Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough preview and matchday thread

[arana peligrosa]

Had a glance at the championship league and yesterday Town were in 6th position (and with it occupying a play-off berth) and now we're down to ninth ?

Bit of a fall-away there some would argue and while we realize any possibility of an automatic promotion slot in unlikely, going to need to shake off last night's defeat quickly in order to remain in contention for another play-off opportunity.

Not to concern yourself with other teams endeavors, but worth noting Brighton Hove Albion showed tremendous character to gain a victory after the opposition had been ahead by two goals. That is the kind of performance that gets a team places, and it would seem the Sussex team are even assured of a top six finish - before we reach half-way in this season.

[Charnwood]

6th yesterday?

The only way this could have been would have been by looking at a live League Table during last nights match after kick off and before Middlesbrough scored which to be honest was a pretty false situation.

In reality we've dropped just one place.

[number 9]

Maybe it's time for MM to address the team much like Steve Bruce has addressed Hull after the Leed's defeat? Just joking, but it is nice to hear a manager say it like it is every now and again, yeah?

http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34951478

[Bluemike]

I've always thought that MM is the most forthright and honest boss there is. No he doesn't lambast his players in public, which for me is the wrong thing to do anyway but I bet he lets them have it when needed behind closed doors.

[number 9]

I've always thought that MM is the most forthright and honest boss there is. No he doesn't lambast his players in public, which for me is the wrong thing to do anyway but I bet he lets them have it when needed behind closed doors.

After some of our poorer performances, I personally wouldn't mind a bit of 'lambasting' in public. Hey, that's just me. To quote SB, "You're not gonna win promotion by playing like that"! I've never said MM wasn't forthright and honest.

[ashfordblue]

If I were Mick, I would be searching high and low in the lower divisions for a decent RB & LB, to maybe allow Chambers and Berra to play along side each other, I would put Knudsen and Smith out on loan, with a view to a permanent deal for Smith if a good offer comes in, And when are we going to see Marlarczyk have a game, it cant hurt to stick him in Smiths place just to see how he fairs, all in all we do have a squad that can really push up this league, once Fraser, Bishop, Hyam, & Diddsie are all ticking along, But Smith makes too many errors, seems to lose concentration at critical times, if Mick persists to keep Smith and Knudsen in the team, then I do believe we will only finish mid table at best, we've got some real tough matches coming up, where it will be critical to keep focused until the final whistle.

[marko69]

I think it'd only be yourself and me who'd be high 5-ing if Tommy fecked off, Ash. There are probably a few liabilities in the team; he's just too consistent at being one. He has his fans though so I'm sure he'll keep his job and indeed his place in the starting 11.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

First and foremost I'd like to explain that I understand criticism of Knudsen. What I don't understand why he gets bigger flak than others.

Chambers FFS...... and Smith. Both having been pampered by many. First goal they can both share the blame. Smith is getting turned by Adomah and isn't arsed to chase him. He is waiting for Chambers' reaction. The latter i isn't closing Adomah down, allowing him to make a perfect delivery. The same area where LuaLua had made a good delivery when we lost to Brighton 2-3.

Chambers has been poor this season and certainly ain't a better full-back than Knudsen. Both have been poor.

Smith? Never been his fan as he's inconsistent and prone to mistakes. Probably the most overrated Town player since Pablo Counago.

But they both (and Knudsen) get picked by Mick every time they're available. Micks sentiments to his 'best back five' cost us games. Not only Evans' unwillingness to add quality to this team. Mick and his 'loyalty' is the issue too.

I for life can't understand why Chambers plays a full-back position instead of Parr. There may be something behind the scenes we don't know. Parr merely wastes his time with ITFC and I wouldn't blame him at all for not extending his deal with us.

Malarczyk? Apparently close to Polish call-up but he can't get his chance cos Mick prefers his favourites.

The only way Parr and Malarczyk can get games is suspensions/injuries to others or FA Cup. It's sad that it's only one way as they certainly deserve a run in the team because Micks 'best back five' is sh*t.

[hallamblue]

The defence as a whole are average at very best and certainly not something to build the rest of the team upon that's for sure. But what can MM do when money appears in short supply?

Anyway just above midtable for us I think.

COYBs

[jaykay]

i agree with you mach about knudsen.He one for the future and should be rested, now he being made the scapegoat by some.
As a manager you shouldnt have favorites, like fans do

[marko69]

Got to be honest, Getting a bit feckin sick of the term "scapegoat". Fans are commenting on what's presented in front of them. If a player is consistently poor, he's not a f**king scapegoat -------> he's sh*te. According to reports, Knudsen has been consistently poor. In defence of the young lad, he's probably just not good enough. But he's not the ITFC scapegoat,......, I'd say Skuse is probably still the overall scapegoat because he's actually quite good, but still receives stick from certain areas.

[Bluemike]

Got to disagree with you Mach on this one, Knudsen is sh*te end of, his positional play is awful, he constantly gets caught under the flight of the ball, he goes awol far too often, the first goal against Boro was not great from Smith, Chambo or Knudsen I accept that but Knudsens part in it was schoolboy to say the least, Sunday morning football from him.

I do think this anti Chambers thing from some quarters is off the mark to be honest, he has had some very good games of late but it never gets recognised which I don't know why but without question he does a lot ogf good things as opposed to knudsen who I never see do anything positive, the through ball for Sears to score at Charlton being a prime example but no bugger noticed it as usual, or maybe the block on the line against Boro which stopped a certain Third goal when the rest of the defence had given up the chase. I think fans need to look at the bigger picture where our captain is concerned, we know he has filled in at RB which is not his natural position for a long time now and by and large he is usually up against the oppositions best player, Knudsen is suppoesd to be a Full back by trade but for me cannot play the position to save his life, and as for his throw ins....f**king Useless.

[Bluemike]

The defence as a whole are average at very best and certainly not something to build the rest of the team upon that's for sure. But what can MM do when money appears in short supply?

Anyway just above midtable for us I think.

COYBs

Thankfully your predictions are hopeless.

[herforder]

Whilst commenting on individual players' strengths and weaknesses is a major part of this forum, it makes little sense to do so without acknowledging how/why it is they wear the shirt. The recent comments by both Ian Milne and MM regarding the way ME has decided to conduct business, and the financial constraints his 'sustainable' approach inevitably imposes, provides a useful insight.

The overall quality and depth of our squad, based upon paying competitive wages whilst living within our means; bringing in low-cost permanent and loan signings and trusting MM to get the maximum out of fairly average players, is the reality we need to accept as the price of remaining a solvent, prudently run club. At least, and at last, Milne's transparency regarding how we are operating is refreshing, and he clearly hopes supporters will get it and buy in to it.

Whilst agreeing, therefore, that Knudsen is currently well below standard, and that Chambers (and Smith) are not the most technically gifted defenders, whilst Skuse and Douglas were ultimately overshadowed in midfield by Leadbitter and Clayton on Friday, continuous criticism of any of them in the vain hope that they will miraculously become the sort of players we wished they were is probably unhelpful - although it always helps to get it off the chest. Given the constraints he's working within, and the quality of talent at his disposal, the fact we are still very much in contention for a play-off place, and have a secure, well administered club to support, does MM great credit. (I still wonder, incidentally, whether Fulham may yet come calling).

[Bluemike]

Very well point, couldn't agree with you more, unfortunately it was only a few ago some on here were starting to debate whether MM should be replaced and a few wanted change. For me we have the perfect man at the helm who is doing a fantastic job and will have us close if not in the top six again come next May.

The only thing that baffles me lately is the inclusion of knudsen ahead of Parr, it really is an odd one.

[Tangfastic]

Whilst commenting on individual players' strengths and weaknesses is a major part of this forum, it makes little sense to do so without acknowledging how/why it is they wear the shirt. The recent comments by both Ian Milne and MM regarding the way ME has decided to conduct business, and the financial constraints his 'sustainable' approach inevitably imposes, provides a useful insight.

The overall quality and depth of our squad, based upon paying competitive wages whilst living within our means; bringing in low-cost permanent and loan signings and trusting MM to get the maximum out of fairly average players, is the reality we need to accept as the price of remaining a solvent, prudently run club. At least, and at last, Milne's transparency regarding how we are operating is refreshing, and he clearly hopes supporters will get it and buy in to it.

Whilst agreeing, therefore, that Knudsen is currently well below standard, and that Chambers (and Smith) are not the most technically gifted defenders, whilst Skuse and Douglas were ultimately overshadowed in midfield by Leadbitter and Clayton on Friday, continuous criticism of any of them in the vain hope that they will miraculously become the sort of players we wished they were is probably unhelpful - although it always helps to get it off the chest. Given the constraints he's working within, and the quality of talent at his disposal, the fact we are still very much in contention for a play-off place, and have a secure, well administered club to support, does MM great credit. (I still wonder, incidentally, whether Fulham may yet come calling).

Herforder, Much of that makes complete sense. I think a lot of us understands we don't have many financial resources available and our squad is not that big. Mick's a seriously steady hand and I think we were lucky to bring him in.

One thing, though, is that we do actually have personnel available for defence cover. We're not talking about kids from the youth team - but Parr and Malarczyk. Experienced pro's - as well as the younger ones - Horwerth, etc.

Its not a case of knee-jerk reactions and saying that Chambo, Smith , etc should be dropped after one error or a below-average performance- but we do have options and, to be honest, it would be good to see the defence being refreshed. We don't know if it will improve things until we try it.

The defence does appear to be a weak link in conceding softish goals - so why are they bullet-proof? That is unclear from Mick's stance. It gets us wondering - is there a problem behind the scenes with Parr? Are these boys undroppable?
We're not in a bad position and on a decentish run so don't expect changes - but its a talking point.

[herforder]

No disagreement. Can only assume that MM believes it better to stick with current defence, despite their shortcomings and tendency to lose concentration at critical points in games, rather than risk putting in Parr etc, and reorganising to a more balanced back four. Not sure how he and TC assess those risks, or what they see that we clearly don't!

With JP, I would hazard a guess that attitude and off field comments may figure - not in the same way as Paul Taylor in the past, but nevertheless sufficient to irk MM who puts such store in team ethos, rather than individual egos. But that really is just idle speculation! (Having said that, though, MM's comments regarding young defender Robinson, and the reasons he earned himself a place on the bench, speak volumes about what he demands from senior and junior players alike).

[Bluemike]

Just going back to Malarczyk, despite only seeing him as a sub and his appearance at Old Trafford I feel the guy would have to improve significantly to get into the first team, he did a couple of really good things but looks so slow for what our game requires in the Championship. I am not sure he will ever be anything other than back up when injuries/suspensions strike.

[hallamblue]

But how is he going to get up to speed when he's not playing? Why is Knudsen deemed good enough but not the Polish player?

[marko69]

Why is Knudsen deemed good enough but not the Polish player?

It's all about the Egg Nog, Hallam. He apparently said Mick could have several crates if he got a game every week.



What can one say, mick loves the Nog.

[Bluemike]

But how is he going to get up to speed when he's not playing? Why is Knudsen deemed good enough but not the Polish player?

For me Two wrongs don't make a right, neither are good enough, Town fans moan enough now after every defeat like the world is at an end so I can't see them accepting a few defeats becasue we were "blooding" new players.

[herforder]

Given how difficult it is for fringe squad members to play regularly at a decent standard, and therefore to impress, raises some obvious questions: what did MM and his scouting team see in them to justify contracts - Henshall, Stewart, Coke, Toure etc? Genuine 1st team contenders, or squad thickeners? Can they ever do enough in training to leave MM no option but to play them? Given MM's recent comments about his preferred/best players, if others only see themselves as 2nd or 3rd choices, or injury cover, how does MM keep them sufficiently motivated (Parr?) and how effective will they be if called upon? Appreciate these issues are common to all clubs; the better off can afford to invest in quality in depth - look at M'boro's bench last week. We, however, are not in that position, and to some extent have a number of low-cost individuals on decent wages, but whose quality means the chances of ever being able to force themselves into 1st team contention appears very limited. Question, therefore, would it not have been more sensible to invest in fewer but better?

[Bluemike]

The thing is Herforder for as long as I can remember the fans have been calling for more squad depth as when the injuries bite we are thin on the ground. To be perfectly honest I think our problem the last few months has been injuries. The players at the club who would be pushing for the first team I.E. Bishop, Hyam, Fraser, Varney and Bru have all been injured, some of them for a long time, where as the bench players etc are basically the back up that was bought in during the Summer for emergencies and as such are never going to oust any of the so calle managers favourites, I certainly dont see Coke, Malarzcyk, Toure, or henshall as 1st teamers, while the irish lads are learning their trade at the moment, Tommy Oar may be the one who could challenge for first team but so far has had little chance and has also had an injury or two.

[Tangfastic]

Mike, can see injuries have played a part, especially midfield.

Parr is the notable exception, because he had decent championship pedigree with Palace. I have no idea why he doesn't get more of a look in.

Think it's a little unfair to write of Malarzcyk so early.... hasn't had many opportunities. Being slow is more of a trademark for our defence so he should fit in and maybe needs games to sharpen up.

Maybe Yorwerth will be the next taxi of the rank for defence after his loan... Matt Clarke appears to be benched by Pompey and not getting any games and perhaps going backwards.

I tend to feel Bishop will struggle to break into side as Douglas and Skuse look first choices and Micks faves.

Injuries and suspensions will hit us so probably others will get their chance at some point.

[herforder]

Once - hopefully not too long off - all are fully fit, it will give MM some interesting decisions to wrestle with! Albeit that those returning from long-term injuries will take time to get up to 1st team speed; and, if the current incumbents are producing the goods, then MM will be reluctant to make significant changes. I believe getting Fraser back, and remaining fit, may define how our seasons finally pans out; have a feeling that AMN's initial loan period runs until Jan.

[Bluemike]

Mike, can see injuries have played a part, especially midfield.

Parr is the notable exception, because he had decent championship pedigree with Palace. I have no idea why he doesn't get more of a look in.

Think it's a little unfair to write of Malarzcyk so early.... hasn't had many opportunities. Being slow is more of a trademark for our defence so he should fit in and maybe needs games to sharpen up.

Maybe Yorwerth will be the next taxi of the rank for defence after his loan... Matt Clarke appears to be benched by Pompey and not getting any games and perhaps going backwards.

I tend to feel Bishop will struggle to break into side as Douglas and Skuse look first choices and Micks faves.

Injuries and suspensions will hit us so probably others will get their chance at some point.

I havent written Malarzcyk off by any means but from the little I have seen it is the right decision not to have him in the first team.

If Matt Clarke is benched at Pompey we can forget him, I think Yorwerth has something about him though and would like to see more of him, he clearly has pace, is good in the air and as he showed in the cup against Stevenage is a goal threat.