Ipswich Town v Blackburn Rovers preview and matchday thread

[Bluemike]

I'm sorry Marko the level of shyteness as you put it does not come into it for me, You should NEVER wish your team to lose no matter what, never, for me it is the cardinal sin, I just cannot abide nor understand comments like that, surely that is beyond the time to call it a day where supporting the club (LOL) is concerned, the club dont need fans (and I use the term loosely) like that, it does nothing but poison the feel around the club when comments like that are used.

[Bluemike]

A so called Town fan who actually wishes we had lost, says it all really. I won't bother posting anything further on the subject as it isn't going to be read anyway....apparently.

Wishing we had lost, is a bit like wishing Norwich wins yeah?

For me it is a 100 times worse really.

[marko69]

Had another type of proper fan issue today. Conversation today between myself and a buddy, Declan.

Dec: You at Hampden on Sunday?
Me: Aye mate, was.
Dec: Nightmare eh?
Me: Aye, definitely was.
Dec: Going to Inverness tonight?
Me: Na, mate, no.
Dec: Aw ya fkn part time bstd!

[Bluemike]

Had another type of proper fan issue today. Conversation today between myself and a buddy, Declan.

Dec: You at Hampden on Sunday?
Me: Aye mate, was.
Dec: Nightmare eh?
Me: Aye, definitely was.
Dec: Going to Inverness tonight?
Me: Na, mate, no.
Dec: Aw ya fkn part time bstd!

I don't see it as anywhere near the same TBH, as nowhere have either of you wished Hibs would lose, f*ck me I just don't get it.

[Steve and Jo]

Really wouldn't worry about it to much Mike. We are all entitled to our opinions and say what we like.

I certainly wouldn't say it for i never want Ipswich to lose but i do support Norfolk when we play Suffolk at Cricket i have to admit

[J4ck22]

I'd decided not to post on this forum any more, but after last night and reading some of the above I feel the need. I'm sure I'll take some stick for it but it doesn't matter because I probably won't bother to read it. I obviously see things a lot differently to most others.

I'm just amazed that so many people can be happy. I think that is the worst performance I have seen in ages - and that really is an achievement. I've seen better football watching Sunday league stuff.

We lacked width. We lacked creativity. Bart kept us in the game yet again in the early stages. Haven't seen the penalty incident again but most of the people where I sit had no idea what it was for. Without that decision I doubt if we'd have won.

The midfield was shambolic. Skuse remains solid but so one-dimensional, nothing constructive at all. Hyam has improved if some of his challenges are reckless. I would start him over Skuse any day. Douglas didn't do much. Pitman had another poor game, contributing nothing at all. Sears works hard but actually contributes more when playing wide. Through the middle he works and runs with no real end product.

Surprised by the comments about Knudsen. True, his defending has improved. His distribution remains absolutely shocking. Half hearted humps upfield to no-one.

If there were any positives, they were Varney and Foley. When they came on they made a difference. Varney made the second goal and Foley showed that it is possible to collect the ball from the defence and make an quick, accurate ball forward.

Sorry to be negative after a victory but I actually wished we had lost. We didn't deserve to win. It was the worst football I've seen from a side who are actually getting worse week on week. It keeps the play off dream alive for those who actually believe we might make it and somehow win them should we succeed. But it's papering over the cracks. The results might be better but the football is actually worse than in the Jewell / Keane era. Had I not been there last night I might have been happy with 3 points. But on the day my season ticket renewal letter arrived.....that performance was the last thing I needed to suffer.

I can't remember, did we win last night or get smashed 5-0 and I just completely missed it?

[jaykay]

i would never wish ipswich to lose a game,well i wouldnt have any tears if we lost a game where the opponents needed to beat us to stay up and that would send norwich down
have to say when i saw that midfield mick had picked,i was gutted.how he could leave foley and pringle out of the starting level was beyond a lot of the fans.

[barmy billy]

I'd decided not to post on this forum any more, but after last night and reading some of the above I feel the need. I'm sure I'll take some stick for it but it doesn't matter because I probably won't bother to read it. I obviously see things a lot differently to most others.

I'm just amazed that so many people can be happy. I think that is the worst performance I have seen in ages - and that really is an achievement. I've seen better football watching Sunday league stuff.

We lacked width. We lacked creativity. Bart kept us in the game yet again in the early stages. Haven't seen the penalty incident again but most of the people where I sit had no idea what it was for. Without that decision I doubt if we'd have won.

The midfield was shambolic. Skuse remains solid but so one-dimensional, nothing constructive at all. Hyam has improved if some of his challenges are reckless. I would start him over Skuse any day. Douglas didn't do much. Pitman had another poor game, contributing nothing at all. Sears works hard but actually contributes more when playing wide. Through the middle he works and runs with no real end product.

Surprised by the comments about Knudsen. True, his defending has improved. His distribution remains absolutely shocking. Half hearted humps upfield to no-one.

If there were any positives, they were Varney and Foley. When they came on they made a difference. Varney made the second goal and Foley showed that it is possible to collect the ball from the defence and make an quick, accurate ball forward.

Sorry to be negative after a victory but I actually wished we had lost. We didn't deserve to win. It was the worst football I've seen from a side who are actually getting worse week on week. It keeps the play off dream alive for those who actually believe we might make it and somehow win them should we succeed. But it's papering over the cracks. The results might be better but the football is actually worse than in the Jewell / Keane era. Had I not been there last night I might have been happy with 3 points. But on the day my season ticket renewal letter arrived.....that performance was the last thing I needed to suffer.

I can't remember, did we win last night or get smashed 5-0 and I just completely missed it?

You are entitled to your opinion J4 which I respect, and also for having the guts to come on here and express it. Good for you.

[arana peligrosa]

Wanting the team to lose is a surprise to see especially in the position we find ourselves. Put it down to a typing error and nothing more.

Well I've read about all there is to see on yesterdays game and gathered a lot of post-game opinion and seems a section of the support are unhappy even with the victory. I respect their views though, Yes it wasn't the best of games for long periods and once again we looked far from promotion material, but still picked up three points and as before, seeing Murphy among the goals brought a certain level of relief.

Next opposition represents an opportunity for further points to be collected so don't nobody mess up out there when the time arises. Amid all the indifferent performances and what many people would deem unsatisfactory, we are still picking up results and in a good position to challenge. Haven't given up on the team just yet, as one or two have alluded to, around various forums.

[derick_ipsw]

A so called Town fan who actually wishes we had lost, says it all really. I won't bother posting anything further on the subject as it isn't going to be read anyway....apparently.

Who has wished this? You keep accusing people of things with know substance. It has stop unless you can back it up. FFS.

[Bluemike]

A so called Town fan who actually wishes we had lost, says it all really. I won't bother posting anything further on the subject as it isn't going to be read anyway....apparently.

Who has wished this? You keep accusing people of things with know substance. It has stop unless you can back it up. FFS.

Read his post properly then derick !!!

[Bluemike]

orry to be negative after a victory but I actually wished we had lost. We didn't deserve to win. It was the worst football I've seen from a side who are actually getting worse week on week. It keeps the play off dream alive for those who actually believe we might make it and somehow win them should we succeed. But it's papering over the cracks. The results might be better but the football is actually worse than in the Jewell / Keane era. Had I not been there last night I might have been happy with 3 points. But on the day my season ticket renewal letter arrived.....that performance was the last thing I needed to suffer.

Clear enough for you ? Enough substance for you ? I dont accuse anyone of anything other than what is there for all to see !! FFS !!

[hallamblue]

Andym.

Some if your post I do empathize with. I too, have had issues with the style of football we are served up with this season. It certainly feels a lot worse than the previous season.

I think we fans expect differeng things to that of MM and TC. They are focusing entirely on the end result, especially at this part of the season. Points are ALL that matter now. How we achieve those results is where fans and management depart.

In your post, you state our midfield was very narrow, and the midfield combination of Skuse, Douglas and Hyam, lack creativity and is one dimensional. Yes you are correct. However MM's approach Tuesday night was one of stiffling/containment of Blackburns midfield. He deliberately set about to frustrate them, and win the "battle". Very early on Blackburn had at least "lucky" deflections and run of play in our box, resulting in 3 clear chances which Bart was equal too, inspectacular fashion. But the GK is the last line of a teams defence and BB didnt breach it.

Knudsen. Is in his 1st seson in a very tough English league. He's having a very steep learning curve. In fact it usnt even a curve, its that steep. But the signs are that he's starting to get to grips. He's not in the same class as his predecessors, and the jury is out for now.

Hoofball. Welcome to my world Andy! This is the thing that pisses most of us off I think. Its not easy on the eye, it immediately gives the opposition a 50:50 chance of regaining possession, which they invariably do, and then we have go absorb more attacking pressure from opponents. I FUCKIN HATE IT!! But MM appears
to prefer battering opponents with this arieal onslaught, and the law of averages of numbers of punts up firld to chances of a defensive mistake.

Micks way is not my way, nor many others way of playing the so called beautiful game. Beautiful at PR it certainly aint, and little wonder the atmosphere is muted. Theres nothing to get excited about is there. But Micks way has frankly saved this Club from certain league one football and worse. Maybe he hsnt the most exciting style, but if it means we eventually get promoted, do you know what Id take that.

I feel your frustration - actually Id say I recognise it....and youve had dnough of the shytd served up at PR, and in your frustraion you wished that we'd lost, in the hope that this frustrating style would / will change . I get it, totally! But I Know deep down , you dont actually wish YOUR team to lose............but if you did mean it, then maybe its time to call it day on ITFC........for a while!

Hope to hear from you again next season Andy.

[marko69]

Excellent post, Hallam.

[jaykay]

Excellent post, Hallam.

i totally agree with that marko.a well reasoned response from hallam.alot better than a rant .

[Steve and Jo]

In all honesty that is most possibly the fairest and truthful post i have read in this forum for years. Well said Hallam.. Agree with every word

[Tangfastic]

The one comment that Andy made that got all the attention was I wish we'd lost.

Other than that, He also made some pretty good comments about the game and certain players.

I don't see anywhere a fan who is disloyal... just frustrated and - in his view- going backwards.

I'm not saying I agree with the ' wishing we lost' statement, but sometimes a loss in extreme circumstances can spark something to happen.

If Paul Jewell had managed to sneak a couple more wins near the end.... he might have got 5-6 more games meaning we lost out on Mick ( best possible manager for the situation). I bet there were a few fans wanting a loss then so we could start afresh as soon as possible. I did.

Looking at our feathered friends.... if Gunny's team had not been humiliated 6-1 with Colchester, then they would might not have got Lambert and could still be in League 1.


We are not in extreme circumstances.... we are a plodding, unattractive mid table team who do enough at the moment to flirt with the play-offs. High on good character and attitude..... but no real desire to play good football and no strategy than to sneak a win. Our position gives hope and dreams of the PL and the situation does paper over the cracks somewhat.

If Andy feels strong enough to make these statements .... so be it! Doesn't upset me and his views should be allowed to air. Who makes the rules what a fan should be, or say, or think anyway?

[Bluemike]

Andym.

Some if your post I do empathize with. I too, have had issues with the style of football we are served up with this season. It certainly feels a lot worse than the previous season.

I think we fans expect differeng things to that of MM and TC. They are focusing entirely on the end result, especially at this part of the season. Points are ALL that matter now. How we achieve those results is where fans and management depart.

In your post, you state our midfield was very narrow, and the midfield combination of Skuse, Douglas and Hyam, lack creativity and is one dimensional. Yes you are correct. However MM's approach Tuesday night was one of stiffling/containment of Blackburns midfield. He deliberately set about to frustrate them, and win the "battle". Very early on Blackburn had at least "lucky" deflections and run of play in our box, resulting in 3 clear chances which Bart was equal too, inspectacular fashion. But the GK is the last line of a teams defence and BB didnt breach it.

Knudsen. Is in his 1st seson in a very tough English league. He's having a very steep learning curve. In fact it usnt even a curve, its that steep. But the signs are that he's starting to get to grips. He's not in the same class as his predecessors, and the jury is out for now.

Hoofball. Welcome to my world Andy! This is the thing that pisses most of us off I think. Its not easy on the eye, it immediately gives the opposition a 50:50 chance of regaining possession, which they invariably do, and then we have go absorb more attacking pressure from opponents. I FUCKIN HATE IT!! But MM appears
to prefer battering opponents with this arieal onslaught, and the law of averages of numbers of punts up firld to chances of a defensive mistake.

Micks way is not my way, nor many others way of playing the so called beautiful game. Beautiful at PR it certainly aint, and little wonder the atmosphere is muted. Theres nothing to get excited about is there. But Micks way has frankly saved this Club from certain league one football and worse. Maybe he hsnt the most exciting style, but if it means we eventually get promoted, do you know what Id take that.

I feel your frustration - actually Id say I recognise it....and youve had dnough of the shytd served up at PR, and in your frustraion you wished that we'd lost, in the hope that this frustrating style would / will change . I get it, totally! But I Know deep down , you dont actually wish YOUR team to lose............but if you did mean it, then maybe its time to call it day on ITFC........for a while!

Hope to hear from you again next season Andy.

You know what Liz, I think I know you better than anyone else on the forum so come on you old wino, own up, who worded this for you cus it sure as hell aint your normal style LOL. ????

On a serious note, I hope at no point have I ever argued with anyone over the "style" of football that we play at times because yes it can be p*ss poor and it is impossible to disagree with that. Nothing in your post is incorrect so can't be argued with. With the benefit of hindsight I should probably have reacted in a more measured way having read Andym's post but I have got to be honest and say the Red mist really descended when I read the "Wish we had lost" bit, just cant accept or believe that.

Andym, who I actually believe to be a very measured and intelligent poster (which made it even more bizzare), has always maintained he would rather see style over wins and that is fine, there may be one or Two others who agree with that but I hope in all seriousness you are correct in that his statement was bourne out of pure frustratioin and not actually meant. This whole thing actually kept me awake last night sad as I am.

People will always have differing views on forums and I know my weakness is sometimes accepting others points of view when I disagree so strongly but I will always stand up for my club and what I believe. Clearly the issue is mine here and nobody elses, maybe it is time that I gave forums a miss if it bothers me that much, who knows.

[marko69]

Two things:

1/ Don't give the ITFC forum a miss for a while.

2/ Think about giving the ITFC forum up for a while if they make you lie awake at night!

I jest of course.

What annoys me very very slightly is something different from the football. It's the "this will be my last post" thing. That comment in itself is very attention seeking. It creates a "Really? Will it really be his/her last post?"......, "what's caused this"......., "I wonder if they'll be back" etc etc. Leaving without the "big announcement" would be so much better.
In this case, it seems to be AndyM, but I've lost count how many times people have said he is a valued contributor to this forum......, because he definitely is. Can't understand his last post "thing".

Hopefully Hallamskis post is read and taken on board and he keeps posting.

[hallamblue]

oi Mike ya cheeky gitsski! ..... Let's just say I was still wearing my professional just got home from work hat, when I posted that.

and marko, spot on my wee man.

Let's get on with securing a PO place and really p*ss the big boys off.

[Bluemike]

oi Mike ya cheeky gitsski! ..... Let's just say I was still wearing my professional just got home from work hat, when I posted that.

and marko, spot on my wee man.

Let's get on with securing a PO place and really p*ss the big boys off.

I've been saying that all season !!!!

[barmy billy]

Andym.

Some if your post I do empathize with. I too, have had issues with the style of football we are served up with this season. It certainly feels a lot worse than the previous season.

I think we fans expect differeng things to that of MM and TC. They are focusing entirely on the end result, especially at this part of the season. Points are ALL that matter now. How we achieve those results is where fans and management depart.

In your post, you state our midfield was very narrow, and the midfield combination of Skuse, Douglas and Hyam, lack creativity and is one dimensional. Yes you are correct. However MM's approach Tuesday night was one of stiffling/containment of Blackburns midfield. He deliberately set about to frustrate them, and win the "battle". Very early on Blackburn had at least "lucky" deflections and run of play in our box, resulting in 3 clear chances which Bart was equal too, inspectacular fashion. But the GK is the last line of a teams defence and BB didnt breach it.

Knudsen. Is in his 1st seson in a very tough English league. He's having a very steep learning curve. In fact it usnt even a curve, its that steep. But the signs are that he's starting to get to grips. He's not in the same class as his predecessors, and the jury is out for now.

Hoofball. Welcome to my world Andy! This is the thing that pisses most of us off I think. Its not easy on the eye, it immediately gives the opposition a 50:50 chance of regaining possession, which they invariably do, and then we have go absorb more attacking pressure from opponents. I FUCKIN HATE IT!! But MM appears
to prefer battering opponents with this arieal onslaught, and the law of averages of numbers of punts up firld to chances of a defensive mistake.

Micks way is not my way, nor many others way of playing the so called beautiful game. Beautiful at PR it certainly aint, and little wonder the atmosphere is muted. Theres nothing to get excited about is there. But Micks way has frankly saved this Club from certain league one football and worse. Maybe he hsnt the most exciting style, but if it means we eventually get promoted, do you know what Id take that.

I feel your frustration - actually Id say I recognise it....and youve had dnough of the shytd served up at PR, and in your frustraion you wished that we'd lost, in the hope that this frustrating style would / will change . I get it, totally! But I Know deep down , you dont actually wish YOUR team to lose............but if you did mean it, then maybe its time to call it day on ITFC........for a while!

Hope to hear from you again next season Andy.

You know what Liz, I think I know you better than anyone else on the forum so come on you old wino, own up, who worded this for you cus it sure as hell aint your normal style LOL. ????

On a serious note, I hope at no point have I ever argued with anyone over the "style" of football that we play at times because yes it can be p*ss poor and it is impossible to disagree with that. Nothing in your post is incorrect so can't be argued with. With the benefit of hindsight I should probably have reacted in a more measured way having read Andym's post but I have got to be honest and say the Red mist really descended when I read the "Wish we had lost" bit, just cant accept or believe that.

Andym, who I actually believe to be a very measured and intelligent poster (which made it even more bizzare), has always maintained he would rather see style over wins and that is fine, there may be one or Two others who agree with that but I hope in all seriousness you are correct in that his statement was bourne out of pure frustratioin and not actually meant. This whole thing actually kept me awake last night sad as I am.

People will always have differing views on forums and I know my weakness is sometimes accepting others points of view when I disagree so strongly but I will always stand up for my club and what I believe. Clearly the issue is mine here and nobody elses, maybe it is time that I gave forums a miss if it bothers me that much, who knows.

Yes please!!

I mean not really you silly sod: carry on posting.

[Ando]

BLackburn were the worse team I've seen all season at PR imo. Absolutely nothing up front. Freddie Sears our best player by a mile. How Foley does not start is beyond me. Great chance to make the play off's.

Has Knudsen ever played 5 aside ? The amount of times he can pass inside but hits it long is untrue, however with no width on Tuesday he had little options at times. Foley would keep the ball with short passes into feet.

As for wanting your own team to lose! Never! Never! Never!