Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

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Will we be staying in this competition?

Exeter Win
5
29%
Ipswich Win
11
65%
Penalties
1
6%
 
Total votes: 17

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Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Frosty » Thu Jan 02, 2020 8:59 pm

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Image Exeter City FC v Ipswich TownImage


Saturday 4th January 2020 – 15:00

St James Park



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Pre-Match Thoughts - Mike



It's A Start.......

Our New Year's Day trip to League leaders Wycombe Wanderers ended with honours even after a 1-1 draw which in truth should really have seen Town come home with all the points, while that elusive win still evades us it was without doubt a performance from which we can build on and I think it is fair to say it was a pretty good reaction to the Lincoln debacle which was beyond bad. With the Sky cameras in attendance Town finally put on a half decent show in front of a much bigger audiance, something that has proved difficult to achieve in the past.

There were certain things that pleased me in the game, our passing was much better than it was at Sincil Bank, our movement and closing down also showed a marked improvement and much of the time we tried to play it out from the back when in possession, watch it back and you will see just how many times Will Norris rolled the ball out to a full back to get us moving forward, it didn't always come off but it was a sign that we were at least trying to do it the right way, yes we hoofed it now and again but Wycombe seemed to do it throughout the game and once again I wasn't particularly impressed with them.

I felt the front pairing of Norwood & Jackson looked far more lively too and linked up well on a few occasions, Alan Judge was another who showed improvement but for me it was Emyr Huws who caught my eye, for a long time now we have been waiting for him to come to the party and while it wasn't vintage it was a decent and controlled performance from Huws which seemed to add a bit of composure to the Midfield, if he can keep that going he will be an integral part of the team in the second half of the season, add to that a cameo from Teddy Bishop and suddenly Midfield looks well blessed with options again.

I just wish we could get that crucial second goal when on top, Edwards had a earlier effort cleared off the line, Judge's header was tipped over and Norwood just put his effort wide as he ghosted in at the far post so the chances were there which is pleasing, converting them would have been even nicer but it will surely come. The goal when it did come was a beauty with the alert Luke Garbutt putting in a killer cross for Norwood to meet it with a bullet header, a move that totally caught out the hosts, this is what Garbutt can do and while his free kicks are lethal his general delivery has been lacking quality recently. To come away from the League leaders disappointed at only getting a point can only be a good thing as it means we generally did ok, there is however still much room for improvement as at times we looked ragged defensively and their goal was once again poor from us, Three defenders looked a bit static and what the heck Norris was doing again god only knows !!! This is my biggest gripe with Paul Lambert right now, he just has to realise that virtually every man and his dog wants to see Tomasz Holy back between the sticks, it has to happen against Accrington Saturday week.


A Long Term Vision......


Just as Adams Park was coming into view on Wednesday the news was filtering through that Paul Lambert had signed a new Four year deal tying him to the club until 2025, at first there were thoughts of it being a wind up but gradually it was appearing everywhere and I have to say that I am delighted with it. For me it shows we are trying to build something here again with a long term plan and vision, chopping and changing solves nothing and the PR side of what Lambert has done has breathed life back into the club again, yes it needs to happen on the pitch too, we all know that but by and large it isn't a disaster where we currently find ourselves, this season is our best chance to go back up even if history tells us teams tend to struggle for a year or Two following relegation to league One and this is not lost on Lambert & Evans, as Lambert said he will be giving it his all.

As always some are sceptical and some far from happy with the new deal, some felt waiting until the Summer could have been better to see where we are but like some have said I disagree with that, I think it was exactly the right time to show some commitment and unity, I suppose it all depends on how each individual views it, I still maintain there is nobody better at this level of Football than who we already have, once this blip is over and we get back to winnings ways I know for a fact the "anti" voices will subside, at least until the next defeat comes around.


Another Step Closer To Wembley......


It's back to cup action this Saturday with a long haul trip down to Exeter City in the EFL Cup, a win here and we will be a mere Two steps from a day out at Wembley, something nobody would be disappointed with. Paul Lambert has stated that he will be "going strong" with regard to team selection and that is good to hear, yes there will be changes, we know that but the changes should be along the lines of the Kenlock's, Nolan's, Sears's Dozzell's, El Mizouni's, Dobra's of this world and will all due respect to Exeter it SHOULD be strong enough to get the job done.

I think Town will do this one and although it is only the cup it will hopefully get us back to winning ways, it's great to hear that we sold out our original allocation of tickets and more were being made available so the fans are taking a bit more interest in this cup the further into it we go, surprise surprise. Away win for me as Wembley moves a step closer. Keep the faith. COYB'S



The Opposition – Exeter City FC


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Exeter City F.C. was formed from two predecessor clubs, Exeter United F.C. and St Sidwell's United. Exeter United was a football club from Exeter, Devon, that played between 1890 and 1904. In 1904, Exeter United lost 3–1 to local rivals St Sidwell's United and after the match it was agreed that the two clubs should become one. The new team took the name 'Exeter City' and continued to play at Exeter United's ground, St James Park, where Exeter City still play today. Exeter United was formed from the cricket team of the same name and were one of the first football teams with the moniker 'United'. St Sidwell's United (which had also been known as St Sidwell's Wesleyans and St Sidwell's Old Boys) was a club that had formed from the regulars who frequented the Foresters Inn in Sidwell Street, Exeter, although the public house was always known as the Drum and Monkey. The team played in St Sidwell's old colours of green and white.

On 10 September 1904, Exeter City played its first ever competitive match, a 2–1 victory at St James over 110th Battery of the Royal Artillery, in the East Devon League. The attendance was 600, and the winning goal scored by Sid Thomas, who was to serve the club in various capacities for 70 years. City topped the East Devon League with 11 wins, two draws, one defeat in its first season, and transferred to the Plymouth & District League for next three seasons.

In 1908, Exeter City A.F.C. became a limited company. City became a full-time professional team, and applied successfully for membership of the Southern League, replacing Tottenham Hotspur. A wooden grandstand was erected, and the club entered into a leasing arrangement over the ground.

City changed to its current colours of red and white in 1910. This was after having had a poor start to the season (only two wins out of 11). City abandoned its supposedly unlucky green and white kit, and turned out for the first time in red and white striped shirts at home to West Ham United on 12 November. The result of the game was a 0–0 draw, but five consecutive league wins came for the club in December, and the change of colours stuck.

City made an historic tour of South America in 1914, during which time it played eight matches against teams of Argentina and Brazil. The Brazil national football team is believed to have played its first ever game against City on 21 July, at the Laranjeiras stadium, Rio de Janeiro, home of Fluminense Football Club. The result of the match is disputed, with some sources claiming City lost 2–0, whilst others claiming a 3–3 draw. That was the last match of the tour, which yielded five wins, one draw and two defeats. The only other loss was in a match that kicked off 12 hours after the players got off the boat.

Exeter City were invited by the Football League to become founder members of the Third Division in 1920.
City's historic first match in the Football League took place on Saturday 28 August 1920, when Brentford was the visiting team to St James Park. Exeter won 3–0.

In 1931, City reached the sixth round of the FA Cup, losing a replay 4–2 to Sunderland in front of its largest ever home gate. 50 years later, City reached the sixth round again, but lost 2–0 to eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur. Earlier Exeter had beaten Newcastle United 4–0 having beaten Leicester City in the previous round.

In the 1963–64 season, City achieved their first ever promotion, going up to Division Three. However, City were relegated just two seasons later. It wasn't until 1977 that they would return to Division Three, under the guidance of Bobby Saxton.

The end of the 1970s and the very early 1980s were regarded as City's most successful spell in the Third Division, including a finish of 8th in 1979–80 and an FA Cup run the following season. Star players included Tony Kellow, John Delve and David Pullar.

City's only major trophy so far has been the Fourth Division Championship which it won in 1990. In that season, City won 20 league games at St James Park, and remained undefeated in 31 home matches, including dramatic draws against Norwich City in the FA Cup third round and Sunderland in the League Cup 4th round, both of which featured late equalisers for the visitors.

Following that promotion, City rarely shone at the higher level. The departure of manager Terry Cooper and key players such as Shaun Taylor, Richard Dryden, Clive Whitehead, Brian McDermott and Steve Neville left new boss Alan Ball to pick up the pieces. There were some successes under the former World Cup winner—including winning both games against local rivals Plymouth in the clubs' first derbies for a decade in the 1992/93 season—but Ball left for Southampton in January 1994 and the returning Cooper was unable to save Exeter from relegation.

Back in the bottom division, City struggled for nearly a decade, with chairman Ivor Doble taking the club into administration and starting a chain of events that resulted in the sale of the club's ground. In November 1994, the club almost went out of business and sold its stadium to Beazer Homes for a sum of £650,000, but were able to stay there after the local council took it over. After nearly two years on the brink of closure, the club came out of administration on 1 August 1996, although the problems on the field were far from over.

In 2003, City finished 23rd in Division Three and was relegated to the Conference National; Exeter were the first club to suffer automatic relegation without finishing bottom of the league. City won their last game against Southend United 1–0, but were still relegated as Swansea City's victory over Hull City left the Grecians one point short of safety.

Following relegation to the Conference, the club was taken over by the Exeter City Supporters' Trust, purchasing a majority shareholding on 5 September 2003. In May 2007 two of the Directors who had been in charge during season 2002–2003 were convicted of fraudulent trading at the club, John Russell receiving a prison sentence and Mike Lewis a community service sentence.

Several million pounds in debt and with no big investor in sight, the Trust kept the club going through fund-raising activities amongst rank-and-file supporters. Complex legal arguments with both Inland Revenue and football authorities meant that City's first season of non-league football was plagued by off-the-field uncertainty. The claim was finally dropped in June 2004.

In 2004, a Creditors Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) was put in place to reduce the club's debts. Through the club's "Red or Dead" scheme, hundreds of fans pledged at least £500 each to fund the CVA repayments, but the FA Cup proved to be the income boost the Grecians had needed, as City was drawn Manchester United away in the third round of the FA Cup. City drew 0–0 at Old Trafford in January 2005, gaining £653,511 as City's share of receipts from the 67511 attendance. Further income from a televised replay—won 2–0 by United coupled with ongoing fund-raising and unpaid work from the club's supporters helped the club to repay its debts, and the CVA was cleared in December 2005.

2004 also saw the club's centenary. In May 2004 a friendly fixture was arranged against a Brazilian masters team at St James Park, a celebration of City's South American tour of 1914. The Brazilian team, containing such notable players as Careca and Dunga, won 1–0.

City's first team finished the 2006–07 season in fifth place, qualifying for the play-offs. After beating Oxford United on penalties in the semi-final, City met Morecambe at Wembley in the final, where they lost 2–1 despite taking an early lead.

Exeter reached the play-off final in the following season; this time Exeter looked to be heading out of the play-offs after losing the first leg of the semi-final at home to local rivals Torquay United 2–1, but came back to win the second leg 4–1 with 3 goals in the last 20 minutes. In the final Exeter met Cambridge United in front of a Conference play-off record crowd of 42,511, winning 1–0 with a goal from Rob Edwards, earning promotion to League Two.

The club followed its success in the Conference by finishing as runners up to Brentford in League Two. A goal from Richard Logan helped Exeter to win promotion to League One with a 1–0 win away to Rotherham United on the last day of the season.

2009–2010 was Exeter's 45th season in the third tier of English football. They have played more seasons in the third tier than any club who have never reached the top two tiers. They survived their first season at this level for 16 years by one point; an 82nd-minute Ryan Harley goal against Huddersfield Town on the final day of the season saw Exeter overcome the promotion chasers 2–1 and relegated Gillingham in the process.

The club suffered a tragedy on 10 August 2010, days after the start of the 2010–11 season, when striker Adam Stansfield died of cancer aged 31. As a result, their next fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge on 14 August was postponed as a mark of respect. Exeter recovered well, however, and finished 8th in the league that season, one point off a playoff spot.

Following such a strong season, hopes were high for the 2011–12 season, but poor away form (with just two wins away from home all season) saw Exeter relegated to League Two. Relegation was confirmed on 28 April 2012, following a 4–1 defeat away to Carlisle United.

The club remains owned by its fans, through the Exeter City Supporters Trust. During the 2012–2013 season saw Exeter have a marginally successful season, spending the season travelling up and down the top half of the season from 1st place to 10th. Exeter set new club record for away wins in a single season, winning 11 of their 23 fixtures away from home. City had one of the highest away win percentage of the season however disappointing home form lead them to fall into the playoff positions only to see a poor end-of-season run leaving them to fall into 10th position; despite their earlier automatic promotion and then reestimated playoff ambitions. Tisdale claimed that injuries were to blame for City missing out on the play-offs.

At the end of the 2012–13 campaign, poor funds and lack of income lead to an unfortunate squad trim with boss Paul Tisdale having to let go: Jamie Cureton, lead goal scorer of the last campaign netting over 21 goals and the 2010 campaign (with similar statistics); Guillem Bauzà, Kevin Amankwaah, unable to renew his contract despite of his fan- favourite status and great playing abilities heralding fan chants and songs; Mark Molesley, despite being there only half a season; Rhys Evans and later Tully's new contract was withdrawn due to financial constraints. Despite this Tisdale managed to sign Sam Parkin and Doug Bergqvist.

In 2013–2014, Exeter participated in Football League Two and the Football League Cup, but they were eliminated in the First Round of the competition by Queens Park Rangers. In the FA Cup Exeter City were knocked out by Peterborough United in the First Round. In the League 2 season, Exeter finished in 16th.

In pre-season, after a 0–1 friendly loss to Reading, the club went on a short tour in Brazil to commemorate 100 years since they played the Brazil National Football Team. Exeter drew 0–0 against Fluminense under 23's and then beat sides Tupi and a Rio Cricket Club 2–1 and 3–1 respectively. Exeter finished pre-season with 2–0 home losses to Swansea City and Torquay United.

Exeter City's opening matches of 2014–15 were a 1–1 draw against Portsmouth in League Two and then a 0–2 loss against Bournemouth in the Football League Cup. Both matches were played at St James Park. In the 2014–15 FA Cup in the first round, they were beaten 1–0 away to Warrington Town, a club 100 places lower than them at that current point in the season. The game was also broadcast live on BBC Two. The Grecians finished tenth in League Two in 2014–15, their play-off push just falling short in the final few weeks.

City finished in 14th position in 2015–16, a season that included a memorable 2–2 draw against Premier League Liverpool in the FA Cup.

In the 2016–17 season, City started badly, and were bottom of the league by November. However, a turnaround in form saw Exeter finish 5th in the league, and earn a playoff spot. Following a thrilling 3–3 draw in the first leg of the semi-final at Carlisle, the second leg, tied at 2–2, looked destined to go to extra time. But, in the 95th minute, Jack Stacey's long range shot with his weak foot fired Exeter into the final, earning them a spot at Wembley. The final took place on 28 May, and Exeter faced Blackpool. Their hopes for promotion were shattered when they conceded a goal within 3 minutes, and although they equalised, City eventually lost the game 2–1.

On the back of the play-off final defeat Exeter began the 2017–18 season unbeaten after 5 games, notably beating Cheltenham in a 7 goal thriller.

On 1 June 2018, Exeter announced that, after 12 years as manager, Paul Tisdale had decided not to sign a new contract with the club, which announced that Matt Taylor, a former captain and Under 23 team coach, had been appointed manager.





The Manager – Matt Taylor


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Marko’s Caption Contest – THE DON CUP

Happy New Year Tractor Boys Forum. All the best for 2020.

Apologies for lack of scores in the Captions. Troubles afar creating issues with the regular scoring. Might need to look at a different way to score these things as this certainly was an unforeseen circumstance. I'll try and get the double picture promised for New Year up at the end of January. In the meantime, hopefully y'all continue chasing Aylesbury although it'll need to be some very good humour to catch him.


Portsmouth scores

Shed on Tour 5pts
AylesburyBlue (cap 1) 4pts
Bluemike & Frosty 3pts
Blueblood 2pts

LEAGUE TABLE

AylesburyBlue 68
DerickIpsw 54
Bluemike 54
Blue Wilf 38
Blueblood 36
Ando 35
Number 9 33
Shed on Tour 25
JohnnyB 21
Tangfastic 19
Quasar 18
Frosty 16
Kerry Blue 11
Watership Down 10
Barmy Billy 8
Todd66 6
Nicscreamer 5
Charnwood 3
IpswichTownNO1 2
AshfordBlue 1
Lucy 1
MasseyFerguson 1


CAPTION PIC

What’s on Lamberts mind?

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Match Referee - Josh Smith



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EXETER CITY FC 0 IPSWICH TOWN 1

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Shed on tour » Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:03 pm

Hopefully Lambert will keep to his word and field a fairly strong side for this game as it is important for us to get that winning feeling around the club again regardless of what our thoughts are regarding this competition.
For those of you making the trip, hats off to you as it’s a bloody long trip. Have done it myself before but unfortunately had to give it a miss this time.

Exeter 1 Town 2

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Shed on tour » Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:04 pm

:) The above post is my optimistic side!

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by hallamblue » Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:40 pm

Is that ref actually still at school?? 😳

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Frosty » Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:32 pm

hallamblue wrote:
Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:40 pm
Is that ref actually still at school?? 😳
Almost, apparently he was the youngest EFL referee at 22 years of age.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by marko69 » Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:59 pm

Excellent preview yet again, .....

(And the caption scores, table and picture are now on there, folks)

......, and I want to highlight this paragraph.

QUOTE:
As always some are sceptical and some far from happy with the new deal, some felt waiting until the Summer could have been better to see where we are but like some have said I disagree with that, ONE: I think it was exactly the right time to show some commitment and unity, I suppose it all depends on how each individual views it, I still maintain there is nobody better at this level of Football than who we already have, once this blip is over and we get back to winnings ways I know for a fact TWO: the "anti" voices will subside, at least until the next defeat comes around.
END QUOTE.

Couple things. First to ask.
Lambert joined last season. He's now almost halfway through the next. Has there been NO unity so far? I totally agree that a four year deal shows that there is "something" going on in terms of sticking with things, not giving up......, but has there been a "unity" issue? I am actually hoping that you are going to say YES, there has been a unity issue and this is why the results have been poor.

Second thing is:
The "anti" voices are sometimes very correct. In fact in Ipswich Towns recent history, the anti voices towards Keane, Jewell & Hurst were all very correct indeed. (Still feel sorry for Jewell entering after Keanes mess though)
This is where I stand with my very first love which is......., well, the wife, kids, grandkids, :shock:......, but Hibs. When I think back to the latter days of Terry Butcher, the anger in me at him getting more weeks was unbearable. But there were people saying that the club needed stability and getting the manager out wouldn't help that. The "anti" voices were eventually listened to after the club were relegated to the Scottish Championship where they remained for three seasons. When I talk about the anti voices by the way, I'm not talking about the boo boys at games or anyone at games really. Talking about the people down the pub or on a forum. When a fan passionately voices displeasure at how something they love is being run, to put a negative label on that fan can create the very opposite of what everyone is trying to achieve -------> Unity. It creates division because they believe something is wrong with the entity they've supported for several decades and maybe generations in their family before that. I do agree that there are several people in the world that are serial moaners but as said, sometimes, the anti's are voicing credible concerns that shouldn't be ignored all of the time.

I am PRAYING to the Most High that Paul Lambert gets the results back on track before the summer. (Based on form) Imagine a mid to lower table finish? The quest for unity amongst fans would need to start for real in August. So a big, BIG next few months ahead for Paul Lambert.

Winning can definitely start a habit of winning, so even though to some, this tinpot cup isn't important, it'd be good to show real signs that the four year deal has had a big effect. 0-3

Ref:

"Marko? I can't read all that. My mum says I need to go to bed."

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Fri Jan 03, 2020 6:26 am

Marko, yes I think unity issues had started to creep in following this poor run we find ourselves in but mainly with the fans, sadly it was partly brought on by Lamberts stupid press conference which we now know must have been a bit of a silly wind up, Lincoln saw the first real issues where by a few accounts that I have heard some Town fans clashed with each other over a few anti Lambert comments, this really needs to be stamped out immediately, hopefully it was a one off heat of the moment thing.

There has been comments about has Lambert lost the dressing room, has he fallen out with Evans, he will walk away as he has done before etc etc, the contract in ny opiniin quells all these fears. That for me is unity.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Tangfastic » Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:18 am

You make good points, Marko.

Lambert has done a great PR job. It was really needed to unify the club. Top marks, Lambo... it was crucial. One thing that seems to be forgotten now is the fantastic response from most of the fans. The fans backed the manager and club after a disastrous relegation season...and backed the club so much the attendances increased dramatically and are still pretty good. The fans are still backing the club. But it’s a two-way process - the team has to give back on the pitch. It’s all they’re asking.

As for the supposedly ‘anti’ or negative fans - are they really ‘anti’ fans or just not extreme ‘over-the-top’ fans pumping out positive message after message. I’d say, in a crude way, we have a minority who are very knee-jerk negative types and at the other extreme end a minority who only see the ‘positives’ and bury any other worrying facts or trends. The vast majority are in between and are far more reasoned. They can take the odd bad run, enjoy a win and a good performance, but still question the reasons why we are playing badly or are on a bad run. They are still supporting the team. I mean, if your car was playing up after a reasonable amount of time, would you be ‘negative’ in acknowledging it was misperforming and then want to get it fixed, or would you be ‘positive’ and stick your head in the sand and keep saying “it’s not a problem - it’ll be running fine in a couple of months”.

PL needs to focus more on the on-field issues and less of the PR and sort out the form. The problem isn’t with the fans as they’ve backed the club through a dark period. It’s simply time to put out some decent performances and results on the field. The PR is meaningless if you can’t back it up with results.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Andym » Fri Jan 03, 2020 10:53 am

Superb post.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Fri Jan 03, 2020 11:07 am

tangfastic wrote:
Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:18 am
You make good points, Marko.

Lambert has done a great PR job. It was really needed to unify the club. Top marks, Lambo... it was crucial. One thing that seems to be forgotten now is the fantastic response from most of the fans. The fans backed the manager and club after a disastrous relegation season...and backed the club so much the attendances increased dramatically and are still pretty good. The fans are still backing the club. But it’s a two-way process - the team has to give back on the pitch. It’s all they’re asking.

As for the supposedly ‘anti’ or negative fans - are they really ‘anti’ fans or just not extreme ‘over-the-top’ fans pumping out positive message after message. I’d say, in a crude way, we have a minority who are very knee-jerk negative types and at the other extreme end a minority who only see the ‘positives’ and bury any other worrying facts or trends. The vast majority are in between and are far more reasoned. They can take the odd bad run, enjoy a win and a good performance, but still question the reasons why we are playing badly or are on a bad run. They are still supporting the team. I mean, if your car was playing up after a reasonable amount of time, would you be ‘negative’ in acknowledging it was misperforming and then want to get it fixed, or would you be ‘positive’ and stick your head in the sand and keep saying “it’s not a problem - it’ll be running fine in a couple of months”.

PL needs to focus more on the on-field issues and less of the PR and sort out the form. The problem isn’t with the fans as they’ve backed the club through a dark period. It’s simply time to put out some decent performances and results on the field. The PR is meaningless if you can’t back it up with results.
I don't think it's a case that anyone Bury's their head in the sand at all, what I do think is that some go way way OTT at the first sign of things not going well. We all know this run we've been on is not good and has to stop, only a fool would think otherwise but to have ridiculous threads and posts about should Lambert leave while we were sitting second or third is pathetic by any stretch of the imagination and as Ando has said anyone who thinks we are going to win every game and sit top all season really needs to take a look at themselves, for me it is those people that not only have their heads buried in the sand but firmly up their own backsides too.

"I am done with Lambert now" "he can f*ck off" "He's lost the plot" are just a few examples of what I've read on here and I find it incredible tbh but it's people's right I guess even if I think it's crazy.

I also think you cannot seriously believe that PL is not completely focused on the on field side of things, jesus christ the amount of changes he makes to tactics, line ups and formations he can only be fully focused, for me that is why he is so good because he's trying to do both and I stand by my belief that the off the field issues had to be addressed first even if it meant relegation which ultimately it did. Look at the history of big teams going down, we've had an excellent first half of the season compared to most, its a bloody culture shock which we've dealt with really well but yes we need to start winning again soon and I for one know we will.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by nicscreamer » Fri Jan 03, 2020 11:59 am

I fully expect a more settled side out tomorrow. Same back 3 and same front 2 with hopefully skuse back with downes to solidify the middle field. All I truly ask for is holy back in goal.... surely pl can see that needs to happen. I predict a solid if unspectacular 2-1 win.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Fri Jan 03, 2020 12:03 pm

Do you Nic ? I think there will be a lot of changes but still pretty strong, although I hope you are right. I can actually see Pryzbek in goal tomorrow with Holy back for Accrington Stanley.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by AylesburyBlue » Fri Jan 03, 2020 1:50 pm

Caption (non entry) - Every Ipswich fan when they see Norris leave his goal line

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by hallamblue » Fri Jan 03, 2020 2:18 pm

Bluemike wrote:
Fri Jan 03, 2020 12:03 pm
Do you Nic ? I think there will be a lot of changes but still pretty strong, although I hope you are right. I can actually see Pryzbek in goal tomorrow with Holy back for Accrington Stanley.
Judging by this I’d say at least 4 changes......

https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-new ... post428213

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Shed on tour » Fri Jan 03, 2020 3:34 pm

tangfastic wrote:
Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:18 am
You make good points, Marko.

Lambert has done a great PR job. It was really needed to unify the club. Top marks, Lambo... it was crucial. One thing that seems to be forgotten now is the fantastic response from most of the fans. The fans backed the manager and club after a disastrous relegation season...and backed the club so much the attendances increased dramatically and are still pretty good. The fans are still backing the club. But it’s a two-way process - the team has to give back on the pitch. It’s all they’re asking.

As for the supposedly ‘anti’ or negative fans - are they really ‘anti’ fans or just not extreme ‘over-the-top’ fans pumping out positive message after message. I’d say, in a crude way, we have a minority who are very knee-jerk negative types and at the other extreme end a minority who only see the ‘positives’ and bury any other worrying facts or trends. The vast majority are in between and are far more reasoned. They can take the odd bad run, enjoy a win and a good performance, but still question the reasons why we are playing badly or are on a bad run. They are still supporting the team. I mean, if your car was playing up after a reasonable amount of time, would you be ‘negative’ in acknowledging it was misperforming and then want to get it fixed, or would you be ‘positive’ and stick your head in the sand and keep saying “it’s not a problem - it’ll be running fine in a couple of months”.

PL needs to focus more on the on-field issues and less of the PR and sort out the form. The problem isn’t with the fans as they’ve backed the club through a dark period. It’s simply time to put out some decent performances and results on the field. The PR is meaningless if you can’t back it up with results.
Excellent post tang.
You could imagine the reaction from fans at some other clubs if a manager, who previously in his managerial career had been in charge of their arch rivals, was brought in to try and keep them up and then ended up getting the results that we did last season.
As you say this shows that fortunately our fans are more reasoned but will question why we are playing badly and not getting results especially when we have supposedly the best squad in the league.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by number 9 » Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:03 pm

Great post, Tang! I agree with all of that mate!

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by arana peligrosa » Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:09 pm

Thought this was a league game. Only realized it's one of those cup rounds we're still involved in.

Cut to the chase and voted for us to take it. Applaud anyone making this trip and being in attendance. Guess we got enough to go through to the next stages if Lambert puts out a strong team and provides respect to the competition. Would rather be involved in league action it goes without mention.

Seems they've brought in a kid out of Junior High to referee the event which should provide one or talking points when said and done.

Exeter 0 Town 2

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Charnwood » Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:17 am

Caption Pic of PL.

“I wonder how much money I can squeeze out of Mr Evans in January...........No not for Bloody Players....... How much for me !....I’m far more important”


No point trying to predict the score, like the players, we’ve no idea who’s in the starting line up.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by ashfordblue » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:00 am

Caption PL: Oh sh*t that bloody ASH has turned up, I thought he was Fooking joking when he said he wants to be my Number 2,

My prediction score, Under PL choice of team selection Exeter 3 Town 1, under me as his Number 2 Exeter 0 Town 6 :P

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by marko69 » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:48 am

ashfordblue wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:00 am
My prediction score, Under PL choice of team selection Exeter 3 Town 1, under me as his Number 2 Exeter 0 Town 6 :P
:lol: 👏👏👏

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by derick_ipsw » Sat Jan 04, 2020 4:52 am

Caption 1. Really, Ipswich for another 5 years.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:34 am

Up and raring to go :roll:
Anybody else daft enough to be making the trip today ?
(I thought I would say it before someone else inevitably does)

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by AylesburyBlue » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:26 am

Caption 1 - Lambert accidentally walks into Ipswich Ladies changing rooms.

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by hallamblue » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:45 am

Bluemike wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:34 am
Up and raring to go :roll:
Anybody else daft enough to be making the trip today ?
(I thought I would say it before someone else inevitably does)
COYBS 👍 here’s hoping we don’t c*ck this one up.

Uppa Towan 👍💙

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by JohnnyB » Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:08 am

C’mon town!

Caption 1: Lambert re-reads contract and spots ‘no ranting in press conferences’ clause

Caption 2: Lambert realises today’s ref is a long-lost love child returned to haunt him

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:26 am

CAPTION 1 Lambert's reaction to seeing Donacien in the shower for the first time, " The fans are right, he is a massive d*ck"

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by marko69 » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:23 am

:lol: All of these captions are really making me laugh out loud. Superb stuff 👍👌

So........ who’s daft enough to be...... oh, sorry, just read that you’re going Mike!? :D If it’s any consolation, I travelled to Elland Road one year to watch Hibs be humped 3-0 in a not so friendly “friendly”. Never again!

Hopefully you’re travelling back at 4:50pm today anticipating the quarter final draw. Should be beating Exeter City today. COYBs

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by marko69 » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:27 am

hallamblue wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:45 am
Uppa Towan 👍💙
You been watching BBC Alba, Hallam? Is that Gaelic?

“Who sham debricadool hon hawshimmy doodlebruck ye Ipswich glasheendaroo ye Exeter vleshimmaninawho delashgramaracach uppa Towan.”

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Bluemike » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:41 am

marko69 wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:27 am
hallamblue wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:45 am
Uppa Towan 👍💙
You been watching BBC Alba, Hallam? Is that Gaelic?

“Who sham debricadool hon hawshimmy doodlebruck ye Ipswich glasheendaroo ye Exeter vleshimmaninawho delashgramaracach uppa Towan.”
Lmfao I watched Forfar on Alba before and it is exactly like that!!!!! Brilliant 😂

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Re: Exeter City vs Ipswich Town EFLT Preview & Matchday Thread

Post by Marvinbay1973 » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:45 am

Bluemike wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:34 am
Up and raring to go :roll:
Anybody else daft enough to be making the trip today ?
(I thought I would say it before someone else inevitably does)
Good for you mate have a great day

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