Here you can chat about everything and anything related to ITFC and other football issues. This forum also hosts the now Internationally famous TB.com ITFC match previews which contain insightful pre-match thoughts, previous highlights, news links relating to Town, form guides and other bits and pieces. Feel free to discuss meet ups/travel plans in here as well.
I rounded off my Opening thought in the Villa preview by implying that a repeat of the draw against Reading in our previous outing would be considered a success. The way our results have fallen this season – with no two successive league matches ending the same way since August – should have suggested that the spoils wouldn’t be shared this time. But I’m not sure we dared to believe that Town would become the first away side in 2016/17 to come away from Villa Park with all 3 points. And yet that is exactly what we went and did! The result may have been equally as impressive as the previous week’s, but it came about in a different way. The Blues had been comfortable for the most part against the Royals, dominating the play and creating the better of the chances. On Saturday, we had our backs against the wall for large periods of the first half, and were fortunate to get to the break on level terms. The Villans had a flurry of opportunities, with Bartosz Bialkowski producing a stunning save to keep out Tommy Elphick’s drive from the edge of the area. When Town then suffered injury blows to not one but two of our centre-backs, you would have been excused for thinking that a point was the best we could hope for. But a makeshift backline - effectively comprising four full-backs plus Luke Chambers, who has (arguably) been converted into one - defended manfully to frustrate Villa’s attacking intent. Instead of tiring as we had against Reading, we seemed to get stronger offensively as the game went on. And we clinched the goal our endeavour deserved, as Emyr Huws gleefully pounced to divert David McGoldrick’s cross into the back of the net and seal a thoroughly satisfying victory.
So two games into our so-called ‘February of Fear’ and we're wondering what all the fuss was about! After the capitulation against Derby, most supporters were struggling to see a return of any more than 3 or 4 points from our February fixtures. But we have already achieved this tally, and can count ourselves unfortunate not to have claimed all six. In the Villa match thread, Herforder rightly pointed out that the confidence and belief born out of these two results shouldn’t be underestimated. The fans who made the trip to the Midlands were buoyed by what they saw at the weekend, and the players should also take heart from their performance into the upcoming matches. From not knowing where the next win was coming from to imposing ourselves on one of the promotion challengers and prevailing at the home of a team full of multi-million-pound signings, it is difficult to put your finger on what has changed. The new signings have certainly made a difference, with Huws and Toumani Diagouraga again impressing and Jordan Spence playing his part with his versatility. Barring a miracle, the Blues should have booked a 16th straight Championship campaign. With the play-offs looking just as unlikely, there’s a temptation to think that there’s nothing left to play for other than a certain derby fixture in a couple of weeks’ time. But, with a third of the campaign to go, we still have the ability to influence matters at both ends of the table. Our adventure continues with a visit to Brighton, to test ourselves against one of the two standout teams of the season.
The Opposition - Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. were founded in 1901 and, in 1920, they were elected to the Football League's new Third Division, in which they played until 1958, when they were promoted to Division Two. Within 5 years, they had been relegated down to Division 4 and took another 3 years to achieve Division 3 status again.
Mike Bamber was the Chairman of Brighton from October 1972 until 1983. He famously brought Brian Clough to the club later that year and then appointed former England player Alan Mullery as manager. Mullery led the football club to the First Division in the 1978/79 season. The 1982/83 season saw a wildly inconsistent start for the club, with victories over Arsenal and Manchester United mixed in with heavy defeats, ending in relegation at the end of the season.
Despite their relegation, Brighton reached their first (and to date only) FA Cup final and drew 2–2 with Manchester United in the first match. Brighton's goals were scored by Gordon Smith and Gary Stevens. This was the final that featured the "miss" by Gordon Smith with virtually the last kick of the game in extra time, prompting the well- known phrase "and Smith must score". In effect, it was actually a save by the Manchester United goalkeeper, Gary Bailey. In the replay, Manchester United won 4–0.
In 1996, the club's financial situation was becoming increasingly precarious and the club's directors had come to a decision that the Goldstone Ground would have to be sold to pay off some of the club's huge debts. After a terrible start to 1996–97, Brighton were stuck at the bottom of the league by a considerable margin – they seemed certain to be relegated from the Football League just 14 years after they had almost won the FA Cup. They ended up being saved by a relatively unknown Manager in Steve Gritt and a late goal in the last game of the season against the bottom side Hereford, which kept their 77-year history of being part of the Football League intact.
A lifelong fan named d*ck Knight took control of the club in 1997, having led the fan pressure to oust the previous board following their sale of the club's Goldstone Ground to property developers.
The sale of the Goldstone ground went through in 1997 and this led to Brighton having to play some 70 miles away at Gillingham's Priestfield stadium. Micky Adams was appointed Brighton's manager in 1999. For the start of the 1999–2000 season, the Seagulls moved back to Brighton and started playing their home games at the Withdean Stadium, a converted athletics track owned by the local council.
2000–01 was Brighton's first successful season for 13 years. They were crowned champions of Division Three and promoted to Division Two. Brighton maintained their good form the following season, being crowned Division Two champions, winning a second successive promotion, just five years after almost succumbing to the double threat of losing their Football League status and going out of business completely.
In the 2002/03 season, they were relegated to what is now League 1, but came straight back up to what is now the Championship at the end of the following season and, in 2005/06, once again Brighton found themselves going back down to League 1.
During May 2009, Knight was replaced as chairman of Brighton by Tony Bloom, who had successfully secured £93 million funding for the new Falmer Stadium and secured 75% shareholding of the club. Building of Falmer Stadium (known as the AMEX Stadium) was started in December 2008. On 31 May 2011, the club officially completed the handover and were given the keys to the stadium, with an initial capacity of 22,374 seats, signifying the end of 12 years without a home. (Since then, the ground has been developed to include additional facilities and capacity has increased to 30,750 by May 2013.)
They stayed in League 1 until the 2010/11 season when they achieved promotion back to the Football Championship where they have played for the past 5 seasons.
Last season, the Seagulls narrowly missed automatic promotion, finishing in 3rd place, but stumbled in the play-off semi-finals, being knocked out by 6th-placed Sheffield Wednesday for a play-off final spot.
The Gaffer – Chris Hughton
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
Let’s relive the highlights of our 2-0 success at the Amex in 2013/14:
Media Watch - K L Blue
TBA
Form Guide
Brighton Last 5 Matches – Currently in 2nd place on 64 points
Brighton 4-1 Burton Albion
Brentford FC 3-3 Brighton
Huddersfield 3-1 Brighton
Lincoln City 3-1 Brighton
Brighton 1-0 Cardiff City
Ipswich Last 5 Matches - Currently in 13th place on 39 points
Aston Villa 0-1 Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town 2-2 Reading FC
Ipswich Town 0-3 Derby County
Preston NE 1-1 Ipswich Town
Huddersfield 2-0 Ipswich Town
Fixtures of Interest
DERBY VS CARDIFF
PRESTON VS BIRMINGHAM
READING NVS BRENTFORD
Match Referee – Roger East
Final Thought – Bluemike
If I needed any reminding as to why I drag myself up and down the country following Town, then Saturday's trip to Villa Park did just that. I think we are all sensible enough to realise there is still a long way to go and not everything in the ITFC garden is rosy by any means, but when you get an afternoon like that all the negativity disappears, for a few days at least! Everything seemed to be going against us in the first half, Villa on the front foot and injuries to defenders forcing changes which would never have happened ordinarily, but out of adversity often comes heroes and we had them all over the pitch on Saturday. Some have said it seems that Mick needs to be forced into change to find an improved and winning formula, and that may well be the case as we certainly learned some things we didn't know prior to the Villa game. Grant Ward as a central midfielder? Jordan Spence & Jonas Knudsen as more-than-capable centre-backs in a 3-5-2? Of course, it may be that on another day we get ripped to pieces but it is food for thought for sure. Tuesday's starting line-up is going to be very interesting, especially if Berra & Skusey are fit to play.
A point I would like to raise right now is that of Mick's tenure at the club. Let's imagine this upturn in fortunes continues and what we have seen in the last couple of games becomes the "norm". Where will the majority of fans sit in relation to MM? Would the negativity and hatred towards him subside to such a degree that it was more than possible for him to remain as our manager? It would certainly be a big turnaround, as for me he has looked like a dead man walking for some time. There has been a fair bit of hatred towards him. It now seems some are already diverting their venom firmly in the direction of Marcus Evans, with Mick being afforded some sympathy in certain quarters. Is it too late, though? Would the fans change their stance? After all, who the hell can do what he does on the budget given to him? Definitely food for thought. Would I get back onside? Quite possibly.
Next up we all head down to Brighton, a Brighton team that look destined for the Premier League. There’s still a way to go, of course, but they are in the box seat, so to speak. That said, they had been on a bit of an indifferent run themselves. Saturday's thumping of Burton ended a three-game winless run which included an even bigger humbling than ours at the hands of Lincoln City in the cup. I remember turning up there last season with every man and his dog expecting us to get a beating, and lo and behold we came home with a 1-0 win and the points. Three times I have been to the Amex and currently the record stands at two wins and a draw, so history says that, for me at least, we do pretty well there. A win this time would really have us all believing a massive corner may well have been turned in the fortunes of our beloved Town. I would settle for another performance to be proud of whatever the final score. COYBs.
I think we could lose badly with the defensive injuries.
Regarding Bluemike's thoughts about MM: I think most fans would get back onside if he can produce results and performances. I think the new additions have injected some pace and desire into the side. But as much as I'm delighted with that, and Saturday's win, 1 shot on target all game isn't great. Recently MM has had so few fit players to choose from. Now he has a bit more choice, it gets harder for him in a a way as we would all pick a different team - and of course we all think ours would win when Mick's doesn't!
In fairness to him, the hoofball has largely disappeared. What he hasn't been able to do is pick a squad / coach a team / instruct players to attack the opposition. I still maintain that although Skuse isn't a bad player and is often made a scapegoat, he highlights what has been a team problem - doesn't close down quickly enough, doesn't move into space and demand the ball when we are in possession, doesn't move the ball quickly enough, and as a midfielder never gets in either box. These are major coaching / tactical issues.
4 points from 6, Reading & Villa, and predicted zero. I'd definitely like to think the outcome of this one will be down to what Mick & Co do, but I think it's all about the Seagulls staying in touch with the Magpies......, Bill Oddie, eat yer heart out.
2-0 B&HA.
Ref:
Player: I clearly played the ball just outside the centre circle, Ref!
Ref: You took the player, inside the box, penalty!
For me Andy above said it exactly right. I hope Mick and the lads do make me eat my words. I feel that the defence injuries will prove too much against a very good Brighton side at their own patch. Chasing Newcastle hard I feel it will be a bridge too far. 3-1 Brighton sadly.
Anything from this game would be a massive and unexpected bonus, I suppose it is true to say that there is no pressure on us at all so hopefully we go out there and give it a right go. Brighton have won six straight at home so they don't come any harder.
Skuse and Berra out so hopefully the same team and formation that did so well at Villa. Will be interesting to see how Spence and Knudsen do again in the back Three.
hallamblue wrote:A trip to Brighton, on Valentine's Day, eh!..... Enjoy your night out boys !
Lol very good. I think brighton will just be too good. I admit i also thiught reading and villa would both tonk us and yes we picked up 4 points which is fantastic. I just feel brighton will do to us what newcastle did so 4- 0 to to brighton.
Brighton crowd caption comp.
" its fun to stay at they YMCA!"
Ref caption.
"Its fun to stay at the YMCA!"
Chris houghton caption comp.
" i fecking hate the YMCA song!"
bluemike wrote:Anything from this game would be a massive and unexpected bonus, I suppose it is true to say that there is no pressure on us at all so hopefully we go out there and give it a right go. Brighton have won six straight at home so they don't come any harder.
Skuse and Berra out so hopefully the same team and formation that did so well at Villa. Will be interesting to see how Spence and Knudsen do again in the back Three.
I agree. There is no shame on losing this one if we do. Not sure if it's a good thing or bad but we are already in an unusual position where results don't really matter - we know we aren't going up or down. What does matter is the performance and approach. I wouldn't want to pick a team for this one with 4 central defenders unavailable (assuming Smith isn't considered match fit ).
bluemike wrote:Anything from this game would be a massive and unexpected bonus, I suppose it is true to say that there is no pressure on us at all so hopefully we go out there and give it a right go. Brighton have won six straight at home so they don't come any harder.
Skuse and Berra out so hopefully the same team and formation that did so well at Villa. Will be interesting to see how Spence and Knudsen do again in the back Three.
I agree. There is no shame on losing this one if we do. Not sure if it's a good thing or bad but we are already in an unusual position where results don't really matter - we know we aren't going up or down. What does matter is the performance and approach. I wouldn't want to pick a team for this one with 4 central defenders unavailable (assuming Smith isn't considered match fit ).
Let's hope we keep trying.
I remember back to the lead up to the Newcastle away game where we lost 3-0. What was most disappointing was the attitude that this game was seemingly written off before we started. And losing 3-0 was deemed acceptable. Being able to lose and not affect our season should we seen as a positive. The pressure's on Brighton - not us. They have to keep going for those 3 points - whereas losing with a decent display and a new line-up would be seen as a positive. Can't help think that Skuse and Berra out injured is convenient for us - it stops Mick having to over-think this and gives us the opportunity to at least look at fresher options.
Pretty sure that every fit and available player will be desperate to play tonight, to test their individual and collective abilities against an excellent Brighton team - strong, balanced and technically sound from back to front. The improving confidence and belief gained from our last two matches - where some surprising positives borne out of adversity shone through - should mean that defeat is by no means inevitable. The key will probably be not to concede early, and 'manage' the game in a similar manner to Saturday - if a chance comes along, then hopefully take it. A draw would be a excellent outcome, whilst continuing the improvements in performance, and quality of football being played. Tonight's a great challenge - let's face it up, and put in a real shift, making Brighton work hard for anything they might get - or think they're going to get!
Take on board BM's comments about MM in the excellent preview. My only unease is the use of the word 'hatred'. Strong stuff.
A win tonight will certainly be an indicator we've turned the corner, and that we'll kick on for the rest of the season. I wish it could be that easy. Obviously, I'm hoping for a win...but let's not forget Brighton have occupied one of the top two places in the league for the majority of the season.
Brighton 3 v 1 ITFC, hoping for Brighton 1 v 1 ITFC
Encouraging score at the midway point, hopefully McCarthy will emphasize the progress made in recent games during the interval.
Maybe take a point already, on paper alone it would represent a very good result by end of game but would obviously hope the team can take all points available. Seems at times the players (do) possess the capabilities to achieve, so realize your potentials and take into the second period.
That is a quality result away from home against a quality side. And 5 yellow cards for ITFC....., that's showing commitment......, well done all involved.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. v Ipswich Town
