Premier League - Ipswich Town vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview & Matchday Thread

[Blue Wilf]

Apart from the first ten or so minutes, the difference in squad quality was pretty stark. They still have a lot of first choice players injured. Solanke, Van Der Ven, Romero, Dragusin etc, and yet their available squad is miles ahead of ours.

Unfortunately, with Wolves winning today, the chances of staying up have virtually disappeared.

Although I am clearly a minority view on this board, I remain utterly convinced that KMcK is the best manager we have had in over 20 years. We should get to keep him no matter what.

I don't think you are in a minority at all. In fact, based on those who post (not a huge number to be fair), you are probably in a majority as I read it. And it is fine that it is your opinion. Mine is different. I have never ever called for KM to go. Today I said I did not think he was the man to take us to the next level. That too is my opinion. I may be wrong. People seem to continually read into my posts (and those of a few others), things they want to hear, not what is actually written. Maybe as Bluemike says, I am indeed wasting my breath

[marko69]

You have all created this little niche whereby you can openly say the manager is not the man but you do not want him out. Its like a form of irritating gaslighting. Like Donald Trump shyte. I'd actually have more respect if YOU DID all just say "get him out"......, but no its, "Well he's not good in the EPL, but, hmmm, I don't want him out...." Its a tad pathetic TBH

"Things they want to hear, not what is actually written!" ...., GTF with that. JaysusH.


When I think a manager is completely out of his depth, then its time for a change. That's it.

I choose to believe the players are out of their depth. The manager is not. And as the years go by, if Mark Ashtons PROCESS works, more cash will come....., better players will come.

[hallamblue]

I dont want McKenna out, I just want him to adapt, change, learn......he's a very hood coach, BUT he's showing his lack of experience at the highest level. I almost want an experienced manager alongside him. But he'd never accept that, and it won't happen.


But just like the players , if you keep making the same mistakes, it identifies either an inability to reflect and learn, and adapt / change, or any use willingness to do so.

[valleyroad]

You have all created this little niche whereby you can openly say the manager is not the man but you do not want him out. Its like a form of irritating gaslighting. Like Donald Trump shyte. I'd actually have more respect if YOU DID all just say "get him out"......, but no its, "Well he's not good in the EPL, but, hmmm, I don't want him out...." Its a tad pathetic TBH

"Things they want to hear, not what is actually written!" ...., GTF with that. JaysusH.

When I think a manager is completely out of his depth, then its time for a change. That's it.

I choose to believe the players are out of their depth. The manager is not. And as the years go by, if Mark Ashtons PROCESS works, more cash will come....., better players will come.

Bang on Marko. Haven't posted for weeks as sick of reading it. The hypocrisy of it breathtaking.

[Blue Wilf]

You have all created this little niche whereby you can openly say the manager is not the man but you do not want him out. Its like a form of irritating gaslighting. Like Donald Trump shyte. I'd actually have more respect if YOU DID all just say "get him out"......, but no its, "Well he's not good in the EPL, but, hmmm, I don't want him out...." Its a tad pathetic TBH

"Things they want to hear, not what is actually written!" ...., GTF with that. JaysusH.

When I think a manager is completely out of his depth, then its time for a change. That's it.

I choose to believe the players are out of their depth. The manager is not. And as the years go by, if Mark Ashtons PROCESS works, more cash will come....., better players will come.

Really? A niche? Some would say it is a carefully chosen set of words that make my point that others cannot point a finger at -'something that seems to annoy you! It is called making an argument. If you want to analyse that, you will find that it really is all the rage in a debate (which I thought is what a forum was?). You really do like to try and analyse the theory behind my posts Marko - I am sorry if it annoys you. Well actually, no, I'm not. I have made very clear my views and the reasons behind them. Yours differ and thats fine. Analyse away if it pleases you but what I state is nothing but my opinion in good old queens english (or is kings english now?) I don't know.

[Blue Wilf]

You have all created this little niche whereby you can openly say the manager is not the man but you do not want him out. Its like a form of irritating gaslighting. Like Donald Trump shyte. I'd actually have more respect if YOU DID all just say "get him out"......, but no its, "Well he's not good in the EPL, but, hmmm, I don't want him out...." Its a tad pathetic TBH

"Things they want to hear, not what is actually written!" ...., GTF with that. JaysusH.

When I think a manager is completely out of his depth, then its time for a change. That's it.

I choose to believe the players are out of their depth. The manager is not. And as the years go by, if Mark Ashtons PROCESS works, more cash will come....., better players will come.

Bang on Marko. Haven't posted for weeks as sick of reading it. The hypocrisy of it breathtaking.

Bloke on a forum can't come up with a credible counter argument...yawn - what hypocrisy are you talking about? Are you suggesting that KM has been great but has been found out is hypocritical? If so, you probably ought to buy a new dictionary.

[marko69]

Analyse? You are the one who's claiming people are "hearing what they want to hear" BS ....., we are reading that you think he's out of his depth but do not want him out. No analysis required for that pish, buddy. Nice one.

[marko69]

Ok.....,. why do you NOT want him out, Wilf?

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Little to add to what's already been said.

We're bottom of the league table of current form (1 point out of 18), and we're the only team in the PL not to have a win in 2025. So I don't think anybody should worry about KM not being with us for next season in the Championship, because no other PL club will want him, that's for sure.

So infuriating to hear him tonight yet again blaming small margins and crying about the fact that they always seem to go against us. FFS, Kieron, try to change it then by doing something different.

I don't know him personally, so I'm not going to try to say what he ought to do.
But if I were he, I'd do the honourable thing and walk away and let somebody more able have a go.

[Blue Wilf]

Analyse? You are the one who's claiming people are "hearing what they want to hear" BS ....., we are reading that you think he's out of his depth but do not want him out. No analysis required for that pish, buddy. Nice one.

Well my pish your pish 'buddy' - who cares? If you can't have an argument with a reasoned case then resort to calling the other persons viewpoint BS. That'll do the trick - loads of arguments won by resorting to that... not.

[marko69]

Analyse? You are the one who's claiming people are "hearing what they want to hear" BS ....., we are reading that you think he's out of his depth but do not want him out. No analysis required for that pish, buddy. Nice one.

Well my pish your pish 'buddy' - who cares? If you can't have an argument with a reasoned case then resort to calling the other persons viewpoint BS. That'll do the trick - loads of arguments won by resorting to that... not.

[valleyroad]

You have all created this little niche whereby you can openly say the manager is not the man but you do not want him out. Its like a form of irritating gaslighting. Like Donald Trump shyte. I'd actually have more respect if YOU DID all just say "get him out"......, but no its, "Well he's not good in the EPL, but, hmmm, I don't want him out...." Its a tad pathetic TBH

"Things they want to hear, not what is actually written!" ...., GTF with that. JaysusH.

When I think a manager is completely out of his depth, then its time for a change. That's it.

I choose to believe the players are out of their depth. The manager is not. And as the years go by, if Mark Ashtons PROCESS works, more cash will come....., better players will come.

Bang on Marko. Haven't posted for weeks as sick of reading it. The hypocrisy of it breathtaking.

Bloke on a forum can't come up with a credible counter argument...yawn - what hypocrisy are you talking about? Are you suggesting that KM has been great but has been found out is hypocritical? If so, you probably ought to buy a new dictionary.

Maybe hypocrisy is the wrong word but saying things when you really mean the opposite is where Marko is going with his post. He is spot on with it.
With the levels criticism you and a few others have thrown at Mckenna over the last few months there is only one conclusion that anyone could draw
You will deny it of course but I think most folks are sharp enough to read between the lines

[Blue Wilf]

Ok.....,. why do you NOT want him out, Wilf?

Well I can forgive you for not remembering my point on allmof this, so here goes again... Assuming we get relegated - if he were to come out and say he was totally committed to staying with us when we go down, I would be OK with that as I think he will have learned some things about the PL and he has already hot us up once (twice if you count Lge 1). So, he is clearly capable of doing so again and if that is his commitment, then I am OK with him trying again. I would expect him to have learned the PL lessons or then he really can take a walk.

However, if he will NOT commit - and it is my opinion that he looked at alternatives before continuing with us this season - then we are better off looking for someone who does want to do that job now. I would prefer someone who has experience of getting a team up AND has kept them in the PL. In reality, contrary to Rossi's view, I don't think there is a cat in hells chance of him staying with us if we go down. Football is so fickle that they will be clamouring for him. I wouldn't be surprised if a Leeds or Sheff Utd went for him if they got up and we went down.

If we stay up (miracle of miracles), then we should probably carry on with him until say Christmas (as many other clubs do) and see if he has indeed learned the lessons. If not, get shot of him then.

That is my argument and opinion - others are available but to just say it is BS is not an option please - I want a reasoned counter argument if anyone wants to continue the debate!

[valleyroad]

Little to add to what's already been said.

We're bottom of the league table of current form (1 point out of 18), and we're the only team in the PL not to have a win in 2025. So I don't think anybody should worry about KM not being with us for next season in the Championship, because no other PL club will want him, that's for sure.

So infuriating to hear him tonight yet again blaming small margins and crying about the fact that they always seem to go against us. FFS, Kieron, try to change it then by doing something different.

I don't know him personally, so I'm not going to try to say what he ought to do.
But if I were he, I'd do the honourable thing and walk away and let somebody more able have a go.

Jeez never thought I'd see you asking for a manager to walk ??. Not like you

[Bluemike]

Ok Marko, if it pleases you I'll say it, get rid of the useless one trick pony, he's out of his depth at this level, has cost us numerous points in games we should have won, im sick of the same old sh*te in his post match interviews, has been responsible for crap recruitment, doesn't know his strongest formation or starting line up after three quarters of a season and was happy to fcuk off in the summer.

I think it is quite simple why some are not happy but don't want him sacked, because we will be back at a level where he is capable and has proven himself, he could well do it again and we'd be pushed to find better, at this level however he doesn't cut it at this juncture of his career and there is better options which we missed out on.

Some of you guys harped on for weeks about trusting the process, what f**king process is that ? Where we lose every week and have zero continuity? The process off the pitch however is going along nicely and has nothing really to do with McKenna.

[Blue Wilf]

Bang on Marko. Haven't posted for weeks as sick of reading it. The hypocrisy of it breathtaking.

Bloke on a forum can't come up with a credible counter argument...yawn - what hypocrisy are you talking about? Are you suggesting that KM has been great but has been found out is hypocritical? If so, you probably ought to buy a new dictionary.

Maybe hypocrisy is the wrong word but saying things when you really mean the opposite is where Marko is going with his post. He is spot on with it.
With the levels criticism you and a few others have thrown at Mckenna over the last few months there is only one conclusion that anyone could draw
You will deny it of course but I think most folks are sharp enough to read between the lines

Read my argument below. Don't assume I am saying one thing and meaning another. If you think that, you're wrong again! Heaven forbid that someone smears the name of the almighty McKenna! If you think saying he has tinkered too much, picked muric, been predictable and not changed tactically when games were there to be won is an awful level of criticism, you must be a very sensitive soul. Each of those is fact - we all watched it happen. I happen to have paid to watch it happen home and away (my choice) but I can confirm categorically that they all happened (and some of them continue to). If you can't see it or think it is acceptable cos we had 2 amazing previous seasons then your standards and mine differ greatly.

[Blue Wilf]

Bloke on a forum can't come up with a credible counter argument...yawn - what hypocrisy are you talking about? Are you suggesting that KM has been great but has been found out is hypocritical? If so, you probably ought to buy a new dictionary.

Maybe hypocrisy is the wrong word but saying things when you really mean the opposite is where Marko is going with his post. He is spot on with it.
With the levels criticism you and a few others have thrown at Mckenna over the last few months there is only one conclusion that anyone could draw
You will deny it of course but I think most folks are sharp enough to read between the lines

Read my argument below. Don't assume I am saying one thing and meaning another. If you think that, you're wrong again! Heaven forbid that someone smears the name of the almighty McKenna! If you think saying he has tinkered too much, picked muric, been predictable and not changed tactically when games were there to be won is an awful level of criticism, you must be a very sensitive soul. Each of those is fact - we all watched it happen. I happen to have paid to watch it happen home and away (my choice) but I can confirm categorically that they all happened (and some of them continue to). If you can't see it or think it is acceptable cos we had 2 amazing previous seasons then your standards and mine differ greatly.

I meant my argument above... in response to Marko's post

[Blue Wilf]

Ok Marko, if it pleases you I'll say it, get rid of the useless one trick pony, he's out of his depth at this level, has cost us numerous points in games we should have won, im sick of the same old sh*te in his post match interviews, has been responsible for crap recruitment, doesn't know his strongest formation or starting line up after three quarters of a season and was happy to fcuk off in the summer.

I think it is quite simple why some are not happy but don't want him sacked, because we will be back at a level where he is capable and has proven himself, he could well do it again and we'd be pushed to find better, at this level however he doesn't cut it at this juncture of his career and there is better options which we missed out on.

Some of you guys harped on for weeks about trusting the process, what f**king process is that ? Where we lose every week and have zero continuity? The process off the pitch however is going along nicely and has nothing really to do with McKenna.

Thats a much more succinct way of saying what I rambled on about. I am trying to be too reasoned but this is what I meant.

[valleyroad]

Bloke on a forum can't come up with a credible counter argument...yawn - what hypocrisy are you talking about? Are you suggesting that KM has been great but has been found out is hypocritical? If so, you probably ought to buy a new dictionary.

Maybe hypocrisy is the wrong word but saying things when you really mean the opposite is where Marko is going with his post. He is spot on with it.
With the levels criticism you and a few others have thrown at Mckenna over the last few months there is only one conclusion that anyone could draw
You will deny it of course but I think most folks are sharp enough to read between the lines

Read my argument below. Don't assume I am saying one thing and meaning another. If you think that, you're wrong again! Heaven forbid that someone smears the name of the almighty McKenna! If you think saying he has tinkered too much, picked muric, been predictable and not changed tactically when games were there to be won is an awful level of criticism, you must be a very sensitive soul. Each of those is fact - we all watched it happen. I happen to have paid to watch it happen home and away (my choice) but I can confirm categorically that they all happened (and some of them continue to). If you can't see it or think it is acceptable cos we had 2 amazing previous seasons then your standards and mine differ greatly.

Looks like your falling behind. Bluemike and The Odious Mr Rossi have finally come out

[marko69]

Nothing is pleasing or pleases me about Ipswich Town FC being f**king shyte in the EPL ....., BUT....., I knew they would be. I knew this is EXACTLY how it'd go regardless of how great the boss has been in getting two promotions in the modern era of the game.
And that will be exactly where I am struggling to grasp the levels of ....., well, unhappiness for lack of a better word.
But I respect that. You obviously think he was MORE of a Messiah than I EVER did. And thus, the level of unhappiness and One Trick Pony references. Fair dos. This season was ALWAYS going to be kick in the nutbag. ALWAYS WAS. Was never going to be any other way.

Regarding what he did and what he didn't do in certain matches......, well, to be honest....., the eventualities are completely unknown and so I won't go into those areas.

And it is NOT NOT NOT the fans process......, you MUST have watched the very recent 30min video ----->>> Its Ashtons process.

[marko69]

Ok.....,. why do you NOT want him out, Wilf?

Well I can forgive you for not remembering my point on allmof this, so here goes again... Assuming we get relegated - if he were to come out and say he was totally committed to staying with us when we go down, I would be OK with that as I think he will have learned some things about the PL and he has already hot us up once (twice if you count Lge 1). So, he is clearly capable of doing so again and if that is his commitment, then I am OK with him trying again. I would expect him to have learned the PL lessons or then he really can take a walk.

However, if he will NOT commit - and it is my opinion that he looked at alternatives before continuing with us this season - then we are better off looking for someone who does want to do that job now. I would prefer someone who has experience of getting a team up AND has kept them in the PL. In reality, contrary to Rossi's view, I don't think there is a cat in hells chance of him staying with us if we go down. Football is so fickle that they will be clamouring for him. I wouldn't be surprised if a Leeds or Sheff Utd went for him if they got up and we went down.

If we stay up (miracle of miracles), then we should probably carry on with him until say Christmas (as many other clubs do) and see if he has indeed learned the lessons. If not, get shot of him then.

That is my argument and opinion - others are available but to just say it is BS is not an option please - I want a reasoned counter argument if anyone wants to continue the debate!

If he is out of his depth in the EPL, why will Leeds want him when promoted? Because Farke is also out of his depth? Explain that one.
Leeds have more dough maybe?

[Blue Wilf]

Ok.....,. why do you NOT want him out, Wilf?

Well I can forgive you for not remembering my point on allmof this, so here goes again... Assuming we get relegated - if he were to come out and say he was totally committed to staying with us when we go down, I would be OK with that as I think he will have learned some things about the PL and he has already hot us up once (twice if you count Lge 1). So, he is clearly capable of doing so again and if that is his commitment, then I am OK with him trying again. I would expect him to have learned the PL lessons or then he really can take a walk.

However, if he will NOT commit - and it is my opinion that he looked at alternatives before continuing with us this season - then we are better off looking for someone who does want to do that job now. I would prefer someone who has experience of getting a team up AND has kept them in the PL. In reality, contrary to Rossi's view, I don't think there is a cat in hells chance of him staying with us if we go down. Football is so fickle that they will be clamouring for him. I wouldn't be surprised if a Leeds or Sheff Utd went for him if they got up and we went down.

If we stay up (miracle of miracles), then we should probably carry on with him until say Christmas (as many other clubs do) and see if he has indeed learned the lessons. If not, get shot of him then.

That is my argument and opinion - others are available but to just say it is BS is not an option please - I want a reasoned counter argument if anyone wants to continue the debate!

If he is out of his depth in the EPL, why will Leeds want him when promoted? Because Farke is also out of his depth? Explain that one.

Simple - a. Because Leeds are a basket case and Farke has failed in the PL before with Naaaridge. b. If you read my argument, I said myself that if we stay up, we should keep him to Xmas as he may well have learned lessons from this season. If he went there, they could benefit from his improved knowledge and not us

[marko69]

FTR Wilf....., if you scroll back......, I never said your opinions were BS. I said that claiming people only read and hear certain things --->> is BS.

[marko69]

Well I can forgive you for not remembering my point on allmof this, so here goes again... Assuming we get relegated - if he were to come out and say he was totally committed to staying with us when we go down, I would be OK with that as I think he will have learned some things about the PL and he has already hot us up once (twice if you count Lge 1). So, he is clearly capable of doing so again and if that is his commitment, then I am OK with him trying again. I would expect him to have learned the PL lessons or then he really can take a walk.

However, if he will NOT commit - and it is my opinion that he looked at alternatives before continuing with us this season - then we are better off looking for someone who does want to do that job now. I would prefer someone who has experience of getting a team up AND has kept them in the PL. In reality, contrary to Rossi's view, I don't think there is a cat in hells chance of him staying with us if we go down. Football is so fickle that they will be clamouring for him. I wouldn't be surprised if a Leeds or Sheff Utd went for him if they got up and we went down.

If we stay up (miracle of miracles), then we should probably carry on with him until say Christmas (as many other clubs do) and see if he has indeed learned the lessons. If not, get shot of him then.

That is my argument and opinion - others are available but to just say it is BS is not an option please - I want a reasoned counter argument if anyone wants to continue the debate!

If he is out of his depth in the EPL, why will Leeds want him when promoted? Because Farke is also out of his depth? Explain that one.

Simple - a. Because Leeds are a basket case and Farke has failed in the PL before with Naaaridge. b. If you read my argument, I said myself that if we stay up, we should keep him to Xmas as he may well have learned lessons from this season. If he went there, they could benefit from his improved knowledge and not us

That is your response? Leeds are a basket case club ....., and IF Ipswich stay up, keep Kieron until Xmas, then re-access?

Ok, no worries.

[WarsawBlue]

It was a tough watch today - and I wouldn't put money on our surviving - but I'm still happy to say I support Town (and you'd be surprised by the sentiment for the club there is here in Poland, among people who 'know' football). We have some good players - with good characters, a top coaching team, clever senior management, great local support (Suffolk, not Warsaw!) ... and some serious investment to make things happen. A great club - BUT it all happened too fast. Really - but fun to watch! Staying up would be fantastic, and I'm sure the club wouldn't waste that chance, BUT - if we go down - I'm sure we'll come straight back ... and stronger. Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton ... do clubs like that have the history? did they have Sir Alf and Sir Bobby? I don't think so!

[ashfordblue]

It was a tough watch today - and I wouldn't put money on our surviving - but I'm still happy to say I support Town (and you'd be surprised by the sentiment for the club there is here in Poland, among people who 'know' football). We have some good players - with good characters, a top coaching team, clever senior management, great local support (Suffolk, not Warsaw!) ... and some serious investment to make things happen. A great club - BUT it all happened too fast. Really - but fun to watch! Staying up would be fantastic, and I'm sure the club wouldn't waste that chance, BUT - if we go down - I'm sure we'll come straight back ... and stronger. Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton ... do clubs like that have a history? did they have Sir Alf and Sir Bobby? I don't think so!

Well said WarsawBlue I'm right behind you with these comments regarding the team's current situation, I like you love my club Ipswich and have done so for over 74 years, I know in my heart if we go down we will hopefully come straight back up with a better understanding and knowledge of what it takes to buy and build a better squad that will be like Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford, and will survive and grow in the Premiership, be it under KM or whoever takes the reigns as manager and hopefully learn from the mistakes of this season and our scouts to search for the players that will bring glory back to our club and fans

[ITFC2024]

Yeah I kind of feel the same way. It’s not the end of the world, and we’re still in a good place with ownership & structure etc. It is really disappointing to see our acquisitions play so poorly though. On paper I suppose it seemed like solid recruitment, but I’m left uninspired by 90 percent of the players we’ve added. Obviously, Delap was the best one.

All we can do is keep fighting I suppose. In all honesty though, we shouldn’t be getting thumped 4-1 at home when we’re supposed to be fighting for survival.

Anyway try not to let it get you down. We can still share our opinions without losing our heads. We all want success.

[hallamblue]

We're not being beaten by skill or technique. We are being beaten by pace, and football played on the counter attack.

[MasseyFerguson]

Taking all the understandable emotion out of our current situation, difficult though that is, I still come to the conclusion that we came up at least one season too soon.

A season or two in the championship would have given the club an opportunity to consolidate, and to gradually strengthen the team in preparation for an assault on the premier league.

Our squad is not good enough for this league. That is a simple fact. Our manager is more than good enough for this league. That is my opinion. It is not an opinion shared by a lot of posters here. Fine. Should we lose KmcK, for whatever reason, I expect we will see him managing very successful top flight teams for years to come.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Pains me to say but we don't deserve to be in this league at the moment. For any promoted team a home form has to be a key and our home form is scandalous and disgusting. Countless home defeats.

A recruitment hasn't been the best too.

Godfrey... I can see why he played 0 league games for Atalanta..