Leeds United v Ipswich Town preview and matchday thread

[hallamblue]

tang: I agree point 5 is highly unlikely to happen but do you really think MM is treading water until a better offer comes along? He's never done anything like that before and is essentially "loyal" to club and players - which is the catch 22 we find ourselves in. He should be dropping certain players or replacing them . But he won't.

All I know is this current situation can't continue.

[Tangfastic]

tang: I agree point 5 is highly unlikely to happen but do you really think MM is treading water until a better offer comes along? He's never done anything like that before and is essentially "loyal" to club and players - which is the catch 22 we find ourselves in. He should be dropping certain players or replacing them . But he won't.

All I know is this current situation can't continue.

Not sure, but I think it's the best situation to happen. Thank you very much Mick for saving us from relegation, stabilising us, getting a play off position ... but time to move on and do your thing elsewhere where a club needs a strong hand.

His stock outside this club is pretty high so it wouldn't surprise me if a more ambitious club came in for him if. His job - for me - is done here. It's stale and a new manager could release the shackles on some players and free them up.

He knows the fans are restless and i feel he's started to take the p*ss a bit with the fans. The bit the other day about Chambo - saying he's nailed on for the next 30 games. That's unnecessary. By all means support your captain and a good, loyal pro, but why say one particular player is nailed onto the team sheet ? That's a big v-sign to the fans and any young players coming through.... and TBH doesn't help Chambo with the fans.
Little things like that make me think there's pointless little games going on between him and the fans amongst a stalemate... whereas he should spend his time trying new things to spice up the team.

[hallamblue]

Pretty much my thoughts too. As for his comments ref Chambers. He'd always said in the fan's shouted for someone in or out he would do the opposite. That's his stubbornness. Or u could view it as his single mindedness which is why he by and large respected by the players in the game.

Problem is you can believe your own hype if you're not careful and miss.the right time to change when it really is the correct advice being given.

I'd hate it to get nasty at PR.towards Mick because I genuinely like him - just not his tactics. But Town fans despite the all the moaning, are rarely volatile and frankly have amazing patience.....unlike that shower up the A140

[Charnwood]

I think we can forget the possibility of Mick Mcarthy moving anywhere. It was only last season when he and Terry Connor renewed their contracts for a further two seasons, with the option to extend until 2020 and there's no way on earth Marcus Evans will want to waste money buying out those contracts.

Neither do I buy into the theory that McCarthy's "stock is high" in the football world or that he would rank highly on an ambitious clubs shopping list. FFS after being sacked by Wolves he was unemployed for almost nine months before he joined us and the only other club I recall him being interviewed by was Forest.

Personally I think he's a management dinosaur playing an out of date style of football that very few football club chairman would want to introduce to their club.

I'm pretty certain our Mick will always be in work but I don't expect there to be a list of ambitious clubs queuing up for his services and neither do I ever expect to see him managing in the Premier League.

In short I think we're stuck with him for the foreseeable future, and I don't expect to see him going anywhere sometime soon.

[number 9]

I think we can forget the possibility of Mick Mcarthy moving anywhere. It was only last season when he and Terry Connor renewed their contracts for a further two seasons, with the option to extend until 2020 and there's no way on earth Marcus Evans will want to waste money buying out those contracts.

Neither do I buy into the theory that McCarthy's "stock is high" in the football world or that he would rank highly on an ambitious clubs shopping list. FFS after being sacked by Wolves he was unemployed for almost nine months before he joined us and the only other club I recall him being interviewed by was Forest.

Personally I think he's a management dinosaur playing an out of date style of football that very few football club chairman would want to introduce to their club.

I'm pretty certain our Mick will always be in work but I don't expect there to be a list of ambitious clubs queuing up for his services and neither do I ever expect to see him managing in the Premier League.

In short I think we're stuck with him for the foreseeable future, and I don't expect to see him going anywhere sometime soon.

I completely agree, Charny.

[marko69]

Changed mind........, they'll thump Brighton & Udders next two games.

Can't think of anything else to say to uplift the soul destroying depression on this forum.

[Bluemike]

Hopefully tomorrow night will lift the spirits somewhat, it can only be better than Saturday.

[herforder]

Whilst the manager must accept ultimate responsibility and criticism, Saturday's embarrassing non-performance was down to players not doing their jobs and neglecting the basics. This from a team consistently held up as a hard working, totally committed, unit whose qualities of resilience and never-say die attitude, compensate for comparatively modest squad investment etc. Why this happened on Saturday is the question. Was it just a one-off, untypical, performance; or, as some may believe, are there deeper management/dressing room issues in play? Tomorrow and Saturday will give us some insight. But in either event, it's where MM needs to earn his manager's corn and get it gripped. What's certain is, that given current injuries, there will have to be personnel and, hopefully, tactical changes. We may suffer two home defeats; but if it's defeats resulting from poor, sterile, performances, then you sense that even the most placid supporters will start to turn.

As for MM's own position, I agree that - short of an unlikely/dramatic resignation- he and ME are effectively joined at the hip. Unless or until our position in this league is under serious threat, then any thoughts of MM being removed are - perhaps sadly for some,- wishful thinking.

But, it's still comparatively early doors, so let's hold our collective nerve!

[marko69]

Unless or until our position in this league is under serious threat, then any thoughts of MM being removed are - perhaps sadly for some,- wishful thinking.

But if Ipswich Town FC's Championship status is under threat, I thought Mick was the very man to have?

In theory, it'll be dire straits until end of March, then "bunny from the hat" antics from Mick, and finish 16th, (my negative BSTD pre season prediction!)

[Charnwood]

I know Chambers & Co keep coming in for stick but our defence isn't really the problem unless you're happy with a weekly
0-0 result. Our defence is one of the meanest in the Championship with only front runners Huddersfield, Brighton, Newcastle and Birmingham having conceded fewer, unfortunately two of these teams are our next opponents.

Our big issue is where are our goals coming from, as we stand only Derby County have scored fewer and not one of our strikers has scored more than a single goal which is pretty dire. In fact in the nine games played since the opening day of the season we've been goalless in five and scored just one in the other four. That's just four goals in nine consecutive games played mostly against pretty average opposition.

This leads us to two areas of the pitch, either the midfield players aren't getting forward enough to create the chances or the strikers aren't taking them, or it's the old problem of hoof ball with the midfield being bypassed.

Surely it can't be that difficult for MM to identify where the issue is and develop a plan to put it right, simple problem solving.

Mike you've been to almost every game, what in your opinion needs to happen, is our problem in the midfield, or is it up front?... f*ck me it can't be that difficult to put right surely, or is it simply that we haven't got the quality of players in our squad to compete with the big boys in this league anymore.

[herforder]

Unless or until our position in this league is under serious threat, then any thoughts of MM being removed are - perhaps sadly for some,- wishful thinking.

But if Ipswich Town FC's Championship status is under threat, I thought Mick was the very man to have?

In theory, it'll be dire straits until end of March, then "bunny from the hat" antics from Mick, and finish 16th, (my negative BSTD pre season prediction!)

Think the key difference between 'then and now', Marko, is that MM came in with nothing to lose and saved the club from the effects of PJ's inept management. If, heaven forbid, we reach a similar situation this term, then MM will be seen as the problem, not the solution. It may be, however, that keeping us in the Cship might be seen as an achievement!

[goldandblack]

sure your be OK.

[Bluemike]

I know Chambers & Co keep coming in for stick but our defence isn't really the problem unless you're happy with a weekly
0-0 result. Our defence is one of the meanest in the Championship with only front runners Huddersfield, Brighton, Newcastle and Birmingham having conceded fewer, unfortunately two of these teams are our next opponents.

Our big issue is where are our goals coming from, as we stand only Derby County have scored fewer and not one of our strikers has scored more than a single goal which is pretty dire. In fact in the nine games played since the opening day of the season we've been goalless in five and scored just one in the other four. That's just four goals in nine consecutive games played mostly against pretty average opposition.

This leads us to two areas of the pitch, either the midfield players aren't getting forward enough to create the chances or the strikers aren't taking them, or it's the old problem of hoof ball with the midfield being bypassed.

Surely it can't be that difficult for MM to identify where the issue is and develop a plan to put it right, simple problem solving.

Mike you've been to almost every game, what in your opinion needs to happen, is our problem in the midfield, or is it up front?... f*ck me it can't be that difficult to put right surely, or is it simply that we haven't got the quality of players in our squad to compete with the big boys in this league anymore.

Andy, first and foremost I want to make clear that in no way am I calling for MM to go, quite the opposite in fact, for me he is the man for the job, however he really does need to ease up a bit on the not lose mentality that seems to be tightening its grip on him. His stubborness and loyalty to certain players is now beginning to get a little silly, I am a big fan of Chambers as a captain and a motivator but for anyone to say any player will play the next 38 games come what may is stupid in the extreme, then we have Freddie sears, at any other club he would have been dropped, all this crap about out of position does my head in, MM has stayed loyal to Sears beyond belief, the guy should be c*ck a hoop he is still in the team seeing that he has been crap for months now, it's not all about being out of position either cus when he has been in attacking positions with the goal at his mercy he has frapped it up every time.

I still maintain that up until Saturday we hadn't done too badly at all, and with luck going our way would have been top Six, that does mask over some cracks that we are struggling to create and indeed convert enough goals, you are right in what you say that the defence has been pretty solid, for me the problem is without question our strikers and to a degree still a lack of creativity from the midfield, the daft thing is I genuinely believe we have the players in Midfield to make these chances, Ward, Bishop. Lawrence, Grant, Williams, take your pick, unfortunately Sears keeps getting a spot in the team and he couldn't create a ripple in the bath, same for Bru, does the odd good thing but by and large is woeful.

In answer to your question as to what needs to happen, firstly we have to get shot of this bloody formation we are playing, it clearly does not suit the players, 4-4-2 needs to be the way forward and then I think Sears may well still be worth his place alongside Best or whoever in the future. This formation would mean Douglas dropping out of the team and to be fair he has been far from the worst player but Skuse will be in every time which I am cool with. Take your pick who plays the other central role but for me it has to be an attacking Midfielder like Lawrence, Bishop or Williams when fit, Ward & Grant out wide and you have players in the positions that I believe we signed them for, add to that Two strikers on the pitch whih has to be a good thing, Pitman is no way a lone striker type player, for me he never has been. We also need to encourage our Fullbacks to get forward more and offer some attacking option to the team, I bet we see it tomorrow with Emmanuel who put in a peach of a cross at Leeds, I remember it cus it was the only f**king one all afternoon.

I sincerely hope Saturday was a one off because I can't be doing with that lacklustre type of performance, there were some who for me were way off the pace and going through the motions. Herforder is spot on MM will ultimately take the flack but it was the players that I was upset with and no way would MM be sending them out to not put a shift in, it just isn't an option. I think people also need to get real with the hoofball thing, I believe some see it even when it isn't there cus we have not been hoofing it to any great degree, we just need to have some belief in our ability that we can match teams and go at them, lets not forget we did it in the first half at Brentford and we did it against Wolves & Norwich and towards the end against Villa, none of these teams are mugs so we can do it, the big question is, is it MM telling them to play conservatively most of the time or the players lacking in self belief and confidence. I think the next Two games will tell us a lot about the character of the team.

[herforder]

Together with the Stuart Watson article, flagged up by HallamB in another thread, Mike's analysis is spot on. Although having potentially 'flair' players at his disposal - Bishop, Grant, Lawrence, Ward etc - MM's natural instincts are risk averse, with emphasis placed on not losing, as opposed to winning, matches. This may stem from him knowing players' limitations - though not something he would ever say publicly. The nearest we get, is his mantra 'we may not be the best footballing team in this league, but nobody beats us for work rate and commitment.'

This is all well and good. But I do wonder what the players themselves make of those sentiments. They may well believe that, given the opportunity and played in their natural positions, they are capable of playing progressive, attacking, football, but are denied the opportunity to express themselves by an over cautious manager, who basically won't trust them. Eventually it will have an impact upon individual and team performances.

[Watership Down]

Seemingly a good squad of players but I think complacency has settled over players like Sears and those who have guaranteed contracts. They know their names will be on the team sheet each week either in the starting 11 or on the bench, either way they get paid.

[hallamblue]

Together with the Stuart Watson article, flagged up by HallamB in another thread, Mike's analysis is spot on. Although having potentially 'flair' players at his disposal - Bishop, Grant, Lawrence, Ward etc - MM's natural instincts are risk averse, with emphasis placed on not losing, as opposed to winning, matches. This may stem from him knowing players' limitations - though not something he would ever say publicly. The nearest we get, is his mantra 'we may not be the best footballing team in this league, but nobody beats us for work rate and commitment.'

This is all well and good. But I do wonder what the players themselves make of those sentiments. They may well believe that, given the opportunity and played in their natural positions, they are capable of playing progressive, attacking, football, but are denied the opportunity to express themselves by an over cautious manager, who basically won't trust them. Eventually it will have an impact upon individual and team performances.

Well I suspect Leeds well and truly blew that one out of the water on Saturday !

[Bluemike]

Yes Liz they did which was the reason behind my anger, if it was a one off which I am expecting it to be then fine but the minute we stop out working our opponents we have big problems.

[herforder]

Together with the Stuart Watson article, flagged up by HallamB in another thread, Mike's analysis is spot on. Although having potentially 'flair' players at his disposal - Bishop, Grant, Lawrence, Ward etc - MM's natural instincts are risk averse, with emphasis placed on not losing, as opposed to winning, matches. This may stem from him knowing players' limitations - though not something he would ever say publicly. The nearest we get, is his mantra 'we may not be the best footballing team in this league, but nobody beats us for work rate and commitment.'

This is all well and good. But I do wonder what the players themselves make of those sentiments. They may well believe that, given the opportunity and played in their natural positions, they are capable of playing progressive, attacking, football, but are denied the opportunity to express themselves by an over cautious manager, who basically won't trust them. Eventually it will have an impact upon individual and team performances.

Well I suspect Leeds well and truly blew that one out of the water on Saturday !

I'd bet that whoever turns out tomorrow night will be well and truly back on the water, and paddling like fu*k!

[Bluemike]

Luke Chambers says he fully understands the frustration of Town supporters who travelled to Leeds and witnessed Saturday’s 1-0 defeat.

The skipper, who has come in for a great deal of criticism from some sections of the crowd this season, made no attempt to shy away from the fact that the display at Elland Road, which saw Town drop down the table to 14th place, fell well short of what he would regard as acceptable.

Chambers, who will be 31 tomorrow, said: “Fans don’t want to go all that way and watch a team put in a performance like we did.
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“We know we weren’t good enough and we need to improve, which we’re looking to do on Tuesday against Brighton.

“We definitely want to try to entertain. That’s our job; it’s the entertainment business, sport, at the end of the day. Everyone’s paying a lot of money to come and watch us play so we’ve all got to be better and try to improve.

“But if you are winning games sometimes that can, sort of, make things look a bit better for us, so we just need to start concentrating and going back to our basics and winning games.

“I think we have quite a decent home record so far and we’re looking forward to Tuesday’s game.

“It was very disappointing at Leeds. We felt we were making a bit of progress because we had quite a good result the previous weekend, against Aston Villa, when we felt we could have nicked it at the end.

“But the performance on Saturday wasn’t good enough, from start to finish really, and that was very, very disappointing. But we are looking to put it right on Tuesday night.

Amen to that !!! Now walk the walk after all the talk.