Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 1:31 pm
by Jamma123
Ipswich Town v Rotherham United
Saturday 29th October 2016 – 15:00
Portman Road
Opening Thought – Jamma
We will all have been disappointed with Saturday’s result, even if it may not have come as the biggest surprise. However, the Tractor Boys community was recently reminded that some things are much more important than a game of football, with the passing of ‘one of our own’, Rob ‘The Don’ Cook. As has been evident in the many messages of condolence left on the forum, Rob touched the hearts of numerous people through his infectious personality and his love of life. I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet him in person but, like so many on here, I counted him as a friend thanks to the exchanges that I shared with him about all things ITFC. I owe it to Rob for first introducing me to the previews, something which I have thoroughly enjoyed doing ever since. Rob was always a big fan of the by now legendary caption competition, and so we are delighted to be able to unveil The Don Cup in his memory, to be awarded to the highest points scorer at the end of the season. Thanks to Marko for agreeing to engrave the trophy, which will hopefully provide even more incentive to come up with those funny captions:
It’s hard to know exactly what to make of the footballing lesson that Newcastle handed us at the weekend. We all knew that, just because we had won against Burton, we weren’t suddenly world beaters and would go and get a result against the league leaders. But, at the same time, there was justifiably a degree of optimism amongst the Blue Army, who had seen their team turn in an improved performance when the pressure was on. As Mick McCarthy had pointed out in the build-up, having come through a ‘less glamorous’ fixture which we were expected to win, we could afford to go out and enjoy ourselves a bit more in a clash in which there were no such expectations. Well, all that was blown out of the water after about 30 seconds at St. James’ Park! Mick’s mention of ‘enjoying’ the experience must have seemed like some kind of sadistic joke as Ayoze Pérez swept home before Town had so much as touched the ball. Who knows what would have happened had we managed to hold out for 30 minutes as opposed to 30 seconds? As it was, we were left with the seemingly impossible task of keeping out the rampant Magpies while attempting to produce some attacking intent of our own. All that we had to show going forwards was a smart turn and shot from Leon Best which struck the bar. The one positive – if you can call it that – was that the Blues were still in the game with 20 minutes to go, having conceded the quickest goal of the Championship season to date. But even this didn’t last long, as the Tynesiders eased out of first gear to score a quick-fire double and consign us to defeat.
We may not have seen a side of the quality of Newcastle at this level for many a year, but in some ways Town have bigger tests to come. One of those is this weekend, in the form of a visit from Rotherham, stuck at the other end of the table, a whopping 25 points behind the Magpies. While many think that Newcastle are too good to be in the Championship, the Millers will count themselves lucky to still be in the second tier, having looked certainties for relegation in 2015/16 until Neil Warnock came in and turned their fortunes around at the back end of the season. But it is again looking like being an uphill struggle for the South Yorkshire club, after Warnock’s departure in the summer. It didn’t work out for his replacement, Alan Stubbs, who was replaced by Kenny Jackett last week. The former Wolves manager came within a late winner of recording a creditable opening result against Reading, leaving Rotherham 8 points off safety already. If you thought Ipswich’s recent run was bad, it pales into insignificance compared to the Millers’ return of 2 points from their last 10 matches. But their last five outings, including against the Royals, have all been against teams in the top 8, and Jackett has history of keeping an unfancied club at this level against the odds from his successful time at Millwall. They have also just announced the intriguing signing of enigmatic striker Peter Odemwingie, who on his day poses a big threat. So this game has the potential to be an uncomfortable one but, if we show the same levels of commitment and desire as we did against Burton, there should be only one outcome.
The Opposition – Rotherham United
Rotherham United FC (known as the ‘Millers’) was formed in February 1925 after the merger of two clubs, Thornhill United & Rotherham Town, who had been playing in the area since the 1870s.
The club's traditional home was Millmoor in Rotherham, where the team played from 1907 to 2008.
The red and white was adopted around 1928 after they originally played in amber and black, and Rotherham spent their time in Division 3, only just remaining in the Football League in 1931 as they had to apply for re-election.
Immediately after the Second World War, things were looking up. United finished as runners-up three times in succession between 1947 and 1949 and were then champions of Division Three (North) in 1951. Rotherham reached their highest ever league position of third in the Football League Second Division in 1955.
The club held on to its place in Division Two until 1968 and then went into a decline that took them down to Division Four in 1973. In 1975, they were promoted back to the Third Division, finishing in the 3rd promotion spot in the Fourth Division. The Millers won the Division Three title in 1981.
During the 1990s, Rotherham were promoted and relegated between the Football League's lowest two divisions and they slipped into the Fourth Division in 1991, just two years after being promoted, but reclaimed their status in the third tier (renamed Division Two for the 1992–93 season due to the launch of the FA Premier League). They survived at this level for five years, never looking like promotion contenders, before being relegated in 1997.
In 1997, just after relegation to Division Three, Ronnie Moore took charge of Rotherham United. His first season ended in a mid-table finish and then his second in a play-off semi-final defeat on penalties. It was third time lucky in 1999–2000, as Rotherham finished as Division Three runners-up and gained promotion to Division Two. They were favourites to be relegated in the 2000–01 season, but surprised many by finishing runners-up in Division Two and gaining a second successive promotion.
Rotherham managed to remain in Division One for four seasons until relegation to League 1 in 2005.
Early in 2006, it was announced that the club faced an uncertain future unless a funding gap in the region of £140,000 per month could be plugged. An eleventh-hour intervention by a consortium of local businessmen kept them in business, but they suffered relegation to League 2 and entered into administration in 2008, being deducted 10 points.
Local businessman Tony Stewart then took over as Chairman for the 2008–09 season and took the club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement, resulting in a further 17-point deduction. The Millers were subsequently forced to leave Millmoor, their home of over 100 years, for the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after disputes with the landlords.
Chairman Stewart appointed Steve Evans as manager on 9 April 2012. Evans got them promoted back to League 1 in the 2012–13 season. The same season also signalled a new era for Rotherham United as the club returned to playing home matches in Rotherham, at the newly-built New York Stadium.
Rotherham gained back-to-back promotions by winning the 2013-2014 League One play-off final. Rotherham beat Leyton Orient 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, having come back from 2-0 down.
In the 2014/15 season, Rotherham ended up 5 points clear of relegation, finishing with 46 points and in 21st place in the table.
Last season was another 21st place finish, as the Millers avoided relegation by a comfortable 9 points come the end of the season.
The Manager – Kenny Jackett
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
Not good memories of the last time the Millers visited Portman Road, when there was a familiar name on the scoresheet:
Herforder 27
DerickIpsw 25
Quasar 21
Gold&Black 20
Ando 19
Nicsreamer 17
Blueblood 17
Bluemike 16
Frosty 13
Watership Down 9
Tangfastic 8
IpswichtownNo1 8
Number 9 6
Patthegimp 5
Ashfordblue 4
LoudNProud 3
Supershred 2
Foxy Lady 1
Barmy Billy 1
ItfcTrev76 1
Shed on Tour 1
Have a go at this:-
Match referee – Darren Bond
Final Thought – Bluemike
The expected outcome at St. James' Park came to pass in what turned out to be a pretty one-sided and comfortable afternoon for our hosts. Losing a goal so early really put us on the back foot from the off and it was a blow from which we were never going to recover. Yes, we had a couple of good chances at 0-1 but Newcastle were without doubt a cut above us all over the pitch.
Two things have come to my attention since the defeat Saturday. First up is the notion that we somehow accepted defeat before the game kicked off. Quite where this ridiculous notion comes from I have no idea. Yes we were well beaten, yes we were outplayed but no way did we roll over – we just weren't good enough. I do not think for one minute that the players crossed the white line believing they had no chance, I just do not accept that at all. I actually think they believe they can get something from every game they play. For me it is a classic case of drama queens fuelling the fire while the heat is undoubtedly on MM and the players to deliver. I find it counter-productive and a tad silly in truth given that pretty much every fan I spoke to expected a hammering.
The second thing that has caught my attention is this sudden "Six-game syndrome". The press have picked up on it and fans are now doing likewise. Suddenly our season is defined by the next six games. Agreed, it is an important spell, what with four games being at home, but I think it is all a little bit melodramatic. Having said that, failure to pick up a decent haul of points from these games could well see any remaining hopes of challenging the higher echelons of the division as likely as Ashford predicting a Town win. I dread to think of the fallout that would follow a poor result against Rotherham. It doesn't bear thinking about. Thankfully, I see Town running out winners in this one and with 2 or 3 goals to our name too with any luck.
IPSWICH TOWN 2 ROTHERHAM UNITED 1
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 2:03 pm
by The Odious Mr Rossi
I 66% agree with Mike - I think we may well score 2 goals, especially if we play Best and McGoldrick up front, though I doubt we would score 3.
At the same time, although we have a good record for clean sheets lately, Newcastle showed that our defence is far from perfect and it's a fact that the various oppositions had a number of easy chances that were not taken.
Ipswich 2 - Rotherham 2
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 2:30 pm
by Andym
Let me say that I have nothing against Chambers, I actually like Douglas, but will never understand how Skuse keeps his place except that we lack any other defensive midfielder at the club. But if the likes of Emmanuel, Bishop and Dozzell got more of a look in, I think fans might be just a little more forgiving. “Let’s look to the future” etc…. It’s games against lowly and poor opposition that we can afford to take a gamble.
To be fair, Bishop has had injury problems, but when he’s played this season he’s looked like a star in the making, learning how to defend and vary his play. Emmanuel has much to learn. But he won’t learn without a regular run of games. Dozzell has even more to learn but has some natural ability. A few half hours as sub would help him no end.
Personally I’d play Emmanuel on Saturday instead of Chambers so we had 2 fullbacks who can and will get forward. I’d play Bishop and Douglas in deeper midfield positions. Both can defend and both can get forward, and Bishop has the pace and demands possession from the defence, 2 qualities that Skuse lacks. I’d play any 2 of Williams Ward, Bru & Grant in front of them, as width is a bit less important with wingbacks in the team. And any 2 of Best, McGoldrick, Sears & Varney up front. Not a 4-5-1. A 4-2-2-2. With instructions for the midfield to cover when the fullbacks get forward. And I’d bring on Dozzell at half time when we were 4-0 up.
But of course we’ll get Chambers. We’ll get Skuse. We’ll be slow thinking and slow moving. We’ll give the ball away a lot. We’ll probably scrape a win against a team that we could take apart if we dared to be more adventurous in our team selection.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 3:29 pm
by nicscreamer
This is where our season goes one of two ways.... either down darker depths with a loss, or we may actually start to move up with a win.... I say 2-0
Caption - What ball? No, I promise its not up my shirt
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 3:34 pm
by number 9
I think we'll score a couple of goals against Rotherham. After that cracka against the bar, I think Best is ready to score his first goal for ITFC. Grant Ward is due for another goal as well I should think. Now if we can avoid any bone-head mistakes in defence...hopefully we'll keep a clean sheet. I'm curious to see how Knudsen performs...Mick sort him out you're a former defender for Christ sake!
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 3:43 pm
by mini
Town 1 Rotherham 0
Caption: Ok I admit it the pie was this big.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 4:48 pm
by Bluemike
Some food for thought there Andy but you are right in as much as Chambers will play. We obviously differ on Skuse as I would have him in there every time, I too like Douglas but he looked so weary at Newcastle that I think he may be rested this week. I am not sure Knudsen will play as he is supposedly injured and going on his effort last weekend he would not be missed as he was inept at best, I would happily have Emmanuel in again at LB. If it were up to me I would try a 4-1-3-2 against Rotherham with a line up of :-
I would have Bru nowhere near the starting Eleven, been p*ss poor for 18 months now. I suspect my team will be nowhere near but it will be interesting to see how we line up.
CAPTION.............."Of course we're going to win, I have this big gut feeling"
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:09 pm
by marko69
Ashford....... Your pessimism is spilling over into the previews, buddy! I liked that.
Another top quality preview for the visit of incredibly shitty Rotherham.
2-0 minimum for the TB's. I'm thinking more a 4-1 though. Super Fred will be remembering scoring against the Burtons Biscuits and will be wanting more o' the same!
Ref caption:
CHAMBERS: No way, Ref, that's a shocking decision.
REF: LUKE......, two words...... Shut, the Fk up!
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:42 pm
by patthegimp
0-0 Two defensive set ups, praise from MM for keeping another clean sheet. terrible football. 50 years supporting Town and I am tipping them to draw at home to bottom club. Where have the good times gone
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:45 pm
by Bluemike
I meant to add, a fantastic touch with the engraving on the cup Marko, very well done, and some nice words from Jamma in the opening piece, Don would be chuffed to bits.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:55 pm
by herforder
Cracking preview - especially seeing THe Don Cup. Take a bow Marko!
So much stuff whirling round regarding ME, MM, the Club's current and likely future direction of travel etc. Much head shaking and expressions of frustration going on - so no change there then: and none very likely! So, on with the business of trying to win, football martches. Forget trying to predict the outcome of the next 6, let's just concentrate on beating mighty Rotherham. Something, on paper, that should be easy-peasy; but, as we know, games aren't played on paper. Not at all sure what, if any, changes MM might make - has to be said that Bishop, Williams, Dozzell and Varney, all of who played for U23's in the defeat against Cardiff, really didn't do much to force MM's hand by their performances - which were very average. But U23's is just that!
Confident that we will win 2-0 - gained, hopefully, with a 'let's win this' performance!
Caption 1: Yeh, I was trained by Gazza's mate - Jimmy Five-bellies
Caption 2: FFS Call the Midwife - I think me waters have broken!
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:34 pm
by Andym
bluemike wrote:Some food for thought there Andy but you are right in as much as Chambers will play. We obviously differ on Skuse as I would have him in there every time, I too like Douglas but he looked so weary at Newcastle that I think he may be rested this week. I am not sure Knudsen will play as he is supposedly injured and going on his effort last weekend he would not be missed as he was inept at best, I would happily have Emmanuel in again at LB. If it were up to me I would try a 4-1-3-2 against Rotherham with a line up of :-
I would have Bru nowhere near the starting Eleven, been p*ss poor for 18 months now. I suspect my team will be nowhere near but it will be interesting to see how we line up.
CAPTION.............."Of course we're going to win, I have this big gut feeling"
I could live with that team, but MM would probably play Sears wide in a 4-1-4-1...
I know we disagree on Skuse; the problem is I can't see any competition for his place in the squad. That's why I went for the Douglas / Bishop combination; both cover twice the ground of Skuse, and when one goes forward the other can stay back. I still feel our problem is Skuse sees his role as defensive. Other midfielders see their role as attacking. Douglas (and Bishop when playing) are the only 2 midfielders who try to do both. Lazy bastards the lot of them.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 7:08 pm
by herforder
Skuse is the holding midfielder, screening the back 4, breaking up play etc. That's how MM sees him, and bases the rest of the m/f around. To be fair, he does that part of his role pretty effectively; however, what he doesn't possess is either pace, or the vision to play accurate forward passes, having gained possession. All his midfield instincts are defensive. When paired with Douglas, and attracting much criticism, is that they both appear to do the same sort of job. Whereas, it's Douglas who should be the more attack minded player and who, although clearly trying to fill that role, for me is no longer really up to it for 90 hard fought mins. Obvious change is to put Bishop into that slot - but I suspect MM still retains doubts about his fitness/stamina.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 10:52 pm
by Ando
Must win game...almost feels like a relegation 6 pointer 2-0 win.
Caption: come on where are they? I ordered those pies before half time !
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:16 pm
by goldandblack
CAPTION
Ref to Steve,I have 2 questions for you Steve... is that correct your favourite musical instrument is the Dinner Bell and your favourite meal is seconds. Steve to ref.... less of the insults I keep myself in shape ref, Unfortunately it just happens to be wrong shape.
,,,,,,,,,,
IPSWICH 3 ROTHERHAM 0
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 12:27 am
by arana peligrosa
Voted for a drawn game. Keep in mind the opposition are in the relegation zone, they're not going to just f**king sit by and hand us the three points without some level of effort. Maybe one of two overlooked this and just assumed because it's Rotherham at home there's a divine right we should take victory. Home or away, they're going to make it difficult for us.
Furthermore win lose or draw, McCarthy will still be in it for the long term, and believe it or not : any score that materializes won't have much of an impact on where we find ourselves at end of season.
Ipswich 1 Rotherham United 1
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 11:05 am
by marko69
saint jude wrote:and believe it or not : any score that materializes won't have much of an impact on where we find ourselves at end of season.
Whit? What's the f**king point in playing it then?
And I've also got a bet on that Kenny Jackett is overheard in the dressing room saying, "Let's just f**king sit by and hand it to Ipswich, and let's make no effort."
Get some extra sleep, Saint........, you ain't understanding the posts.
3-0 Ipswich, G&B......., I like the look of that prediction in bold.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 5:14 pm
by Watership Down
Ipswich Town 2 Rotherham 0
Caption Who's got the ball .... See I haven't got it
Ref caption tttttttttttttt two minutes left
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 5:22 pm
by Bluemike
own boss Mick McCarthy says striker David McGoldrick is ready to start and midfielder Cole Skuse should be fit for Saturday’s home game against Rotherham, but full-backs Luke Chambers and Jonas Knudsen are both doubts.
kuse missed the trip to Newcastle last week having aggravated a toe injury in the 2-0 home victory over Burton but McCarthy says the Bristolian should be OK to face the Millers.
“Skusey’s trained today, he’s fine, hopefully he doesn’t get a nasty reaction and he’ll be fit for Saturday,” he said.
Danish international left-back Knudsen was forced off at half-time at St James’ Park with a back problem and sounds unlikely to be involved on Saturday, while skipper Chambers has also missed training but is considered less of a concern.
“Jonas hasn’t trained, neither has Chambo, to be honest,” the Town boss added. “I think Luke Chambers is more likely to be involved than Jonas. We’ll have to wait and see with Jonas, we’ll find out more tomorrow.
“Luke’s problem is his ankle, he got hit very early on in the game at Newcastle and it definitely affected him to the extent that he hasn’t trained properly yet this week.
“He’s done some rehab with the physio today, so he has done some training and he’ll join in fully tomorrow.
“But Jonas was really struggling, it went into spasm and he’s had a bit of a reaction from that today, so we’ll have to see if it settles down tomorrow.”
If either Knudsen or Chambers miss out McCarthy says he has no qualms about starting Myles Kenlock, 19, on the left or Josh Emmanuel, also 19, on the right of his defence.
“If either of them are not fit then Josh and Myles will be ready to step in and they’ll both play,” he added.
McCarthy says Jonny Williams isn’t quite up to a start but believes David McGoldrick is ready having playing the second half at Newcastle.
“Jonny played 90 minutes in the U23s in the week and I still think he’s getting there, he’s still a bit ring rusty as you can imagine, he’s had a long time off,” the Blues manager added. “He took a couple of knocks on his ankle but he’s certainly getting there.
“Didzy played 45 minutes and I thought he looked good and he’s trained well this week, so I’d say he’s ready to start.”
He added: Luke Varney had 90 minutes for the U23s the other day, he's trained fully and it's good to have him back [from his hamstring problem] and it gives me a few more options."
McCarthy says Luke Hyam (knee), Tommy Smith (back) and Brett Pitman (ankle) are all recovering from their injuries as had been expected.
Come off it they aren't injured, they are both being dropped after last weeks debacle.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 5:39 pm
by marko69
Cut them some slack, man. Especially Knudsen. Strikers and wingers waltzing past and Jonas having to turn around quick and watch them go, (for 90+ minutes) ......, that must take its toll on the back!
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:08 pm
by herforder
If Chambo doesn't make it, FA has agreed to a postponement!
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:15 pm
by marko69
herforder wrote:If Chambo doesn't make it, FA has agreed to a postponement!
I heard it was the opposite, Herford. The FA are looking for the league to be as competitive as it can possibly be. With world class Chambers possibly out, they'll see this as maybe things evening up between the sides.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:43 pm
by herforder
marko69 wrote:
herforder wrote:If Chambo doesn't make it, FA has agreed to a postponement!
I heard it was the opposite, Herford. The FA are looking for the league to be as competitive as it can possibly be. With world class Chambers possibly out, they'll see this as maybe things evening up between the sides.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:45 pm
by BLUEBLOOD
Caption Comp 1: Pampers Adult size that's my secret.
Caption Comp 2: Who ate all the pies! How the FECK do I know.....
Caption Comp 3: Portman Pies 10 times more filling than Carrot Road Pies.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 8:03 pm
by Shed on tour
Town 2 Rotherham1
Caption: Why are the fans chanting can you see your Willy? Of course I can he's out on the pitch.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:22 pm
by Frosty
Caption:
"I said I need a new replacement Jacket, not to be bloody replaced by Jackett!"
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 11:59 am
by len
Hope MM gives Johnny Williams the Ok to start with Ward out wide!!
also up front Sears, Best, Lawrence.
My prediction- Town 2. Rotherham 0.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 11:50 pm
by Mr.Punch
6-0 and a Mexican wave
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 9:50 am
by Bluemike
I see from Trevs highlights video from last seasons defeat that yet again the goal came from down our left and where the f**k was Knudsen ?? Acres and acres of space, at times he really is sh*te.
Re: Ipswich Town v Rotherham United preview and matchday thread
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 11:28 am
by marko69
Off to Easter Road today to hopefully witness the 3-0 win over St Mirren......... Hoping you guys will be heading off to Portman Road shortly to witness something similar v Rotherham shitty United. Attack them, Mick.
Ipswich Town v Rotherham United
I dread to think of the fallout that would follow a poor result against Rotherham. It doesn't bear thinking about. Thankfully, I see Town running out winners in this one and with 2 or 3 goals to our name too with any luck. 
