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

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

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.

And just how hypocritic is that statement?

[Bluemike]

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.

I think once emotions have calmed down I agree with most of this, we definitely came up too soon and are victims of our own ridiculous success, of course you take it when it's presented itself but it's been painful.

I think you are right about Mckenna too, albeit he needs to cut his teeth for a season or Two more at championship level, he's also come up way too soon and it could actually be damaging for him.

I do stand by what I say regarding poor game management and a bit of tactical naivety though, he's struggled in these departments and what works in L1 and Championship doesn't come close in this League, I also think the recruitment is poor in a few areas, (Muric, J. Clarke, Philogene, Godfrey) to name but Four.

[hallamblue]

I wonder how many points we would have by now had McKenna adopted a more cautious approach and not played this open attacking style? Eg five across the bzck and four in midfield and one up front.
Imagine if we'd drawn most of these games with the obvious losses to the top 4-5 teams. I reckon we'd be on near 20 points and not in the relegation zone, and certainly wouldn't have conceed the amount of goals we have.

Even Brentford adapted their tactics to go with a more cautious approach.

THIS is McKennas shortcoming. He will NOT adapt.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

It was interesting to hear the view of the MOTD pundits last night - basically they said that defensively we are woeful and one of the reasons for this is playing 4 at the back.

So who to blame?

1) Recruitment for one - true we bought in defenders, but how many with proven PL experience?
2) Playing 4 at the back can only be blamed on one person. Interestingly the first time this season we didn't play 4 at the back we got out first win - to be fair we did stick with that for a few games but have drifted back over more recent games.
3) What's being done in training to rectify the woeful defending? We keep getting told that we will learn from our mistakes, yet every game we go out and make the same mistakes all over again.

KM is definitely to blame for 2 and 3, and I can't believe he didn't have a hand in recruitment even if he wasn't aware of the details of the deals. In this case 2 out of 3 ain't bad, it's f**king awful - he has to go.

[JohnnyB]

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.

I think once emotions have calmed down I agree with most of this, we definitely came up too soon and are victims of our own ridiculous success, of course you take it when it's presented itself but it's been painful.

I think you are right about Mckenna too, albeit he needs to cut his teeth for a season or Two more at championship level, he's also come up way too soon and it could actually be damaging for him.

I do stand by what I say regarding poor game management and a bit of tactical naivety though, he's struggled in these departments and what works in L1 and Championship doesn't come close in this League, I also think the recruitment is poor in a few areas, (Muric, J. Clarke, Philogene, Godfrey) to name but Four.

I too agree with the general sentiment of both of these posts. I think we did come up too soon but hopefully if we do go down again (which tbh looks more than likely now) then I hope we keep McK, trim the squad a bit, regretably lose Liam and boss the champ as we come back better and stronger. For me, the argument over McK's in game decisions is redundant as we just can't say what would have happened had he changed his approach. We might have tried to clam up, conceded anyway and people might have said, well why did we do that?

[marko69]

I wonder how many points we would have by now had McKenna adopted a more cautious approach and not played this open attacking style? Eg five across the bzck and four in midfield and one up front.
Imagine if we'd drawn most of these games with the obvious losses to the top 4-5 teams. I reckon we'd be on near 20 points and not in the relegation zone, and certainly wouldn't have conceed the amount of goals we have.

Even Brentford adapted their tactics to go with a more cautious approach.

THIS is McKennas shortcoming. He will NOT adapt.

Part in blue——>>> probably worse off and worse goal difference. Why? Because the MOTD pundits themselves are saying the defence is sh!t. And most on here are saying the defence is sh*t.

How many games this season, (and its all noted on THIS forum as well) where Ipswich should’ve been 3-0 up at HT? Maybe 6 or 7 games? Thats maybe 21 points?

So ….. what does a boss do? Go defensive with a sh*t defence? Or try and win the game in 45mins with some players who prefer to hit row zed?!

YES……. He signed them……..but he was never going to be able to sign EPL players only 12 months after being a League One side.

But will always maintain that its not good to fully make an argument for something that hasn’t ever been proved.
I’d wager that he goes defensive……. The losses are bigger. But its an unknown.

[hallamblue]

I just seem to remember when McKenna went to a back 5 we conceded less goals. He did it after we got humped 0-4 by Newcastle at home.

So in those next five games we conceded just 5 goals.

Arsenal L 1-0
Chelsea W 2-0
Fulham D 2-2
Bristol W 3-0
Brighton L 0-2


Then he reverts to a back four again.

Man City L 6-0
Liverpool L 1-4
Saints L 1-2

The main problem with McKenna is he's constantly changing the first 11. I think we were more sound at the back with a back five, who can help stem the flow from opponents who are so much quicker on the break, and primarily because we're so slow and lack numbers in our midfield.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I wonder how many points we would have by now had McKenna adopted a more cautious approach and not played this open attacking style? Eg five across the bzck and four in midfield and one up front.
Imagine if we'd drawn most of these games with the obvious losses to the top 4-5 teams. I reckon we'd be on near 20 points and not in the relegation zone, and certainly wouldn't have conceed the amount of goals we have.

Even Brentford adapted their tactics to go with a more cautious approach.

THIS is McKennas shortcoming. He will NOT adapt.

Part in blue——>>> probably worse off and worse goal difference. Why? Because the MOTD pundits themselves are saying the defence is sh!t. And most on here are saying the defence is sh*t.

How many games this season, (and its all noted on THIS forum as well) where Ipswich should’ve been 3-0 up at HT? Maybe 6 or 7 games? Thats maybe 21 points?

So ….. what does a boss do? Go defensive with a sh*t defence? Or try and win the game in 45mins with some players who prefer to hit row zed?!

YES……. He signed them……..but he was never going to be able to sign EPL players only 12 months after being a League One side.

But will always maintain that its not good to fully make an argument for something that hasn’t ever been proved.
I’d wager that he goes defensive……. The losses are bigger. But its an unknown.

It's not unknown, though, is it.

He went 3-4-2-1 (or 5-2-2-1 when going forward, there's little difference between the 2) at Spurs and look what happened. Yes, our first PL win. So it was proved that day - and might have been proved more often, had he not been so determined to get back to 4 at the back as soon as possible. The question quivering on the nations lips is - why was he so determined to go back to a back 4?

[Bluemike]

But Marko, making an argument that he's gonna be a top Premier League boss hasn't been proved either, in fact so far it's been proved he isn't.

[marko69]

I just seem to remember when McKenna went to a back 5 we conceded less goals. He did it after we got humped 0-4 by Newcastle at home.

So in those next five games we conceded just 5 goals.

Arsenal L 1-0
Chelsea W 2-0
Fulham D 2-2
Bristol W 3-0
Brighton L 0-2


Then he reverts to a back four again.

Man City L 6-0
Liverpool L 1-4
Saints L 1-2

The main problem with McKenna is he's constantly changing the first 11. I think we were more sound at the back with a back five, who can help stem the flow from opponents who are so much quicker on the break, and primarily because we're so slow and lack numbers in our midfield.

So it really doesn’t matter then?
Being humped or being beaten by less of a margin?
The bottom line is the team aren’t , and never were gonna be, good enough for the EPL in the 24/25 season.
And the changes suggest the boss IS learning. He’s making changes
Its the players who are various class levels below.

Give it a few years, Ipswich Town, with McKenna will be an established mid-table EPL club ……. Like Mick McCarthy was an established mid table Championship club ——->> and you were ALL bored out yer trees!

[marko69]

But Marko, making an argument that he's gonna be a top Premier League boss hasn't been proved either, in fact so far it's been proved he isn't.

Two can play that game. Like you guys claiming that some believe you guys want the manager sacked?? (reading whst we want to hear! )

No…… i’m not making ANY argument that he’ll be a top level Premier League boss. My opinion is that he will be. He’s certainly the only manager in a long while (since C*nt Keane) who i’d trust.

[hallamblue]

I think you'll find McKenna is likely to be the first out the door come the end of the season. That's OK, i thank him for his efforts and bringing football va k to this ub. But I'm in no doubt we are his stepping stone to a bigger things. I suspect it'll be an established, but not one of the big PL clubs.

Delap may well be the 2nd one out the door.

I'm not sure why your so angry marko. I do t say of us expected Town to stay up. We might speculate, hopefully, that we might. But as the seasons gone on , it's clear we're not strong enough.

I've accepted that. But what this season has shown me is just how bloody much I hate this Plastic League! It really ISNT all it's cracked up to be and I certainly won't miss it.

[ITFC2024]

I just seem to remember when McKenna went to a back 5 we conceded less goals. He did it after we got humped 0-4 by Newcastle at home.

So in those next five games we conceded just 5 goals.

Arsenal L 1-0
Chelsea W 2-0
Fulham D 2-2
Bristol W 3-0
Brighton L 0-2


Then he reverts to a back four again.

Man City L 6-0
Liverpool L 1-4
Saints L 1-2

The main problem with McKenna is he's constantly changing the first 11. I think we were more sound at the back with a back five, who can help stem the flow from opponents who are so much quicker on the break, and primarily because we're so slow and lack numbers in our midfield.

Yep. After the Arsenal match, I was thinking KM had decided to approach the better teams more cautiously. That doesn’t mean he emulated Mick McCarthy’s defensive tactics, it means he chose tactics and formations that were better suited for us and the opponents.

In retrospect, we conceded far too many goals in the Championship and to think we could do the same in the Prem and succeed is a bit naive in my opinion.

[Bluemike]

But Marko, making an argument that he's gonna be a top Premier League boss hasn't been proved either, in fact so far it's been proved he isn't.

Two can play that game. Like you guys claiming that some believe you guys want the manager sacked?? (reading whst we want to hear! )

No…… i’m not making ANY argument that he’ll be a top level Premier League boss. My opinion is that he will be. He’s certainly the only manager in a long while (since C*nt Keane) who i’d trust.

Playing a game? You've lost me Marko

[marko69]

I think you'll find McKenna is likely to be the first out the door come the end of the season. That's OK, i thank him for his efforts and bringing football va k to this ub. But I'm in no doubt we are his stepping stone to a bigger things. I suspect it'll be an established, but not one of the big PL clubs.

Delap may well be the 2nd one out the door.

I'm not sure why your so angry marko. I do t say of us expected Town to stay up. We might speculate, hopefully, that we might. But as the seasons gone on , it's clear we're not strong enough.

I've accepted that. But what this season has shown me is just how bloody much I hate this Plastic League! It really ISNT all it's cracked up to be and I certainly won't miss it.

Not even slightly angry Hallam.
A lot of Scottish people get that. Its because people read posts in an angry Billy Connolly voice. Thats not how it is.
If you go back and read my posts again (when you’ve time) but not in an angry manner, they’ll come across differently.

Totally agree 100% that it’s a “plastic” League ….. but got to believe it is where the ultimate future lies for ITFC.

[arana peligrosa]

It's possible and maybe just to reiterate what's already been mentioned, there's every chance McKenna may just be gone by the start of next season. He won't be fired, not after the last two years of lower league success, but may just view what has been a disappointing season here and could imagine he gave it a go at top level but it just wasn't to be and the same success at lower league couldn't be replicated at the highest level.

What stands out for me is the sub-standard stats of this campaign in which only 1 victory has come at home all season and were headed towards March of all things while on the road it's only two other victories to add to it. What's that 3 wins from 25, 26 games : it's simply put not acceptable. McKenna as manager has to take a large slice of blame for this. As team coach he has the task or duty of motivating the team, picking players, putting out the right formation and hoping to turn around a losing game situation. In so many words he's failed that obligation at least at the highest level.

Tottenham were nowhere near good as three goals better than us yesterday. Maybe if we'd taken one of those early chances in the first 10 minutes we could have been 1, 2 - 0 ahead etc but that we didn't and the opposition took what opportunity came their way, all you got here is writing up on (yet again) if what's and maybe's and on another instance where it could have been different. Great to see a full 30,000 crowd back at PR and we're filing the stadium pretty regular as you'd expect back at EPL level but got to feel sympathy for the fanbase in that the victory stats have been absolute sub-standard for them and others this season.

[marko69]

But Marko, making an argument that he's gonna be a top Premier League boss hasn't been proved either, in fact so far it's been proved he isn't.

Two can play that game. Like you guys claiming that some believe you guys want the manager sacked?? (reading whst we want to hear! )

No…… i’m not making ANY argument that he’ll be a top level Premier League boss. My opinion is that he will be. He’s certainly the only manager in a long while (since C*nt Keane) who i’d trust.

Playing a game? You've lost me Marko

Could be my misunderstanding. I do believe he’ll be a top EPL boss but haven’t said that status would occur with ITFC. But i dont think you actually said that so I apologise.

Would dearly love him to stick around and make his career a majorly successful one at ITFC.

[Bluemike]

You don't have to apologise at all, I get how you feel and I hope more than anything you are proved correct. I'm not gonna lie, I've hated this season and when I look back at the videos of the celebrations of the last Two years it actually upsets me. I don't like feeling the way I do.

[hallamblue]

I think you'll find McKenna is likely to be the first out the door come the end of the season. That's OK, i thank him for his efforts and bringing football va k to this ub. But I'm in no doubt we are his stepping stone to a bigger things. I suspect it'll be an established, but not one of the big PL clubs.

Delap may well be the 2nd one out the door.

I'm not sure why your so angry marko. I do t say of us expected Town to stay up. We might speculate, hopefully, that we might. But as the seasons gone on , it's clear we're not strong enough.

I've accepted that. But what this season has shown me is just how bloody much I hate this Plastic League! It really ISNT all it's cracked up to be and I certainly won't miss it.

Not even slightly angry Hallam.
A lot of Scottish people get that. Its because people read posts in an angry Billy Connolly voice. Thats not how it is.
If you go back and read my posts again (when you’ve time) but not in an angry manner, they’ll come across differently.

Totally agree 100% that it’s a “plastic” League ….. but got to believe it is where the ultimate future lies for ITFC.

See, now at no point did I ever read your posts with a Billy Connolly voice in my head, lol.... but NOW that's ALL I can hear , ya git

[Blue Wilf]

But Marko, making an argument that he's gonna be a top Premier League boss hasn't been proved either, in fact so far it's been proved he isn't.

Two can play that game. Like you guys claiming that some believe you guys want the manager sacked?? (reading whst we want to hear! )

No…… i’m not making ANY argument that he’ll be a top level Premier League boss. My opinion is that he will be. He’s certainly the only manager in a long while (since C*nt Keane) who i’d trust.

He may well be - but not with us. Thats my prediction.

[marko69]

I think you'll find McKenna is likely to be the first out the door come the end of the season. That's OK, i thank him for his efforts and bringing football va k to this ub. But I'm in no doubt we are his stepping stone to a bigger things. I suspect it'll be an established, but not one of the big PL clubs.

Delap may well be the 2nd one out the door.

I'm not sure why your so angry marko. I do t say of us expected Town to stay up. We might speculate, hopefully, that we might. But as the seasons gone on , it's clear we're not strong enough.

I've accepted that. But what this season has shown me is just how bloody much I hate this Plastic League! It really ISNT all it's cracked up to be and I certainly won't miss it.

Not even slightly angry Hallam.
A lot of Scottish people get that. Its because people read posts in an angry Billy Connolly voice. Thats not how it is.
If you go back and read my posts again (when you’ve time) but not in an angry manner, they’ll come across differently.

Totally agree 100% that it’s a “plastic” League ….. but got to believe it is where the ultimate future lies for ITFC.

See, now at no point did I ever read your posts with a Billy Connolly voice in my head, lol.... but NOW that's ALL I can hear , ya git

Or this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xybLWdP119A

[hallamblue]

Very much like that lol

[shabba]

Hey all, not going to comment much on the game itself, I thought we played well, unlucky not to take the lead, but Spurs were very clinical, Son cooked Godfrey, and they final goal was just top quality by them. I think if that wolfie goal was allowed then it could have been a different day.

*GUSHING POST WARNING* - skip over if no interest

My son was a mascot for the game, it was incredible and one of the best days ever. He has some autism and some sensory issues, but he coped really well and he got go out with his favorite player Omari. Huge respect to Omari as he wore ear defenders to support my son wearing his, and he held him close and made him feel at ease, my son was stroking his back and it was very emotional seeing him walk out onto that pitch in such good hands.

My dad and wife where there and we were all so happy, we felt right in the thick of it all as we waiting for him to come out, and the experiences the kids get to do leading upto that seemed great. I've since seen a replay of the game and seen him in the tunnel getting high fives off the players etc.
It was a truely wonderful experience for him - I'm so happy he is a town fan - 3rd generation.

Sorry I know its a bit personal and not really relevent to others but we are all still buzzing from the experince. I know we will probably go down but I still feel its been amazing to be in the league again after so long, to see the ground full and rocking each week, and I'm sure that will continue on - the club is reborn and its just brilliant.

[hallamblue]

What a brilliant day for you and the family Shabba. I'm REALLY pleased for you. It will be a lifetime memory for all of you, I have no doubt. Pity it couldnt be a winning one. Just hope your car wasn't up on bricks by the time you got back to it ( v unlikely!).

[shabba]

Haha thank you, it was just wonderful.

Yes all good, using the railway car park now which is great for getting away after.

[hallamblue]

A Town fan told me Saturday that if you go online and buy the 24hr ticket (for the car park on West West End Rd opposite Court), the night before match day, you pay just £7 and not the £15 they charge on match day if you park after 12noon. ( there’s a mad rush to get in the car park b4 12noon and queue for tkt machine on match days.

[ashfordblue]

I think we have to be a little more patient with KM's development after all Sir Bobby took a battering before he finally got the team he wanted and brought success to Portman Road, Fans wanted him out but it was a certain amount of the players at the club who were rebellious to what Bobby Robson technically wanted, he got rid of the bad apples and the rest is history, so lets give Kieran more time even if we go down to the Championship for next season

[Bluemike]

Are you saying we have bad apples? I don't believe we do.

[hallamblue]

Wait until next season when Mckenna wants Downes....

[ashfordblue]

Are you saying we have bad apples? I don't believe we do.

No Mike I said Sir Bobby had some bad players he had to remove. As for our current squad we do have some very inferior playersn that's why we are struggling