Ipswich Town v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday 21st November 2015 – 15:00
Portman Road
Opening Thought – Jamma
Right, where were we before we were rudely interrupted by some meaningless international friendlies? Oh yes – we were heading in to two matches which we realistically had to win to get our campaign back on track and stay in touch with the teams above us. Which is what we duly did, while racking up a combined 7 goals to also bring our goal difference more in line with our immediate rivals. As important as the Bolton game was in getting back to winning ways, it was the clash with Rotherham which really told us we were back in business, for a number of reasons. Daryl Murphy deservedly dominated the headlines, as he broke his duck for the season with a first career hat-trick. There had been signs in the previous couple of matches in particular that Murphy was getting back to his at times unplayable level of 2014/15. All that had been missing were the goals, and he addressed that in sensational style, converting three expertly taken chances. But it wasn’t just Murph whose confidence was in full flow, as the Blues sprinted to a 3-0 half-time lead which could conceivably have been double this. When Murphy’s second, and Town’s fourth, went in at the start of the second half, it was looking to be a matter of how many we would score. Ipswich Town being Ipswich Town, of course, it wasn’t that straightforward, and there were more than a few Tractor Boys and Girls fearing the impossible when the Millers netted a quick-fire double. But the team re-asserted their authority to wrap up an emphatic victory. From no win in eight, we can now say that we have suffered just two defeats in ten league matches, and gone four games unbeaten. Things are certainly looking up!
A third of the way in to the season, it is hard to know how to assess our league position. When viewed in the context of our storming start, 10th place, and 10 points off the top, is obviously not where we would have hoped to be at this stage. But after threatening to slip into mid-table obscurity – or worse – on the back of our recent winless run, being just 4 points off the top 6 has to be seen as a positive. It has been mentioned that, this time last year, we were a mere 3 points better off than we currently find ourselves, ironically following a home win over Saturday’s opposition Wolves. It was in November that we really started to push on in 2014/15. Given our promising start to the month and our upcoming fixtures against some of the clubs who are likely to be up there challenging, this would be as good a time as any to put a similar sequence of results together. This starts with a clash with plenty at stake, as our opponents seek revenge in addition to the 3 points. The draw that we secured at Molineux back in April effectively ruled Wolves out of the play-off race, as Town clinched 6th spot on goal difference from our East Midlands rivals on the final day. Their season has again echoed ours in many ways in 2015/16, with a strong start undermined by a lack of consistency since. Their last three results – a win at Birmingham and a draw against Burnley sandwiching a defeat to Bristol City – point to this being a predictably unpredictable Championship tussle…
The Opposition Wolverhampton Wanderers
The club was founded in 1877 as St. Luke's and later merged with local cricket and football club The Wanderers to form Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 1879.
Having become professional, the club were nominated to become one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888. They ended the inaugural season in third place, as well as reaching their first FA Cup final, losing to Preston North End. At the conclusion of the campaign, the club relocated to the Molineux.
Wolves lifted the FA Cup for the first time in 1893 and added a second triumph in 1908, two years after having dropped into the Second Division.
After struggling for many years to regain their place in the top division, the club suffered a further relegation in 1923, entering the Third Division (North), which they won at the first attempt.
Eight years later, Wolves regained their top-flight status after winning the Second Division title under Major Frank Buckley. With Buckley at the helm, the team became established as one of the leading club sides in England in the years leading up to the Second World War, as they finished runners-up in the league twice in succession, as well as reaching the last pre-war FA Cup final, in which they suffered a shock defeat to Portsmouth.
When league football resumed, Wolves suffered yet another final day failure in the First Division, Just as in 1938, victory in their last match would have won the title but a 1–2 loss to title rivals Liverpool gave them the championship instead.
In 1949, Stan Cullis's first season in charge, he led Wolves to a first major honour in 41 years as they beat Leicester to lift the FA Cup and, a year later, only goal average prevented Wolves winning the league title.
The 1950s were by far the most successful period in the club's history. Wolves finally claimed the league championship for the first time in 1953–54. Two further titles were soon won in successive years (1957–58 and 1958–59), as Wolves cemented their position as the premier team in English football.
Although the decade opened with a fourth FA Cup victory and almost the first double of the twentieth century, the 1960s saw Wolves begin to decline. Cullis was sacked in September 1964 in a season that ended with relegation and the club's first spell outside the top division in more than thirty years. This exile would last only two seasons, though, as they were promoted in 1967 as runners-up.
The club's return to the English top flight heralded another period of relative success under Bill McGarry, with a fourth place in 1971 qualifying them for the newly created UEFA Cup, in which they reached the final, losing to Tottenham on aggregate.
They lifted silverware, though, two years later, when they won the League Cup for the first time by beating Manchester City in the final. Despite relegation again in 1976, Wolves bounced back at the first attempt as Second Division champions and, under manager John Barnwell, the turn of the decade saw them finish in the top six and win the 1980 League Cup.
The multi-million pound rebuilding of the Molineux Street Stand in 1979 was to be the catalyst for the club's near financial ruin during the next decade, as difficulties in repaying the loans taken out to fund it led to receivership and relegation in 1982. The club was "saved" from liquidation at the last minute when it was purchased by a consortium fronted by former player Derek Dougan. Initially, this takeover, financed by two Saudi brothers, Mahmud and Mohammad Bhatti of the company Allied Properties, brought immediate promotion back to the First Division under manager Graham Hawkins, but the Bhattis' failure to sufficiently invest in the club soon saw things unravel as the team suffered three consecutive relegations under different managers through the football divisions, as well as the almost constant threat of the club being wound up.
In 1986, with the club again in receivership, a deal saw Wolverhampton City Council purchase the club's stadium and surrounding land, while a local developer paid off the club's outstanding debts in return for planning permission to develop the land adjacent to the stadium. The new season saw Wolves' first ever campaign in the Fourth Division. The team reached the final of the inaugural play-offs but were denied promotion by Aldershot. However, the final two seasons of the decade saw the team achieve both the Fourth and Third Division championship, and also win the Football League Trophy at Wembley in 1988.
Lifelong fan Sir Jack Hayward purchased the club in 1990 and immediately funded the extensive redevelopment of the by now dilapidated Molineux into a modern all-seater stadium. With work completed in 1993, Hayward turned his investment into the club’s playing side in an attempt to win promotion to the newly formed Premier League. Yet, despite this substantial spending, neither Graham Taylor nor Mark McGhee could fulfil this, both leading the team to play-off defeats at the semi-final stage (in 1995 and 1997 respectively).
It was not until 2003 that Wolves were promoted, when they defeated Sheffield United in the play-off final under Dave Jones to end a nineteen-year absence from the top level. Their stay proved short-lived, though, as they were immediately relegated back to the newly retitled Championship.
After former England manager Glenn Hoddle failed to bring a swift return, the rebuilding of the squad by Mick McCarthy rejuvenated the club with an unexpected play-off finish. The club was bought by Steve Morgan in 2007, and two years later it returned to the Premier League as Championship champions. Wolves successfully battled relegation for two seasons before 2011–12 saw McCarthy's dismissal precipitate the drop under his assistant Terry Connor.
Following relegation, Norwegian Ståle Solbakken became the club's first overseas manager but his reign lasted only six months before a poor run of results saw him replaced by Dean Saunders in January 2013. Saunders failed to bring any upturn, culminating in both relegation to League One and his own dismissal.
Following this, Kenny Jackett was appointed in May 2013 in the retitled position of head coach, and led the team back to the Championship in his first season, setting a new club record points total of 103 in winning League One.
Last season, Wolves almost made it to the play-offs, finishing on the same number of points as Town (78 points) but one place behind us in 7th due to goal difference.
One To Watch – Kevin McDonald
A large part of Wolves’ success can be attributed to their blend of youth and experience. They have a core of players who have been with them from their League One-winning campaign complemented by some exciting young talent. One of their so-called ‘older heads’, despite being just 27, is midfielder Kevin McDonald.
Arriving from Sheffield United in August 2013, McDonald can be considered one of the final pieces in the jigsaw of Wolves’ promotion-winning season. He had attracted many admirers for his consistently impressive performances for the Blades, and was viewed as an astute signing when Kenny Jackett added him to the squad. Previously with Dundee and Celtic in his homeland, he helped Burnley to the Premier League in 2009, going on to chalk up more than 100 appearances for the Clarets. McDonald was frozen out of the team on their return to the Championship, featuring for Scunthorpe and Notts County on loan. He enjoyed a successful spell with Sheffield United, despite injury seeing him miss the 2012 League 1 play-off final defeat to Huddersfield. The former Scotland U21 international became a key member of the Wolves side which won promotion back to the second tier at the first time of asking. His importance to the team was reflected in his winning both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards. The 27-year-old featured in all 46 of Wolves’ league matches in 2014/15, and has kept up his ever-present record so far this campaign. One of the standout performers in our visit to Molineux at the back end of last season, McDonald possesses the skill and vision to unlock the tightest of defences.
The Gaffer – Kenny Jackett
The son of a professional footballer, Jackett joined his local club Watford at the age of 12, progressing to make his first team debut, aged 18, on 26 April 1980 as a substitute in a game at Sunderland.
He became a regular member of the Watford side that won promotion to the First Division and finished runners-up in the league in the early 1980s under manager Graham Taylor. In addition, he played in the club's only appearance in an FA Cup final, when they lost to Everton in 1984. These successes also led to Jackett appearing in the subsequent UEFA Cup campaign.
However, having undergone a series of knee operations, he was forced to prematurely end his playing career in 1990, aged 28. In total, he made 428 appearances for the Hornets, scoring 34 goals, placing him sixth in the club's all-time appearance records.
Jackett made his international debut for Wales on 22 September 1982 and won 31 full caps in total.
Upon his playing retirement, Jackett remained at Vicarage Road and, having already undertaken many qualifications, became a member of the club's coaching staff.
In February 1996, he and fellow long-term Watford player Luther Blissett were selected by the returning Graham Taylor to run the first team, while he served as General Manager. At the conclusion of this campaign, Jackett was appointed as the club's manager, with Taylor then becoming Director of Football.
Watford had just been relegated to the third tier and, although Jackett oversaw a long unbeaten stretch of results, the team were unable to mount a serious promotion challenge, finishing in 13th place – Watford's lowest position in the league structure since the 1970s. During the close season, he was demoted to the position of first team coach, with Taylor once again becoming manager.
Jackett assisted Taylor in getting Watford promoted in two successive seasons, as well as being part of the coaching staff during their 1999–2000 Premier League season, which ended in relegation.
When Taylor left Watford at the end of the 2000–01 Division One season, Jackett was released on the instruction of incoming manager Gianluca Vialli.
Following his exit from Watford, he joined Ian Holloway at Queens Park Rangers as assistant manager and contributed towards their Division Two promotion campaign.
After three years as an assistant, Jackett left QPR to replace Brian Flynn as manager of Third Division side Swansea City in April 2004. In his first full season in charge, the team were promoted from League Two, finishing in third place, and also lifted the FAW Premier Cup. As a result of these successes, he received a two-year contract extension.
The following season in League One, they finished in sixth place, entering the play-offs. The team reached the final and a potential return to the second tier after a 22-year absence but lost on penalties against Barnsley. Jackett did, however, win silverware for a second consecutive season as the Swans both won the Football League Trophy and defended the FAW Premier Cup. During the close season, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence in coaching.
The following season saw the team struggle for consistency and, despite initially insisting that he was the right candidate to take the club forward, he surprised his chairman by resigning on 15 February 2007.
Following his exit from Swansea, Jackett was soon appointed reserve team manager of Manchester City, on 7 March 2007. Later in the year, on 6 November 2007, he left the Premier League club to take up the vacant manager’s position at Millwall.
After a 17th place finish in the 2007–08 season, Jackett led the team to the play-offs in his first full campaign with the Lions, losing in the play-off final to Scunthorpe.
In the following season, Jackett once again led Millwall to the play-off final, where this time a solitary goal against Swindon Town was enough to return the club to the Championship.
In their first season back in the Championship, Jackett led Millwall to a ninth-place finish. During 2011–12, though, Millwall struggled for most of the season, remaining close to the relegation zone until a strong finish to the season won Jackett the Championship Manager of the Month award for April 2012, and ensured their survival.
Jackett once again led Millwall to Wembley in the 2012–13 season, when the team reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they lost to eventual winners Wigan Athletic. Although the team had occupied a play-off place around Christmas, they suffered a late season slump and only confirmed their Championship status on the final day of the season, finishing in 20th place. Three days after the season concluded, Jackett resigned, the Millwall board accepting his decision "with reluctance".
On 31 May 2013, Jackett was announced as the new head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, following the sacking of Dean Saunders. The team went on to record a run of victories which earned Jackett a nomination as the August League One Manager of the Month and which brought the club their best ever start to a league campaign. Jackett was again nominated for the Manager of the Month award in October.
Under Jackett’s command, Wolves gained promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt as League One champions and set a new divisional points record by reaching 103 points. At the conclusion of the season, he was announced as joint winner of the LMA Awards Manager of the Year for League One, having earlier won the monthly award for March 2014.
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
The last time Wolves came to Portman Road, this time last year, a 2-1 home win saw us climb into the top 6. A repeat scoreline would put us pretty close on Saturday evening…
Trev's Trivia
Players to play for both clubs:
Frank Nouble ITFC 2013 WWFC 2012- 2013
Christophe Berra ITFC 2013-present WWFC 2009-2013
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake ITFC 2013-2014 WWFC 2008-2013
Media Watch – Jamma (standing in for K L Blue)
It has understandably been a quiet couple of weeks in terms of news coming out of Portman Road, with more important matters quite rightly taking priority. Colin has given me the dubious honour of trawling through the news of Kieron Dyer’s arrival in the jungle to try and find something of more interest…!
Brett Pitman’s honest thoughts on leaving Bournemouth, biding his time to get into the team and his surprise on arriving at Portman Road…
http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich_tow ... _1_4308303
Daryl Murphy’s reaction to Mick McCarthy’s light-hearted dig on his return to goalscoring form (complete with a few typically bizarre Roy Keane quotes in the accompanying videos…):
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ ... 87321.html
Stat Time
Head To Head
Ipswich Wins..........28 (38.89%)
Wolves Wins...........25 (34.72%)
Draws..................19 (26.39%)
Ipswich Goals.........94 (ave. 1.31 per match)
Wolves Goals.........83 (ave. 1.15 per match)
Head To Head at Portman Road
Ipswich Wins..........22 (61.11%)
Wolves Wins..........10 (27.78%)
Draws...................4 (11.11%)
Ipswich Goals.........62 (ave. 1.72 per match)
Wolves Goals.........39 (ave. 1.08 per match)
The Predicted Teams
Ipswich Town
Assuming everyone reports back fit after the international break, there should be no reason for Mick McCarthy to make changes to the side which hit five last time out. Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be pushing for a recall, but may have to settle for a place on the bench again following his time with the England U21s.
1 Dean Gerken
4 Luke Chambers
5 Tommy Smith
6 Christophe Berra
3 Jonas Knudsen
22 Jonathan Douglas
8 Cole Skuse
17 Kevin Bru
20 Freddie Sears
9 Daryl Murphy
11 Brett Pitman
Wolves
There was much for Kenny Jackett to be satisfied with about Wolves’ last outing, a 0-0 stalemate against promotion-challenging Burnley. Changes are therefore likely to be kept to a minimum for the away team as well, with Carl Ikeme poised to keep his place between the sticks if Emi Martinez doesn’t recover from a knock that saw him withdrawn in that game.
1 Carl Ikeme
18 Dominic Iorfa
6 Danny Batth
5 Mike Williamson
3 Scott Golbourne
4 Dave Edwards
19 Jack Price
7 James Henry
11 Kevin McDonald
20 Sheyi Ojo
10 Benik Afobe
Marko's Caption Contest
Great week with 14 entries. 5 points to Frosty, had me chuckling away that one.
Points
Frosty 5
Hallam 4
Derick 3
Longjohn/Ash 2
LEAGUE TABLE
DerickIpsw 28
Barmy Billy 26
Frosty 25
Blueblood 24
Nicscreamer 22
Number 9 21
Ando 18
Quasar 17
Ashfordblue 15
Floors 15
James Scharmann 14
IpswichtownNO1 12
Shed on Tour 12
Hallamblue 10
Charnwood 10
Foxy Lady 8
Bluemike 7
Watership Down 6
Herforder 6
Longjohn 5
Kerry Blue 3
Ohiotractorboy 3
Karlywoo 1
LoudNProud 1
This week's pic:
Match Referee – Gavin Ward
Final Thought - Frosty
It’s the usual question as we approach the first fixture that follows an International break … did the break come at the right time for us? Have we lost anyone to injury? Did the players that feature for their national sides need a rest? And if we went into the break with some momentum, can we recapture that form straightaway? The latter question is probably the key one as we meet Wolves on Saturday.
Overall we have an excellent record against Wolves at home. However, in the past 9 meetings between the two sides, there have been 3 wins/3 draws/3 losses so you are a brave person if you want to call this one.
Wolves have looked a bit like a classic mid-table side this season. In their past four fixtures, they have drawn at home against Burnley, lost away to Bristol City, beaten Birmingham at St Andrews and lost nastily at home to Middlesbrough. Current they sit in 14th place on the table, 5 points behind us.
A win on Saturday would be highly useful as some of our rivals on paper have an easier task at the weekend, as Reading meet Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday play Huddersfield. The fixtures between Derby/Cardiff and Brentford/Forest are also worth keeping an eye on.
The great thing about knocking 7 goals past our opponents in the last two fixtures is that we have managed to remove the negative goal difference that can sometimes come back to haunt you. I think it’s safe to say if we can take maximum points on Saturday our season is right back on track and hopefully we are entering a bit of a purple patch.
If you are going on Saturday, I hope you watch the opposition head off home with their tails between their legs.
COYB!!
IPSWICH TOWN 2 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1
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