now here we are beating Chelsea and being good value for it. FFS, it could have been 3 or 4 nil! It’s just one game but the progress and the achievement in such a short space of time still blows my mind.

[marko69]

Happy New Year ya filthy animals. Hope its a fantastic & healthy 2025 for you all.

[Bluemike]

It works both ways Marko, snide comments regarding people being "Bedwetters" because they dare to moan about KM or question his ways when we are struggling, that comment alone is very inflammatory, then the posters who put these things p*ss off for weeks in a huff when they don't like a retort to it. Like you I couldn't give a toss what people think, I have an opinion and I will voice it and face the music, always have done, always will do, more often than not it proves to be correct

Out of interest who is refraining from joining in the debates ? Apart from AzzuroMark I cannot think of anyone else of any relevance to be honest. Mark is a good guy and very passionate and I am sure he will be back after a wee rest.

As the person who made the bedwetters comment, I accept the comment was intemperate. However. I can assure you I did not not p*ss off in a huff at retorts. Its just that I have always been an intermittent contributor. I'm a reader not a writer. Of course, in your eyes that makes me irrelevant, as you have said more than once about people who are not prolific.

There are some fantastic contributors here, but there are quite a few who, in my opinion (and it is only my opinion) are odious. I'm disappointed in myself that I have engaged a couple of times recently with a couple of those posters. I won't be doing that again.

One thing MF, I certainly don't think you or any intermittent poster is irrelevant, have I said it, possibly yes in the heat of the moment. I actually hope everyone posts more, its a good forum, if we were all readers only it wouldn't exist. HNY.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Its just that I have always been an intermittent contributor. I'm a reader not a writer. Of course, in your eyes that makes me irrelevant, as you have said more than once about people who are not prolific.

Oxford Dictionary describes a forum thus: A place or medium where ideas and opinions are exchanged.
So I don't buy this "I'm a reader not a writer" rubbish - if you can read then you can write, and frankly the forum would be better with more contributions.

There are some fantastic contributors here, but there are quite a few who, in my opinion (and it is only my opinion) are odious. I'm disappointed in myself that I have engaged a couple of times recently with a couple of those posters. I won't be doing that again.

Even if you find certain people odious (and I'm quite sure that I'm one of those people), why should that prevent you from having a discussion and expressing your opinions? No, sorry, I think that comment is just you throwing your toys out of the pram because some posters don't agree with you

[marko69]

Happy New Year good guys and odious guys!!

[Bluemike]

I think it shows we all care greatly, we just sometimes see things differently, nothing wrong with that really and it's what makes forums what they are I guess.

[Ricco]

Happy New Year good guys and odious guys!!

I did really enjoy the use of that word
HNY all!!

[marko69]

Happy New Year good guys and odious guys!!

I did really enjoy the use of that word
HNY all!!

yep, made me chuckle.

[MasseyFerguson]

Happy New Year good guys and odious guys!!

I did really enjoy the use of that word
HNY all!!

yep, made me chuckle.

And it is not a word that applies to either of you.