Brentford v Ipswich Town preview and matchday preview

[Bluemike]

Just back from what turned out to be a very disappointing afternoons entertainment. It all started so well and was looking very promising for a good 35 minutes, a half which by and large Town had dominated, playing some nice football and creating 2 or 3 half decent chances, alas we could not find the killer touch to get us ahead. Two quickfire chances fell to Conor Grant, the first a lovely freekick which went just wide of the post and the second a shot saved by the keeper. A few minutes later we had another chance, this time Murphy putting the ball over the bar. The final few minutes of the half saw Brentford finally getting into the game and they should have taken the lead but somehow the striker screwed his shot wide with Bart stranded. In truth Town had had the upper hand for much of the half and should really have been in front. Bru had looked decent in the middle while Grant & Ward had also done some good things,by and large the defence had looked solid, boy how that was to change.

What followed in the second half was staggering really given how well we had done in the opening 45, we just failed to turn up, it was like watching a different team, suddenly the defence was all over the place and Brentford looked to have so much time and space down our flanks. Once again we fail to defend a ball into our box and Webster completely lost his man who strolled in to power a header past the helpless Bart, Webster was quite literally rooted to the spot, schoolboy defending for me. Not long after we did it again, Bart saving the shot only to see it fall kindly once again for Egan who was totally on his own and in acres, again it looked like it was Websters man who had got free, game over really as we had not looked like producing anything of any note after the break. We did have a header from Berra which just sailed wide of the post but that chance apart it was Brentford who looked like adding to the score.

It really was a game of Two halves, at the interval I was so confident of a least a point but as MM said in his after match interview we just unravelled, the first goal went in and we totally lost our way, worryingly Webster looked lost at times while Berra was little better, Knudsen did a few good things but all too often is caught dwelling on the ball and gets closed down, Chambers was far from the worst but seemed to get pulled out of position quite a bit covering for Webster, all in all not great. The Midfield had controlled the game first half, winning loose ball, breaking up play and getting us on the front foot, the second half however I doubt we barely won a 50/50 ball. We are woefully short of firepower right now and I suggest we need Pitman in and quick, Murphy had a poor game and Freddie continues to toil with little end product. For me the only bright spot was Conor Grant who up until the break at least looked quality. I would give totally different ratings for each half such was the difference in our perfornace either side of the break.

Bart 1st half 6 2nd half 6, Chambo 6/5 Berra 6/5 Webster 6/4 Knudsen 6/5 Ward 6/6 Bru 7/5 Skuse 6/5 Grant 7/5 Sears 6/4 Murphy 6/4
Subs. Bishop 6 Douglas 5.

I think we will see one or Two changes at Wolves on Tuesday, possibly Smith back in and maybe Bishop and Pitman in from the start. It is disappointing but the first half lent itself to so much promise, there was hope and encouragement, already there is a pattern and that is so far we cannot perform for Two halves which is clearly not great. Too many defensive lapses are being punished and despite the talk after the Barnsley game we failed to eradicate them from our play. It is still early days and far from a disaster but I would bet a few bob we will be seeing some transfer activity in the next couple of weeks. A word for the Town fans today who were exceptional, we didnt stop singing until their second goal went in, a great atmosphere, it fact it was us that were Town's MOTM.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Thanks for the report Mike.

Oh well, no need to panic yet - only 2 games gone from which we have 3 points. If we continue that way it will see us finish on 69 points which should be top 6.

What concerns me though, is that we continue to ship goals. We did it to a certain extent 2 seasons ago, and to a major extent last season.
From what Mike says, Webster was at fault for both goals today - but he is new in the team and was surely entitled to cover from the so-called senior defenders.

So it seems that none of the defensive warnings from last season have been heeded, and the problem still exists. I just do not know what MM works on for team training, but it sure as hell cannot be defending - or maybe he does and the problem lies elsewhere............
What is the common denominator with last seasons abysmal defending and the 2 games so far this season?
Berra and Chambers, that's what.
They're both old, slow, and bloody useless. Time to try a game or 2 without either of them I think.

[marko69]

Didn't expect the report so soon, Mike......, (half 2, Monday afternoon, minimum maybe!) but excellent effort......, appreciated.

This blowing of hot & cold could seriously pi$$ many people off early in the season. I genuinely feel that the midfield to forward line generally click into place if the correct guys are on the pitch,......, can take a few games, but like 14/15 season with Murphy as top scorer with 20+ goals, ......, it can happen.

Defence is a whole other issue as far as I'm concerned. These guys need to know each other (goalkeeper included) more than any other positions on the park. I'm going to guess that Mick does train relentlessly with the defence to get things right, especially with him being a defender himself. It could be a possibility that Websters failings today are a blessing in disguise and he learns from it. The defence hopefully watch footage of the game, pick out the bad points and discuss and try to overcome the issues. What I wouldn't do is drop Webster and put Smith back in. I'd be attempting to get the defence to address the problems over the next few games.

A draw at the Mol and a draw vs Canaries will be a couple of decent starters.

[Bluemike]

Having just watched the highlights on TV it was indeed Webster who lost his man twice, that is not to say the lad should shoulder all the blame but it will hve been a steep learning curve for him today. I agree with you marko, I feel we need to keep Webster in at Wolves and hopefully regain some confidence with a solid display. I defintely think we may need to look at Pitman, assuming he is fit and maybe Bishop too.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

The game of two different Town teams after which I'm really dumbstruck. Plenty of positives and encouragement in the first 45 minutes followed but totally appalling 2nd one. Shocking, dismal, abject 2nd half and where are we going to go from here?

We may have not troubled Bentley too much in the first half we still were a bit better. Grant was our stand-out player. First he narrowly missed from free kick and second he struck the post following quick counter attack.
I ain't exaggerating by saying that we deserved a goal. Brentford fans couldn't have begrudged us if we had scored. A little bit more from us + goal and then the first half would have been perfect. But it certainly was acceptable. Players seemed assured and organised. Freddie Sears having played on his natural position was a nuisance for them at times.
Bialkowski was untroubled for almost entire half until Brentford missed a golden chance towards the end.

Second half. There isn't even a single positive to take from. Completely different Town team, inept tream. We couldn't pass the ball, couldn't shoot, couldn't create anything.
Both goals we conceded would have been defended properly by better defence, by better players. I'm particularly angered with the first goal where Webster let Egan freedom of space + our post was uncovered (why wasn't there anyone?). Simple header and goal was a plain formality. Yet another defensive c*ck-up, yet another lack of organisation. How on earth Micks team keep conceding silly goals?
Second goal was a follow-up from Egan again after Bialkowski's save. The latter could certainly have parried towards different direction.

The team's performance was actually far more annoying than the result. 0-2 down so let's go, let's take a risk and have a go at them. Can they do it? Can they fook !!!! Words can't express how despicable we were. Totally devoid of any ideas, I'd question a commitment as some of them seem to live in the comfort zone. Literally not even a dab of positivity. Neither Bentley nor their defence were tested by our forwards. Half of chance from Berra from the corner and Murphy shooting over the bar. Murphy's 'chance' was greeted by ironic ovation from Town travelling support.

Berra and Knudsen arguing between themselves wasn't nice to see.

A few players were very disappointing in the 2nd half. No central midfield at all. Grant Ward his third game with us so I'll spare him a criticism. There was a player though, so called professional footballer in Kevin Bru. Pathetic excuse of footballer. What was his role? I didn't see anything from him. Just a useless headless chicken who himself didn't know why he was on the pitch. Poor for the majority of last season, hasn't improved at all and today he was disgusting. Useless trialist who was lucky to earn the 3 year deal with the club.

This is so depressing. I watched Brighton - Nottingham game last night and was in awe of options Brighton have in their midfield. They can afford to leave players like Stephens and Norwood on the bench. What options do we have when our most creative central midfielder in Bishop doesn't play? Our options are ... Bru and Douglas. And now the club sign Luke Varney !

Why didn't we go for the player like Norwood last summer?

A few words about Webster. I don't want to be too critical of him but at the moment Championship is a step too far for him. He's being thrown into deep water. He has a potential and may become a very good centre back in the future but at the moment he isn't reliable. I'll say that we are in for a very long afternoon on Sunday week if he is to face Hoolahan, Naismith or Jerome. The player who himself played in League Two only four months ago to face players with Premiership experience? I'm already really worried for him and us.

Some may think I'm blubbing as 'it is early days and no reason to moan'. It doesn't matter if the game is played in August or April. There were some abject performances towards the end of last season (home ones to Rotherham, Charlton or Fulham) so the timing of the football game is irrelevant. We want to see players performing well. If we lose match so be it but show some desire and commitment. Unfortunately though some players seem to live in the comfort zone as I have said before and they know they will be automatic choices for next games. There is no leadership in the team whatsoever.

I'm going to Wolverhampton on Tuesday and don't want to see a repeat of today. Badly want players to give us some encouragement ahead of next weeks East Anglian derby. As things stand I can see Norwich eating us up alive.

Also what the proof has been today we still badly need quality signings. Otherwise the season will be dour for us. And Mick please, please, please don't play Bru ever again !!!!

Plenty of familiar faces among the Town support. Really nice to see Bluemike and his son Thomas, nshearman, HallamBlue.

[Bluemike]

Great to see you too Mach, always a pleasure bud and we will do it again Tuesday at Molineux, see you there mate.

[arana peligrosa]

Took in post-game reaction from both here and the Those Were The Days pages and maybe there were (some) positives to take from today but can't ignore certain issues, in particular McCarthy's squad reasoning (why put on a midfield player when we're two goals in reverse) and once more the team unable to rectify a deteriorating situation.

Can't defend set-pieces sufficiently, unable to respond when an opposition team gains a lead - there are other issues doubtless, but once again there is a significant number not in favor of McCarthy's continued role at the club and the need for suitable signings or squad replacement.

Don't know what it is but can sense a memorable score over Norwich next weekend - in all probability they will take another three points off us - but something has to change sooner or later. Bottom line, make some alterations in the right places, we could be challenging again once more.

[hallamblue]

Couple of interesting comments in this post from FB.

I also tend agree the players didn't look interested 2nd half.....Maybe things are not all rosy in the Town camp ...thoughts people?

post from FB....

I try not to criticise too much after a defeat but there are serious problems, i think Mick is losing the dressing room, and its starting to show with Mick seeming to get more rattled and stressed, he left Brentford in a private car yesterday! Jason Dozzell has even said Andre shouldn't be here! i don't blame Mick for not signing many players if he's asking Evans for the money and not getting it (which Chambers told fans after the game yesterday) then he's working with his hands tied but he is to blame for putting 3 defenders and Douglas on the bench, he's also to blame for bringing on Douglas when we're 2-0 down, why didn't he throw Ben Morris into the squad, can't be too young he's the same age as Dozzell and plays for England u17s, why did he feel the need to bring Douglas on instead of Dozzell? Bru was f**king awful i dont recall a single pass that didn't go out for a goal kick or throw in, Murphy didn't look interested, Chambers is only in the team because we have no other leaders on the pitch, Webster lost his man twice for both goals

[Bluemike]

Im sorry Liz but that for me is a total load of bollocks and a typical pathetic reaction from someone trying to stir up crap after a negative result. I take it we are to believe that at HT and following a pretty good dispaly MM had not lost the dressing room, however 45 minutes later he had ? Utter rubbish. As for Jason Dozzell saying Andre should not be here, he said EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of that !!

As for the Chambers thing, crock of sh*te no doubt as he would not talk money with the fans, I just don't believe it. The only thing that is correct in that post is that Webster lost his man twice, for me Bru had a decent opening half hour then faded like everyone else.

[herforder]

Agree, some wild stuff being thrown about. However, no doubt yesterday's second half unraveling, following a very soft set-piece goal against, does raise obvious concerns. The fact that we were unable on the day to respond with any real drive, quality or passion must be a cause for concern. Something that carries more weight following Chambers' comments post the Stevenage game. MM/TC need to get stuck into finding the reasons why - although there are legions of armchair experts who believe they have the answers, should they need advice!

Notwithstanding defence concerns, the area screaming out for attention - and hopefully early investment - is centre midfield which, alarmingly, became virtually non-existent by the end of the game.

Lots to do before Tuesday night and next Sunday! But, as ever, need to keep a sense of perspective given the overall mix of talent at our disposal.

[hallamblue]

Just posting what others have said, to invite opinions of TB people .....

[Bluemike]

Just posting what others have said, to invite opinions of TB people .....

Yeah by all means go for it, I just find it all a little bit silly after a poor half of football, we may have issues to reslove, I think we all know that but talk of losing the dressing room etc, really ? As I said before we clearly hadn't lost it at HT lol.

[Bluemike]

Just watching Arsenal capitulate in the second half, I wonder if Arsene Wenger has lost the dressing room....just saying like.

[barmy billy]

Just watching Arsenal capitulate in the second half, I wonder if Arsene Wenger has lost the dressing room....just saying like.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

Rather funny though.

[hallamblue]

Just watching Arsenal capitulate in the second half, I wonder if Arsene Wenger has lost the dressing room....just saying like.

He's lost the fans though hasnt he.......

[Bluemike]

Just watching Arsenal capitulate in the second half, I wonder if Arsene Wenger has lost the dressing room....just saying like.

He's lost the fans though hasnt he.......

About Three years ago.

[BLUEBLOOD]

Caption Comp: Blueblood shines like a star .
sorry it is late on my hols.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Just posting what others have said, to invite opinions of TB people .....

Yeah by all means go for it, I just find it all a little bit silly after a poor half of football, we may have issues to reslove, I think we all know that but talk of losing the dressing room etc, really ? As I said before we clearly hadn't lost it at HT lol.

Mike we have had issues to resolve last season. Keep conceding silly avoidable goals and no sign of improvement.

[Bluemike]

Just posting what others have said, to invite opinions of TB people .....

Yeah by all means go for it, I just find it all a little bit silly after a poor half of football, we may have issues to reslove, I think we all know that but talk of losing the dressing room etc, really ? As I said before we clearly hadn't lost it at HT lol.

Mike we have had issues to resolve last season. Keep conceding silly avoidable goals and no sign of improvement.

Mach we've played 2 games !!! Who is to say we havent resolved the CB issue, Webster had a bad day we all know that but if people are going to judge young players that quick then we have no chance.

[jaykay]

i missed the match sat.was at the oval for 2 days of cricket,christmas present.
it only 2 games in 1 win and 1 lost,so it very early to think our season is over.
the one thing i did hear,dont know as i wasnt there,that the away support booed
one of the players.if true thought it was only our home support did that.

[arana peligrosa]

i missed the match sat.was at the oval for 2 days of cricket,christmas present.
it only 2 games in 1 win and 1 lost,so it very early to think our season is over.
the one thing i did hear,dont know as i wasnt there,that the away support booed
one of the players.if true thought it was only our home support did that.

No fan would believe a season is over after two fixtures regardless of circumstance. Yes there's some serious negativity in some areas but still plenty of game time ahead and opportunity with it.

The player who was singled out for ridicule may have been Bru (there was believe mention of unrest on the TWTD pages) but unable to provide a definitive response. As with yourself, was not present at the game but given (having read) the second-half performance, then guessing a selection of choice words may have been directed at various personnel from our section of traveling support.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Mach we've played 2 games !!! Who is to say we havent resolved the CB issue, Webster had a bad day we all know that but if people are going to judge young players that quick then we have no chance.

Mike I've only said that at this moment Championship seems to be a deep water for Webster. He ought to be introduced slowly to this level. And we could benefit from this as Chambers would play in his natural CB position.

Last season we had played Reading in early days. Got hammered as we remember. Was anything resolved after this? Nothing. Therefore I'm really worried ahead of next games.

[Bluemike]

Monday verdict: Preaching patience won’t be popular, but Ipswich Town are work in progress

Stick with it.

I’m fully aware that will be an opening statement which rankles with Ipswich Town fans. Indeed, it will cause many of you to spit your drink out in disbelief.

Blues fans feel like they’ve ‘stuck with it’ long enough by now. And, just a week into the club’s 15th successive season in the Championship, it feels like things are going nowhere fast.

The much-needed injection of positivity supplied by Grant Ward’s debut hat-trick in the opening day 4-2 home win over Barnsley was quickly undone by an all-too-familiar early League Cup defeat to lower level opposition in the form of Stevenage.

Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Brentford followed. And the main theme of the game only contributed to the Groundhog Day feel.

The two goals conceded both came from corner kicks. Set-pieces, both from an attacking and defensive point of view, used to be such a strong suit under Mick McCarthy’s management. In more recent times it’s developed into something of an Achilles’ heel.

The way the Blues seemed to ‘unravel’ after that, McCarthy’s word, was out of character and undoubtedly disappointing.

And yet, if you really analyse the opening three performances, there are plenty of positives to take. Town played well in the first half at Griffin Park. They got into some really good positions against Stevenage too. The second half against Barnsley was obviously impressive.

Just as all in the garden was not rosy after that opening win, everything is not broken after two defeats. This is a young Town team trying to build a new identity. And it’s very much a work in progress.

New boys Conor Grant and Grant Ward have shown they’ve both got creative attributes that will improve the Blues’ attacking game. They both had limited pre-seasons and will get better over the weeks ahead.

Freddie Sears needs time to readjust to a striker’s role after spending so long on the flanks, while centre-back Adam Webster will take a few games to bed in at this level.

Town hit a glass ceiling and, to be fair to McCarthy, he’s looked to reinvent his team when self-preservation would have been the easier route to take.

Ahead of games against Wolves (away tomorrow) and bitter rivals Norwich (home on Sunday), a preach for patience may not be popular. It may just take a small backwards step in order to eventually go forwards though.

Don’t forget, an East Anglian derby defeat at Portman Road in August 2014 led to doom and gloom. Then a team emerged from the ashes of that loss to secure a sixth-place finish.

Here here !!!

[herforder]

Reasons To Be Cheerful Pt 1 - the alternative's too horrible to contemplate! I suppose the question hanging in the air is: how many backward steps are needed to allow us to go forward, and how much time will it take?

Hopefully we'll see some evidence of forward momentum tomorrow. But I agree that we are effectively in a period of transition.

[Bluemike]

To be honest, two games in and I am sick to the back teeth of it already, not down to the footballing side of it, I am sensible enough to understand things take time and sometimes the level of expectancy has to be lowered, what i can't continuously put up with is the bloody ignorant crap that goes on after every game, I think in future my thoughts may as well stay with me and let others who know best post their bullshit for everyone else to read, thankfully I don't have to.

[marko69]

I'm thinking the anger may be slightly OTT, but I do understand it towards the doom merchants regarding THIS season......, give it more time.

The "work in progress" thing though is starting to become an absolute joke. I was a reader of the forum in 2008 when Magic was boss....., I joined just prior to him and his "work in progress" bullshit being booted out. In came RK and after promising promotion in one season, things quickly reverted to "work in progress". Then came PJ, and his entire time at the club was a "work in progress" (to relegation) ....., then in came Mick to save relegation, and resume the "work in progress". During that same time frame, clubs like Southampton and Norwich were bouncing around league one, championship, premiership etc etc.

I think the so called "stupid" fans need to be cut some slack for the impatience of a decade plus of "works in progress". Let the fans see some progress.

And here is another thing......., if the powers that be STOP using the words; "it's a work in progress", maybe more fans will regain some tolerance.

[jaykay]

I'm thinking the anger may be slightly OTT, but I do understand it towards the doom merchants regarding THIS season......, give it more time.

The "work in progress" thing though is starting to become an absolute joke. I was a reader of the forum in 2008 when Magic was boss....., I joined just prior to him and his "work in progress" bullshit being booted out. In came RK and after promising promotion in one season, things quickly reverted to "work in progress". Then came PJ, and his entire time at the club was a "work in progress" (to relegation) ....., then in came Mick to save relegation, and resume the "work in progress". During that same time frame, clubs like Southampton and Norwich were bouncing around league one, championship, premiership etc etc.

I think the so called "stupid" fans need to be cut some slack for the impatience of a decade plus of "works in progress". Let the fans see some progress.

And here is another thing......., if the powers that be STOP using the words; "it's a work in progress", maybe more fans will regain some tolerance.

all of this above
thats what a forum should be,bed wetters happy clappers and those down the middle.

[herforder]

Every football club is effectively work in progress - show me a Chairman or Manager who thinks they have no further work to do, or progress to make! When, however, it becomes a continuous mantra for under-achieving, or to excuse poor ownership or management, then it's just a convenient fig leaf - which supporters easily see through and get pi$$ed off with.

Given the tight financial constraints he's working within, MM is trying to change the way the team sets up and plays, whilst getting the age of the squad down. With Webster, the Grants and some our own youngsters now getting a real look in; whilst trying to move on those who are never likely to fit with what he's trying to do - or were brought in as squad fillers. A definite change of approach, which will take time to hopefully come good, or transition towards. With hopefully more additions to come, two games into the season isn't long enough to make an informed judgement of his chances of success.

[herforder]

Get outa here! (Double post).

[Bluemike]

I'm thinking the anger may be slightly OTT, but I do understand it towards the doom merchants regarding THIS season......, give it more time.

The "work in progress" thing though is starting to become an absolute joke. I was a reader of the forum in 2008 when Magic was boss....., I joined just prior to him and his "work in progress" bullshit being booted out. In came RK and after promising promotion in one season, things quickly reverted to "work in progress". Then came PJ, and his entire time at the club was a "work in progress" (to relegation) ....., then in came Mick to save relegation, and resume the "work in progress". During that same time frame, clubs like Southampton and Norwich were bouncing around league one, championship, premiership etc etc.

I think the so called "stupid" fans need to be cut some slack for the impatience of a decade plus of "works in progress". Let the fans see some progress.

And here is another thing......., if the powers that be STOP using the words; "it's a work in progress", maybe more fans will regain some tolerance.

Marko please don't talk to me about being OTT, I am far from that, this is the start of the 3rd season now where I have had to read garbage after virtually every defeat, I witness it at nearly every away game mate, Brentford was a classic example, everything rosy and things looking up at half time to verbal and vicious attack towards the manager, players, owner etc at full time, it is the behaviour of bipolar people. What I would like to know is what happened to the opinion that people would accept a step or two backwards if we tried to play better football and groom some younger players into the squad ? What utter tosh, anyone that was there will tell you we are at least attempting to play a bit more football, and we actually did ok first half believe it or not, it goes from whinging about one thing to finding something else to whinge about when that particular issue is sorted.

As for the work in progress chestnut going on and on, yes of course it is, that's what happens when you f*ck up the managerial appointments, unfortunately ME took advice from pricks (Harry Redknapp to name one) and we all know the outcome of Paul Jewell & Roy Keane, I was slated when I dared to say the appointment of keane was awful and it would end in tears when most around me were kissing his arse. If people are sick of the "work in progress" dragging on for years why the hell would they call for yet another manager to get the boot ? Some of the things being bandied about on forums etc is laughable, the latest today is get shot of MM anfd bring in Shefki Kuqi FFS, this is the type of garbage doing the rounds. Whether people like it or not this IS a work in progress, year One we were saved for certain relegation and dragged up into 9th place no less, year Two we were 6th and made the play offs, year Three 7th and narrowly missed out after having the guts ripped out of our team. that to me is a good WIP and all with no money to spend.