If Only......

[Charnwood]

...Portman Road was the fortress it once was...

Three home defeats by the top three teams in the Championship is proving very costly. If only we'd managed three narrow wins by a single goal margin against these teams how different the table would look.

1) Middlesbrough 43pts
2) Ipswich Town. 43
3) Derby County. 41
4) Hull City. 41
5) Brighton. 40
6) Burnley. 38


If you compare our home and away results the difference is amazing... Away from home we compare well with with all of the top three teams, two with 22 points and two inc ourselves on 20 points....

Meanwhile at Portman Road we've only won 3 games from 11 played which is the same Rotherham & Charlton have achieved and one less than MK Dons..... all three of these teams are struggling in the relegation zone.

So come on Town, let's fix that home form as a priority for 2016. Maybe there's a fan role here, by creating an atmosphere at Portman Road which makes the place hostile and intimidating for visiting teams.

Our home form is the one area where we really need to improve and if this could be achieved our prospects of making the play offs would significantly improve.

[Frosty]

Maybe we should look for a new home ground Andy, that's really depressing

[Charnwood]

There was a time when teams feared coming to Portman Road and the place was often described as a Fortress, nowadays teams seem to really like playing here and it shows in the results.

Sadly Town fans seem to create a better atmosphere at away grounds than at Pirtman Road.

This needs to change especially if we want to be successful.

[arana peligrosa]

'If only's' will get you nowhere. There's a number of situations in life - that once done, can't be rectified - and our home scores hitherto this season is just another example.

Had a look through all games thus far against all caliber of opposition and while we can't always use say Cup games as a measure of progress, it has been disappointing, or not to satisfactory requirement.

Brighton Hove Albion were the first team to take all points (August), but believe at that time they were in first place, and then as you go through the proceeding weeks there's a number of frustrating draws with teams including Bristol City and Birmingham.

In more recent weeks we've seen actual promotion contenders such as Middlesbrough come down and take a victory. No real shame in that, they're obviously a better team than us this season, but the Derby game still irritates as they were simply not of the same level and got the only goal in a largely disappointing game that failed to live up to expectation.

Last home game of this calendar years sees Queens Park Rangers come over and would like to say a victory straight away, but remain skeptical. Guess it's the whole deal with this damn home form (and) causing uncertainties.

Got one eye on the Brighton game coming up in a week or two that while being away from Portman Road, is going to be another opportunity to show far the team has developed in recent weeks. They've just had a first loss this season and at their venue also, so there's another team maybe talking home concerns.

[hallamblue]

If only the referrees that have officiated at PR this season actually had some balls, and not allow themselves to be either bullied ir conned by the ever increasing cheating tactics that goes on in the game now.
I get sick of seeing it tbh and its so blatant, I havd no idea why something is not done during games, or even retrospectively. It makes the game stink.

[herforder]

Never believe much to be gained agonising over what might or could have been: those games have gone, better perhaps to look forward to those we can still effect - and ensure we do!

Perhaps the fact that we have the poorest record of completed passes in the C'ship should give us a clue. (Happy for someone to prove me wrong on that).

[Bluemike]

I don't think losing at home to Brighton, Derby and Boro is a disaster by any means, especially when points could and maybe should have been won in all those games, if they are the only games we lose at home I will be happy, in fact it is the dropped points against Bristol City, Huddersfield and Birmingham that irk me more.

I am certain our home form will pick up over the second half of the season and if and when it does wins could very well be attained aginst the likes of Leeds, Preston, Reading, Blackburn, Forest, Rotherham, Charlton, Brentford, Fulham and MK Dons. Should we win the majority of those at home and maintain our excellent away record we will be in that top Six come May.

[marko69]

In full agreement with you, Hallam. And the main reason I like to take the pi$$ out of the refs in the previews. YES, I KNOW, their job is difficult, I do not doubt that......, but a very high percentage of them all are f**king absolute ball-less twats who are too afraid to lay down the law of the game when it really matters. And YES, ok it's the players who cause the scenarios, but it's the referees jobs to sort things out. To be honest, it's probably FIFA/UEFAS job to really sort things, and maybe help these referees out slightly.

One of my mates experimented about three seasons ago; totalling up the points that referees either cost Hibernian the win or the draw due to sometimes corrupt decisions, (that's YOU Craig Thomson you f**king Jambo b*stard)......, it totalled 17 points. He basically told the SFA to ram their football leagues up their arses until the officiating is sorted, "make it boring like USA sports, but FFS, make it LEGAL!"

Maybe this is a biased view but Hibs are genuinely not a cheating side. They never have been. The club have Henderson on loan from Celtic at the moment, and in his first game, he collapsed like he'd been hit by lightening....., the Hibs fans basically told him to get off his arse NOW! That one incident sorted him out. With ITFC, I only really saw Maitland Niles try a dive for a freekick, but everyone else seems honest. Sorting these twats out at club level will help referees...., but FOR FK SAKE, "SFA/FA" make the refs stronger at clamping down on this. Or get a "man in the booth".

All of the above is for the sake of all teams. Not just the teams we support.

[ashfordblue]

The Portman road pitch was made to play passing footie on not fooking hoof ball, that's why when a decent passing team comes to our patch they usually out play us, and get the result they want because of the quality playing surface, perhaps if we dig it up to look more like a ploughed field, with hoof ball tactics we might get better results, similar to the Blackpool mud heap pitch, its either that or play proper passing footie as we are meant too, and has been a part of Ipswich set up for years.

[marko69]

Start ground sharing with Hull KR, Ash?

[arana peligrosa]

The Portman road pitch was made to play passing footie on not fooking hoof ball, that's why when a decent passing team comes to our patch they usually out play us, and get the result they want because of the quality playing surface, perhaps if we dig it up to look more like a ploughed field, with hoof ball tactics we might get better results, similar to the Blackpool mud heap pitch, its either that or play proper passing footie as we are meant too, and has been a part of Ipswich set up for years.

Let the Witches in and they can rally round the field.

We can't always blame the players though. McCarthy would 'appear' to be in command of team performance and unless he spends the duration with his eyes closed, he's not going to be oblivious to what goes on out there.

Obviously 'someone' needs to realize that playing the ball as stated in not advisable. As before we're not a goddamn Wimbledon team of 25 years back, playing the ball to feet is going to provide greater team efficiency.

[Bluemike]

I dont quite know what we expect, 6th at the halfway stage not good enough ?

[herforder]

I dont quite know what we expect, 6th at the halfway stage not good enough ?

Behave......just imagine where we might be if only we could pass the ball. At least 17th!

[Charnwood]

I dont quite know what we expect, 6th at the halfway stage not good enough ?

Ya far too easily satisfied Mike.

[marko69]

I think the debate falls into that "theme" that crops up every season....... Results or what's nice on the eye.

Speaking purely from a seated position on a fence; Ash, AndyM like the entertainment......, Mike likes the results. Both parties are correct in my eyes. I think it'd just be nice to get both, even if only occasionally...... Certainly that'll be the point Ash is making? Am I right, ya Jag?

[Charnwood]

... and some of us are greedy and like both.!

I must say I feel happier if we play sh*t and win v play well and lose.

[marko69]

... and some of us are greedy and like both.!

I must say I feel happier if we play sh*t and win v play well and lose.

Same here........, because I'm not there to see it!

[herforder]

... and some of us are greedy and like both.!

I must say I feel happier if we play sh*t and win v play well and lose.

Same here........, because I'm not there to see it!

You should be made to suffer with the rest of us, then! results over performance are what we're programmed for.

[Bluemike]

I know damn well everyone would rather we played crap and won tha played brilliant and lost, everyone that goes to games that is. In actual fact I don't just like the results above all else, far from it, I also don't believe the football is half as bad as many make out, I do think some that moan about the quality of football either read it in the reports etc or go on past history without actually seeing it now.

[marko69]

These types of conversations can become dangerously boring as fk though eh?

IF ONLY........, let's all have a dance. Just pretend its a football player singing........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB6YuNCUOHI

[Charnwood]

It would be more fun if only......

the fkn link opened.

[marko69]

opens on ma laptop and phone......, must be prob at your end buddy

[Steve and Jo]

Question then..

If Ipswich play so damn bloody awful and totally rubbish why does Sky keep coming back to us?

I mean, how many times have Ipswich been on TV past 18 months or so? I was there for all three losses against the teams top 3 in the league. Brighton yes were better. Middlesborough thought just got the goals and Derby!!!.. Not really no. Goal was lucky in build up and offside but hey ho i bet they arn't moaning how poorly they played because they WON.

We would all like to grace the football pitch, lovely silky, sexy even football but with how much MM has spent doubt it, but how about Murphy's last goal against Charlton. Brilliant play through out the team.

Nope all i get as far as sexy keeps in the bedroom with Jo but i still get buzz every matchday. I still enjoy going to the games have pre and after drinks in legends and i am pleased with 99% of the time whether win, lose or draw the players and coaching staff give it there all. If that's not good enough come end of season to finish in top 6 well that's life but at least not looking for bottom 6 places !!!

Watched Ian Harte on fantasy football on Sky. Asked best manager he played under. No bones, no delay he said Mick McCarthy.

Remember back in the 70's Bobby Robson team grinding out results. Even in 1978 the year we won the FA cup how bad some of the games were. Nobody complained because we won the damn cup. Yes lots of injuries and everything else but even so. Until we changed formation and personal Ipswich grinded results before the talented Dutch twosome came in. Was not just those two but saying Ipswich were not the prettiest team all the time, far from it before.

Sometimes its best to be realistic, funds MM has i honestly think he's a diamond. Season has just about reached half way point and we are sixth. Damn that's really terrible right?

[Bluemike]

Amen to that Steve and I rest my case. The sad thing is nobody remembers the football we play at times, you mention the 3rd goal at Charlton and that is a prime example of it, instead they choose to remember the times we hoof it up in the air to clear the bloody thing.

Like you I also get so much out of the whole match day experience, the pre match Drinks and meal, great friends and the anticipation of seeing my team again, win, lose or draw. I think this is why I love the away days so much more because you really do get to meet some great people, it really is like one big family which is why I will still be at Brighton & Burnley over the festive season come what may.

[marko69]

Why is it that you guys sound the damn angriest? Some people just want to see some damn good football......, what is the big f**king damn deal? Why do some sound like they are thumping on their damn keyboards trying to get their damn "a win is a win" point across? Chill the f**king damn out ffs.

[herforder]

The QPR preview will be up soon so folks' attentions will be diverted away from the style v results theme. Yeah - Result!

[marko69]

The QPR preview will be up soon so folks' attentions will be diverted away from the style v results theme. Yeah - Result!

Are you saying the damn preview is going to be Shyte, but "result"; at least it'll be damn there?!

[Steve and Jo]

Why is it that you guys sound the damn angriest? Some people just want to see some damn good football......, what is the big f**king damn deal? Why do some sound like they are thumping on their damn keyboards trying to get their damn "a win is a win" point across? Chill the f**king damn out ffs.

You Marko sound like that guy Steve Wright played on his old Radio 1 show. Mr Angry from Purley. Still had me laughing though.. You make me so Angry i could throw the phone down

Got to love football, all about points of views and we are all think we are better managers

[marko69]

Mr Angry was hilarious. Do you remember they had a John Cole impressionist......, always remember the report when he said in his Irish accent, "My granny knew nothin about football. She thought Sheffield Wednesday was a bank holiday!" Still funny after all these years.

Aw the very best to you Steve and to Jo over the Xmas & New Year period. Cheers

[Steve and Jo]

The very same to you Marko and your family

And yes i remember the shows. Used to have me stitches. "You alright? i'm alright, you alright? Yes i'm alright You alright?" The Sheffield Wednesday scene was hilarious.

Anyway 3 pts on Saturday then be able to celebrate Christmas even more