TROY - THE TRACTOR BOY

FROM AWFUL TO AWESOME

2012-02-18T14:07:00.002-08:00

Well what a difference a few weeks makes. Especially when injuries and the end of loan spells means team changes.

The "new" look Ipswich team, featuring younger players that have been around the club for some long while, have now just won four games on the trot. Those awful days which prompted the last posting seem long gone.

I nearly wrote this posting last night but didn't want to tempt fate before the Cardiff game. What a thrilling match that turned out to be with both a lot of luck (our keeper lucky not to be red carded after 9 minutes) and a lot of skillful entertaining football on offer. That followed on from a 5-1 thrashing of league-leaders West Ham, a winning goal in the last few seconds away at Coventry for a 3-2 win, and a 1-0 win at Portsmouth. Sandwiched in the middle was a home game that was abandoned after 37 minutes played in freezing conditions as the ground froze and the linesman was unable to run up and down unless he was 2 yards onto the pitch.

Have we truly turned the corner or is this just another false dawn? Fingers all fully crossed for the former. Come On You Blues!!

SEASON TICKET FOR SALE?

2011-12-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

An opportunity has arisen for one luckless purchaser to watch the remainder of the season's abysmal offerings from ITFC. Cold and weather exposed seat available which provides the opportunity to view away teams scoring at will. Overpaid artisans in blue (see some soon whilst still here on loan) can be seen pocketing large wage packets but giving little back in return. Join our forwards as a spectator at Portman Road. Offers invited.

FOUR GAMES LATER

2011-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well it is now four games later from my last "Give Them Time" post and things are looking up. Ten points out of a possible twelve and seemingly unlucky not to have got the full twelve.

Firstly the home win against Coventry 3-0 live on Sky. Nice to put in a good show for the TV cameras after the abysmal Peterborough performance. I wasn't overwhelmed because I thought Coventry were a poor team but there were many favourable comments from both the media and fans. Next up were Middlesborough away and a very credible 0-0 draw with several chances to have won the game. Yes, a very credible performance. West Ham away came next and a late goal from former Hammer Lee Bowyer got us all three points and a victory much against the bookies' odds. Finally a home game against Brighton and an excellent performance including a brace of superb goals from Michael Chopra. Portman Road was rocking and I couldn't help laughing out loud at some of the crowd's homophobic chants about the Brighton supporters (although of course I know I shouldn't!).

Virtually an unchanged line-up through all the four games - a settled team given time to gel and produce results. Shame the International break has rather put a halt to the momentum that was building up. The next three games are Cardiff away followed by Portmouth at home (evening game) then Crystal Palace. Hopefully I'll still be as upbeat after those games!

GIVE THEM TIME

2011-09-11T03:43:00.000-07:00

We started the Blackpool game yesterday with nine players that were not at ITFC last Christmas. That is an amazing change in line up in less than nine months. It is bound to take time for these players to gel together as a team.

As individuals, they are some great skillful and experienced players. Given time I'm confident that they can have a very positive effect on Ipswich Town's performance in the Championship. I believe Paul Jewell has made some excellent signings.

Time will tell.

THE NEW SEASON

2011-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well I'm looking forward to the new season starting in just over four weeks time. The boys are back in training with, to date, four new faces - Michael Chopra, Aaron Cresswell, Nathan Ellington and Ivar Ingimarsson - and probably more to come. The big news of the close season though was the sale of Wickham to Sunderland for a cool £8million+ (with add-ons could be in excess of £12million). I'm sure all ITFC fans will follow Connor's subsequent career with interest - that's a lot of dough that Sunderland have laid out!

Prior to the start of the league games on August 6th (away v. Bristol City) we have a home friendly against Wolves which will give the fans an opportunity to see the new players. A home tie in the Carling Cup 1st Round against Northampton Town on the 9th August will hopefully kick off another successful cup run.

Shame our closest derby match is now against Peterborough. I shall miss the atmosphere of the games against the old enemy but we may well be playing them in 2012/13 unless we pass each other at the season end!

WHAT A SETBACK!

2011-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

After the encouragement set out in my last posting we've had a complete reality check with our last two results. The ground packed with 29,000 eager fans for the home game against our rivals from up the A140 and the humiliation of a 1-5 thrashing. We were second best everywhere on the pitch. Only loanee Bullard showed any class and scored an exceptional goal.

Then across to Swansea and another thrashing - losing 4-1 to another Top 6 side.

So our Easter return was played 2 lost 2. Goals scored 2, goals conceded 9. That is what I call a reality check.

Lots of transfer market activity needed over the Summer if we are to get into a state where we can be genuine promotion hopefuls next season.

STILL GOING STRONG

2011-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, how'd have thought it a few months ago? We've just gone 5 games without defeat - 4 wins and 1 draw and now are only 6 points off the play-off. Thursday evening sees the biggest game of the season against the old foes from up the road. And we'll be seeking revenge* for the 4-1 humiliation they gave us in front of the TV cameras at Canary House.

Mr Jewell has turned things round to an amazing extent. Well known blogger (and perhaps less well known football pundit) Ken from Derby said "Bet you finish one point from us again this year!" back in March. Not from the table I'm now looking at Ken!

Some people are even dreaming of reaching the play-offs but that's just that - dreaming. There are only twelve points to play for including Thursday evening's tough game as well as visits to Swansea and Leicester. Having said that, the Blues often do the hard work then fall over on the simple tasks such as beating Preston at home (our final home game).

All things considering though - it is looking a lot better for season 2011/12 and I've already booked my season ticket.

* Postscript : We didn't get revenge. Quite the contrary in fact, being thrashed 1-5!

WHAT A CHANGE IN JUST ONE MONTH

2011-02-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

When I last posted on 7th January it appeared that our manager would be Paul Jewell which pleased me no end. Despite his lack of successes at Derby and Sheffield he had such a great track record at Bradford and Wigan. Well the good news was soon confirmed - "PJ" was the new Ipswich manager.

But we first we had a thrashing at Chelsea 7-0. I didn't walk into Portman Road before the first leg of the Carling semi-final against Arsenal with much hope. PJ was introduced to the crowd before the game but wisely, it seemed, he wasn't taking over until the next day. Then 90 thrilling minutes during which Ipswich beat the mighty Arsenal 1-0 in front of a sell-out stadium but then the realism that effectively it was only "half-time" in this two-legged semi-final.

First league game under PJ and we were beaten at Millwall as the team seemed to lose energy towards the end. Then home to Doncaster and an entertaining game which we won 3-2. It was so entertaining that even if we'd drawn 3-3 I would have still have enjoyed the game. The team played well and for the first time, literally for years, the starting eleven finished the game with no substitutes. Tactics were switched during the game but PJ stuck with his starting selection. Disappointment at losing at Arsenal but pride to have been ahead for 150 of the 180 minutes of the tie. No shame at losing at The Emirates but sad not to going to a Wembley final.

There seemed to be an optimistic atmosphere about the place and it was shame that the following week, FA Cup 4th Round, was a dead weekend for the club. Then news that Jimmy Bullard was joining on loan who had played under Jewell at Wigan in their promotion team and had very positive words to say about rejoining his old boss. He was straight into the team for the match away at Derby and scored on his debut in a 2-1 win. And again, no substitutes used!

There are a lot of games still to come in February - the next four all against Yorkshire teams. First up are Sheffield United tomorrow (Saturday). Reading our local paper it seems that team spirits are sky-high. After training this week PJ walked all the players along from the training ground to a local cafe for a cup of tea.

I may live to regret these words but now I'm very enthusiastic about the future. The Keane era already seems to have been just a bad dream. What a change in just one month! And Jewell reckons the squad he's inherited here are much better than the ones he started with at Bradford and Wigan.

COME ON YOU BLUES!

Postscript : Great game against Sheffield United. 3-0 win including a wonder goal from Connor Wickham. Three league wins on the trot in PJ's first four games; something Keane never managed throughout his spell at ITFC.

A JEWELL IN THE CROWN?

2011-01-07T02:20:00.000-08:00

I came back home from last weekend's home game and the first thing I said to Mrs Troy on coming in the front door was "If Keane continues to manage the club then I'm not renewing my season ticket. It's just not entertaining, there's no pleasure in watching football like that".

I wasn't at the Leicester match but I did watch that great 3-0 snowbound win on the TV from my seat in a bar in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. But that was only one win in a run of nine league games. In contrast, last weekend's defeat was dire. In fact I understand that Keane's record with Ipswich is 28 wins out of 81, just over a third. Not relegation form perhaps, but very mediocre.

So as I write this, half an hour before the official news conference, all the betting seems to be on Paul Jewell becoming the new manager. My "home" team - Bradford City - was well managed by Jewell who took them up into the Premiership and kept them up there the following season. In fact Bradford's decline began with the sacking of Jewell. He seems to be a no-nonsense Scouser (okay, it's an oxymoron) and I'm looking forward to seeing how he shapes the team from the resources he inherits. Should be interesting. And as for our next two fixtures - Chelsea and Arsenal in two cup games - what a baptism of fire!

PAINFUL VIEWING AT SPARROW ROAD

2010-11-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Another defeat - this time at the home of the yellow budgies at Sparrow Road in front of a television audience. That's four games - 360 minutes in which we've conceded 10 goals with only 2 goals in response, both by defenders.

We continue to play some neat football when going forward, but we don't defend well. We also can blame some bad luck. In the derby game today their hat-trick hero was lucky not to see red for his reckless second minute foul, he seemed to control the ball with his hand on his way to scoring his first goal and he fell over very easily when getting Delaney sent off. But then the yellow perils have a hat-trick scoring centre forward - I can't remember the last time that an Ipswich player scored a hat-trick.

And that comes down to who put this team together. Virtually every player in today's squad is a Keane signing.

SORT IT OUT MR MARCUS EVANS!!

2010-11-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Two awful home defeats with unattractive unentertaining football by the home team. Falling attendance, boos ringing out round the ground and chants of "Keano, Keano, sort it out!"

My blog heading however is "Sort it out, Mr Marcus Evans!" because I've slowly but surely come to the conclusion that the real problem is the manager. The team is no better than it was when Roy Keane joined 19 months ago and is considerably less entertaining to watch. When I first started watching Ipswich Town when I moved here four years ago I saw many entertaining games. If Town fell a goal behind there was always some confidence that they could pull two goals back.

Not now.

Eleven players, seemingly strangers with so many misplaced passes. Centre backs played as full backs that can't go forward and overlap. Wingers that come infield rather than get to the by-line. Money spent on players who haven't performed. Decent players, who played their heart out for the team, sold for next to nothing or not given new contracts. A "Wonderkid" alledgedly worth £8million yet who hasn't scored this season whether being in the starting line-up or coming on as an "impact" sub. Take the £8million Mr Evans and give it to a new manager.

What we have at present, the sort of fare served up at home against Derby and Barnsley, is just not good enough. Not by a long way!

Sort it out Mr Marcus Evans....NOW before we go to Carrow Road!

LAST EIGHT BUT BOTTOM HALF

2010-10-27T03:14:00.000-07:00

I did tempt fate by blogging about the good start to the season - we lost the following three games and have only taken 4 points from the last six games. So now we find ourselves in the familiar place - the bottom half of the Championship. There's two items of good news though. We are still only three points off the play-offs and last night we got through to the last eight of the Carling Cup. Troy Junior and I both enjoyed a great cup game at Portman Road against League Two outfit Northampton Town. They had had a great cup run - knocking out League One Brighton, then Championship team Reading before amazing going to Anfield and beating Liverpool! So they must have approached last night's game with an element of confidence. Ipswich dominated the first fifteen minutes before going behind when a slight deflection on a shot lobbed our goalie. However we came back with two first half goals and had the bulk of the possession in the second half before scoring a third on 88 minutes. Northampton were far from disgraced however and had some nice touches and made a game of it. They certainly don't deserve to be propping up League Two.

The draw for the Quarter Finals is eagerly awaited. With the exception of Burnley, who play Villa tonight at Villa Park, all the clubs remaining in the cup are Premiership teams. So it would be a cruel cup-draw that would see us going to Burnley. Hopefully we'll get a home tie and then who knows? A two-legged Semi-Final would be exciting!

Millwall at home is the next game up on Saturday, by which time the Carling Cup draw will have taken place. Ipswich will be featuring a few times on the TV between now and Christmas with the games against *******, Swansea and Leicester all being televised.

TEN GAMES INTO THE SEASON - LOOKING GOOD

2010-10-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to tempt fate by posting earlier. We'd made a good start to a season which, by definition, is a marathon not a sprint. However off the back of reaching the last 16 in the Carling Cup and now being fifth in the league after ten league games it is time to make some optimistic noises.

The Leeds game yesterday was an exciting one played in a great atmosphere. We should probably have won by a wider margin having failed to capitalise on several chances - but that lead to a more exciting, albeit nail biting game. I haven't been to any away games yet this season (I rarely do) but listen to them all on Radio Suffolk ("every kick of every game"). It seems we were unlucky to only get 1 point out of our last two away games.

It was disappointing also to be thrashed 0-3 at home by QPR, but they appear to be the form team of the season so far.

A break now for the International games is probably for the best, given that we played seven games in the period 11th September to 2nd October - nearly a game every three days! The rest will do the players good.

After eight consecutive away games in various cup matches it was a relief to be drawn at home in the next round of the Carling Cup. A home tie against League Two Northampton Town should, in theory at least, be an easy match. But then again, that's what Liverpool must have felt when they entertained Northampton at Anfield! Northampton will surely be fired up with a place in the last eight of a cup up for grabs. I'll take Troy Junior along to the game - its an evening kick-off but it falls in the half-term holiday so he can stay up for once. If it goes to extra time and penalties he'll probably fall asleep though!

So much to look forward to as we enter October. Home games against Coventry and Millwall and away games against Nottingham Forest and Watford, plus the cup game. Already the mind wanders to the away game against high-riding ******* which is going to televised live on BBC at the end of November. As things stand, it could be a "six pointer" but more than that; East Anglian pride is at stake!

As with last season, I won't post after each game, but should be back with an update towards the end of the month, after the cup game.

COME ON YOU BLUES!

POOR END TO A POOR SEASON

2010-05-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Time has flown by since my last posting here. Yesterday was the last day of the season for most Championship teams - all those except the lucky four teams who are through to the play-offs.

Since I last posted at the beginning of March, we've won 5, drawn 3 and lost 5. Eighteen points out of thirty nine. Not brilliant, is it? Three home wins on the trot followed by a dire loss at home against Plymouth. A good draw away at Newcastle. Then finally, yesterday, a really poor performance at home resulting in a 0-3 loss to Sheffield United.

We've finished in 15th place on 56 points, equal to Derby but with marginally worse goal difference. We spent the last couple of months reasonably clear of the relegation zone but still firmly rooted in the bottom half of the table.

So a full season under the team management of Roy Keane has not resulted in any improvement over last season. In fact the opposite has happened. Our leading goal scorer on 8 goals sums up clearly one of our biggest problems. We gave debuts over the season to 21 players. We virtually never played with a settled team. Two seven figure signings, Tamas Priskin and Lee Martin never managed to shine at all. Newcomers Leadbitter and, once moved to centre back, Delaney, have both proved decent signings but overall not clever dealings in the transfer market. The players' player of the year was Jack Colback who is a loan player, now on his way back to Sunderland.

The jury remains out on Roy Keane. I'm almost in the "Keane Out" camp - I've got one foot in it. If we are still playing the same way come the end of September then our faceless owner will need to make the change. We really don't want another season like this one.

MORE UPS AND DOWNS

2010-03-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Since I posted last at the beginning of February, it has been a case of yet more ups and downs. A last minute goal conceded at home against Middlesborough leading to a 1-1 draw (probably a fair result), a good 2-1 win away at QPR which was a game of two halves (first good, second bad), a shocking defeat away at Peterborough despite taking the lead, an away win at Sheffield Wednesday. The games were coming thick and fast. We had a 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe which we really could have done with winning. Then an enjoyable but ultimately frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Bristol City, where their goalie played the game of his life. All that action, mainly away from home, took us through February and early in March a 1-0 defeat away at Blackpool.

So here we are on Sunday 7th. I'm writing this having watched a great FA Cup game on the TV - Reading v Aston Villa which had Villa come back from 2-0 at half-time to ultimately win comfortably. However Reading, who are relegation candidates along with Ipswich, are playing some attractive football.

As things stand at the moment we are relying on Sheffield Wednesday and Scunthorpe to perform worse than Ipswich over the balance of the season. One of those teams might then join Peterborough and Plymouth falling through the trap-door to League One.

We've got six more games to play in March. Home to Cardiff, Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Plymouth (need 9 points from them) and away to Watford and Swansea (2 or 3 points would be useful from them). This month will be crucial to our survival in the Championship given we have some tough games, like Newcastle and Forest, to come in April.

UPS AND DOWNS

2010-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

What a frustrating season this is turning out to be. Before last Saturday's game we had gone 15 league games with only 1 defeat and we had slowly begun to climb away from the bottom of the table. A win away at Cardiff, and wins a home against Blackpool, QPR and Coventry. A good away win at Blackpool in the FA Cup 3rd Round and decent home draws against high-flying Leicester and West Brom. Things seemed to be looking up. An unlucky loss away at Crystal Palace when by all accounts Jon Stead was most unlucky to be red-carded (despite losing his appeal). The back four were looking solid with McAuley and Delaney forming a great central partnership. The midfield of Leadbitter, Norris, Peters and Walters were skillful and hard-working. Counago looked to have found his scoring boots, especially with the wonderfully taken 97th minute goal against Coventry. Onwards and upwards?

I chose to buy a ticket for the 4th Round cup game away at Southampton. I was looking forward to seeing the difference in class between the Championship and League One. I was to be sorely disappointed. Althought the bookies had The Saints as marginally shorter odds to win the game I went there confident of an Ipswich victory and a place in the last 16. What a let down was the Town's performance on the day!

Last Saturday's game at Preston, with a 2-0 defeat sounded, from both the radio commentary and the Evening Star's match report, as though the Town never really turned up for the game. So now we are back in a relegation scrap being just one position above the drop zone and with four away games out of our next five fixtures. We've been let down by our strikers this season when we desperately needed a 20 goal a season hitman. We have strikers who can be good on their day but not consistent enough.

Today's news is that Priskin is off on loan to QPR after his 1 league goal return for his £1.7million fee, season-to-date. Town are bringing in more loan players from Sunderland - 2 strikers, Healy (ex Leeds) and Murphy. How we need them to perform between now and May. I truly believe that Ipswich are too good to be relegated but with three teams going down they do need to buck up their ideas p.d.q. Every game, starting with Middlesborough at home before away games at QPR, Peterborough, Sheffield Wednesday and Scunthorpe, become "must win" fixtures. The three away games against other lowly teams are especially crucial.

I'll post again in five games time after the Scunthorpe match - hopefully feeling better about the season!

WRIGHT ON TARGET

2009-11-03T03:56:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for that! At last a win at the fifteenth opportunity. David Wright, full back, heading in the only goal of the game in the 66th minute. A poor game, which frankly Derby deserved to take a point from, but hey, a win is a win.

Although still bottom, the league table looks better now. Only six points separates us from mid-table. Looking at the nine teams above us then all, with the exception of Derby, have still to come to Portman Road this season. The play-offs seem a totally unrealistic dream but surely the nightmare of relegation is similarly unrealistic?

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN?

2009-10-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

The corner kick is taken by Gary Roberts. Curling in, it is met by the head of Jordan Rhodes for him to score his third goal of the game. Hat-trick hero Rhodes has scored his eleventh goal of the season by early October.

Of course these two ITFC players have now both moved on to Huddersfield Town and the action I describe above took place this season on October 10th with both players wearing Huddersfield Town colours. I used to enjoy watching Gary Roberts play at Portman Road. He would try some skillful touches - they didn't always come off but when on form he looked a useful and entertaining player. Last season he was voted Huddersfield Town's player of the season. Young Jordan Rhodes rarely got a chance to shine at Portman Road but his form whilst on loan to Brentford last season showed him to be a player of promise. A goal I saw him score pre-season which I observed from just behind the goal was a piece of sublime finishing.

Now there are rumours that some Premier League managers are casting their eyes over Rhodes with a price tag of £2million mentioned. It is difficult to dispute that Roy Keane has let slip an exceptional young talent at a bargain price. Some of our recent signings need to step up a gear to justify to the fans why we are watching them play rather than seeing the talents of Rhodes and Roberts at Portman Road.

Let's hope the improvements start this weekend at home to Swansea, then on Tuesday next at home to Watford.

IS THIS JUST A BAD DREAM?

2009-09-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Nine games into the season and the worst start ever for ITFC. On Saturday evening the club put on a wonderful tribute to Sir Bobby Robson both before the game and at half-time. In contrast, the team put on a woeful display of football. The game against Newcastle could best be summed up as "Men versus Boys". We were outclassed in every position.

I missed the previous home game against Nottingham Forest (1-1) so this was my first opportunity to see three new signings - Leadbitter, Edwards and Rosenior. None of them had much opportunity to impress in the Newcastle game. I do suspect however that Newcastle will be a class apart in the Championship this season so maybe it isn't totally doom and gloom. However if things don't pick up soon we will have a real relegation battle on our hands. Who would have thought that in early August?

PERFORMING AT LESS THAN 10%

2009-08-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fifteeen days and four games into the 2009/10 Season and what a disappointing start! Equal bottom of the league with only one point. Two goals scored in 360 minutes of football. One point out of twelve - an abysmal 8.33% performance.

Now the Ipswich Evening Star is leading their latest match report with the opinion that Ipswich face a relegation battle this season. That seems a little pessimistic after only four games but then the next six games include matches against Middlesboro, Preston, Newcastle and Sheffield United. What's the likelihood of just another 3 or 4 points out of a possible 18 from those six games? Fifteen days ago I was hopeful that we'd be going into the West Brom game with 9 points already on the board as the first three fixtures all seemed very winnable.

We were unlucky not to get anything out of the first game against Coventry. We were lucky to get a point against a good Leicester side who could easily have scored three goals against us. The Palace game was an entertaining game but we were generally second best throughout most of that game.

You can tell things are not going well when two substitutes come on at the start of the second half - this has happened twice now in four games. The captain has been dropped to the bench. A sixteen year old striker, just getting his GCSE results, is choosen ahead on the recently signed £1million+ international striker. Healy and especially Delaney look poor purchases from recent appearances. These two new signings didn't even make the squad for the WBA game.

Oh dear! "Things can only get better"? When that expression heralded the dawn of New Labour things only got worse with the equivalent of a Sunday League player first in charge of our finances and then made captain. So let's just look on the bright side of life.

Let's hope for a decent result in the Carling Cup on Tuesday against Peterborough and some decent play by the home team against Preston next Saturday. Stay tuned!

RIP - SIR BOBBY

2009-07-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sad news that Sir Bobby Robson has passed away today at the age of 76. I wasn't here when he was Ipswich manager but I do remember watching those teams on 'Match of the Day'. He was also so close to being a World Cup winner in 1990. He will be remembered for his passion for the game and the gentlemanly way in he always conducted himself. Truly a football giant and legend. There will be a two minutes silence at the friendly game tonight to honour and remember him and the players will wear black armbands. RIP Sir Bobby.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

2009-07-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to go to the Wilnis Testamonial as these can be quite farcical. However I changed my mind on the SAturday morning after reading that Roy Keane was treating it as a serious pre-season friendly. So it was probably the only chance of watching a derby match this season and a chance to see the new signings.

I went in the North Lower Stand (first time) through the cash turnstyle and was given an allocated seat in Row B (2nd row) just behind the goal. A much poorer view than my usual Cobbold Upper Stand seat which is on line with the penalty spot. However it was a beautiful sunny afternoon.

So what has changed teamwise? Haynes has gone to Bristol and in have come Martin, Delaney and Brown. Lee Martin played on the wing and looks very promising. Delaney though looked very ordinary and not a patch on Wright or Thatcher (hope I'm proved wrong though). Brown didn't play so I was unable to shout "Come on Troy [Brown]".
Colchester started brightly and looked the better team first half. That was disappointing. From where I was sitting Town seemed to be forever passing the ball side to side with little excitement.

At the break there was a short nine a side game with old Town players including of course Wilnis. An enjoyable short game with three goals. Interesting to see Stockwell for the first time who Rosy said looks like my Town gnome Ignatius (see Troy blog). I think she may be right.

Several changes in the second half and a fine own goal scored just in front of me. Then Jordan Rhodes came on and within a couple of minutes had scored a great goal - a clinical finish at the near post, just feet from where I was sitting. Worth the £15just to see that composure and skillful play at very close quarters.

Final score 2-0, but not a convincing result against lower league opposition. I was sorry to see that Town were proposing to sell Counago to Swansea but subsequently pleased to read that Pablo could not agree personal terms. I hope he stays with Ipswich.

Next game, for which I'm sitting in the Britannia Stand, is against the Spanish team Real Valladolid on Friday 31st. I'll probably do a short blog on it.

ANTICIPATING THE NEW SEASON

2009-07-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

It seems a long time since last season ended. There doesn't seem to have been much news on the transfer market regarding Ipswich but I'm guessing things must be about to happen as the start of the new season gets closer. I turned over my calendar to July today (not surprisingly!) and saw the two home friendly matches come into view - the Wilnis testamonial on the 24th and the game against Real Valladolid on the 31st. I'm looking forward to the Spanish game - lets hope they put in a bit more effort than last season's Spanish team.

I'm also pleased to see that our first away game (against Coventry) will be live on Sky. Also hot news today is that the home against Newcastle in September will be live on BBC (k.o. 5.30pm). That will give my father a chance to see the Super Blues in action as he doesn't have Sky Sports.

Unless something drastic happens in the transfer market I doubt I'll post again prior to the start of the season. I hope you are all enjoying the Summer weather and Wimbledon.

AT LAST - THREE WINS ON THE TROT!

2009-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

I've just got back from an enjoyable afternoon at Portman Road watching the last game of the season. It was of course Roy Keane's first home game as manager and he got a very warm welcome from a crowd of over 27,000 supporters. The team got off to a good start too although the linesman in front of us didn't seem to quite grasp the offside rule, waving his flag erroneously several times. Despite this we were still 2-0 to the good within half an hour and I was hoping the team would go on and get several more.

The score in the ******* game was being broadcast by the North Stand - as in "one-nil, the Scum are losing one-nil" and then "two-nil, the Scum are losing two-nil" and then "three-nil, the Scum are losing three-nil". A carnival atmosphere in the sunshine with several Mexican Waves (or was that sneezes?).

The second half proved to be an anti-climax with the team losing their shape and reverting a little to earlier form. When we conceded with more than ten minutes to play the match was far from over. In fact Coventry hit the corner of the post/bar from a free kick with the last kick of the game.

After a long wait we had the customary end of season lap of honour and another rousing reception for Roy Keane. By then the other results had been announced and ******* had indeed been relegated, six points adrift of safety. Birmingham, who I've watched in the Premiership on occasions from one of their executive boxes had gained automatic promotion by winning at Reading. Well done to them! So just the play-offs between Sheffield United, Reading, Burnley and Preston still to go to decide the final promotion place. Cardiff missed out on the play-offs by the narrowest of margins, scoring 65 goals to Preston's 66 goals, whilst being equal on points and goal difference. Ipswich's 3 goals at Cardiff recently not being overhelpful there! You have to feel sorry for Cardiff, NOT!

A good end to a disappointing season with Ipswich in 9th position on 66 points. Remarkably getting 33 points from both home and away matches. Poor home form cost us a play-off place. My player of the season? Difficult choice between Jon Stead, David Wright and (after a shaky start) Richard Wright. I'll choose Stead as my forward, D.Wright as my defender, R.Wright as goalkeeper (46 appearances!) and Quinn as best midfielder. Disappointment overall with Haynes, Norris, Lisbie and even Jon Walters (although he was often played on the left rather than his better right). It was good to see Jaime Peters come back from the wilderness for the last three games.

So here's to next season! It won't be an easy league to get out of with West Brom Middlesborough and Newcastle most likely now coming down into the Championship - but I'm already looking forward to it.

Here are two photos taken during the players' lap of honour:-
Roy Keane is on here, just left of centre [click on photo to enlarge].

The players take the applause of the North Stand

PLEASE JOIN ME HERE AGAIN NEXT SEASON - I'M ALSO KEEN TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS SEASON. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER EVERYONE!

TRACTOR ROY!

2009-04-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

Well blow me down - Roy Keane! Someone that I didn't even consider when wondering who would be our next manager. To say I was shocked when I heard the news was an understatement which is why its taken me over a day to do a blog posting about it.

On the plus side it certainly shows Marcus Evans' ambitions for the club. Ambitions that we as fans likewise share. Roy Keane certainly has a winner's mentality. Exciting times should be ahead.

But....

And for me its a big but. I can't say I've ever really admired Roy Keane. It the same as my wanting any team other than Man. Utd. to win the Premiership. There are ways and means of winning in my book. I couldn't previously imagine putting Roy Keane and Ipswich Town in the same sentence. That's probably because even as a relative newcomer I quickly bought into the concept of ITFC being the archetypal local community club. It is still hard to think of it instead as being a rich man's toy. Yet that is today's reality and I think the appointment of Roy Keane cements that view.

However if this new appointment means that Saturday afternoons (and cold Tuesday evenings) down Portman Road become exciting events where the team play well, with a great spirit, and win their matches I for one will be happy. If Keane gets 100% effort out of the players or ships them out otherwise that's okay with me. If the atmosphere generally is like the derby-day atmosphere with a near sell-out crowd on a regular basis then yes, bring on that feel-good feeling!

JIM IS OUT!

2009-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy watching developments with the national finances today, it being Budget Day, that I have only just seen the news from Portman Road that owner Marcus Evans has sacked manager Jim Magilton. I got an e-mail from my wife, which I opened moments ago, saying simply "Jim is out". Going on to the Evening Star and IFTC websites confirm the news. Assistant John Gorman leaves too. Rather tantilisingly there is speculation that a new manager already lined up will be announced this week. Who will it be?

It is a shame when anybody, young or old, rich or poor, loses their job involuntarily. However football is the ultimate results orientated profession. On a day when Labour announce a fiscal position that takes the nation from premiership standard under Thatcher all the way down to Blue Square ignominy under Brown, Jim's achievements in keeping ITFC as a mid-table mediocre Championship team despite high spending seems an almost reasonable achievement. Brown and his sidekick Darling remain in their positions for probably another thirteen months despite total and utter incompentence in their jobs, yet Jim is gone.

As a newcomer to ITFC I unfortunately never saw first hand the playing contribution to ITFC by Jim Magilton. However everything I hear points to him being, like Stuart McCall at my old club Bradford, a true legend. So it is a shame that his transition to manager was not ultimately a successful one (a bit like McCall!).

I eagerly await the news of the new manager.

ITFC - PRIDE OF EAST ANGLIA

2009-04-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

What a pleasant change at Portman Road this lunchtime - an enjoyable game which ends with Ipswich winning. A near capacity crowd of 28,274 were treated to an exciting derby game against *******. A beautiful warm and sunny day and a great atmosphere within the ground. With ******* in the bottom three and their fans staring relegation in the face there were some amusing chants sung by the home fans in the packed North Stand.

However, ******* took the lead against the run of play and then Thatcher had to go off injuried having taken a bad knock. On as replacement comes Jaime Peters for his first game of the season. I enjoyed watching Peters play last season and he played very well today with some exciting runs forward. With Quinn scoring a fine goal from a tight angle after a good assist from Giovani it was all square at half time. We were lacking height up front but Lisbie bundled off the ball in the area gave us a soft penalty. Giovani kept his nerve well to slot home the penalty. All around me fans were calling for the introduction of Stead to give us more height upfront. I personally would have replaced Lisbie and Counago with Stead and Haynes on the hour mark. Instead it was Giovani and Counago that made way for Stead and Haynes some while later. Stead soon made his presence felt and scored with a great touch just before full time. With the clock running down the 4 minutes of added on time Norwich were given a penalty. From the opposite end of the ground I clearly saw Quinn's push on Lee - it was a fair penalty and put away cleanly. So with a final score of 3-2 with 3 well taken goals and two penalties it was an enjoyable and entertaining couple of hours in the Spring sunshine. This is what football is all about. The large crowd left happy and Jim's career as manager survives this potentially difficult fixture.

Will ******* stay up or will they be relegated? On this showing there wasn't a wide gulf between the two teams. However the long banner unfurled at the end of the game in the North Stand which read "ITFC - Pride Of East Anglia" summed up the day well.

.................................................................

Troy is off to Bradford next weekend to see what was supposed to be a celebration of Bradford City's promotion from League Two but it is now not to be due to their recent on field performances. However the last home game of the season at Valley Parade is always an emotional occasion as it is the game held closest to the anniversary of the Bradford City fire which occurred on Saturaday May 11th, 1985. A two minutes silence before the start of the match is held in rememberance of the many people who perished watching their beloved team.

WHAT DO WE WANT?

2009-04-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

THE SEASON HAS FINISHED BEFORE EASTER

2009-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't travel up to Sheffield for last weekend's game so I'm relying on the Evening Star write up to judge our performance. Well actually, not just the newspaper report, because losing 2-0 does have a certain hint about the performance. Yet when the Star describe the team's performance as "hopeless" it makes you wonder. That match was a "must win game". In fact Jim Magilton is quoted prior to the match saying that Town needed to win all six remaining games to have a chance of reaching an end of season play-off position. Instead we fell at the first hurdle on Grand National weekend.

There was quite a change to the team line up due to injuries. Fringe players who we might have assumed would play their hearts out to retain their places through to the end of the season instead took part in being "hopeless". Our recent form has been shocking- more relegation rather than promotion material. Let's hope we don't take that into the new season.

So there's nothing really left to this season other than the ******* game. If the team let us down in that match then a wholesale clear-out must happen - the manager and several players. Even a good performance against ******* which might see them relegated won't make up for a bitterly disappointing season.

Just for a bit of fun I tried the end of season predictor that is on the BBC Sport website. You forecast all the results between now and the season's end and it gives you the closing league table. I had Wolves (89), Birmingham (86) as auto-promotions then Sheff. Utd (81), Cardiff (81), Reading (80) and Burnley (74) in the play-offs. Swansea, Preston and Bristol City also finished above us. I had Norwich (47), Southampton (42) and Charlton (33) relegated. If Ken is reading this, Derby I had at 15th with 57 points. Anyway, just a bit of fun, although I got it fairly close last season.

Mr Evans needs to do something drastic to ensure next season isn't just more of the same.

....AND THEN 4 POINTS DROPPED AT HOME

2009-03-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

After those two good away performances we had 6 points up for grabs at home against Burnley and Watford. The Burnley game started brightly with several excellent chances being missed, one in particular by our new man Gio dos Santos where he hit his shot straight at the keeper when through on goal. It was only in the second half, when the Burnley goalkeeper came down our end that I realised what a big and intimidating person he was. After those chances being spurned Burnley inevitably went ahead. Our equaliser though was a brilliant piece of football from our new No.20 "Gio". Great ball control, ran passed defenders then unleashed a hard shot from just on the edge of the area. However the game ended in a stalemate - a much better result for Burnley than for us.

Watford was an intriguing tie because we have had got into a bad habit in losing the last seven games we've played against Watford. Well at least we broke that habit and in a tense second half we peppered the Watford goal with shots. Their goalie made one exceptional save from a Quinn piledriver. However Richard Wright was also called to make three exceptional saves during the course of the game. An entertaining 0-0 draw but another stalemate and another two points dropped.

The play-offs are still mathematically reachable but it so unlikely. As I write this we also have three of our best players out injuried - Walters, Civelli and dos Santos. Civelli is not expected back until well into next season which is a real blow. He looks a skillful player although ungainly at times - we will miss him. Dos Santos could well have had a hat-trick in the Watford game. Lucky of Ipswich to find such a player (oh, I forget, Jordan Rhodes scored a hat-trick on his debut on loan to Brentford, but he's homegrown so not playing in our team!).

So our last nine games have seen just one win. We shouldn't even be talking about the playoffs at all with that sort of performance. Put together last season's home form and this season's away form and we would have had automatic promotion sown up by now.

Perhaps next season? I'll renew my season ticket and keep my fingers crossed. Only six more games before the end of this season with the local derby against ******* being the main thing to look forward to for now.

TWO GREAT AWAY RESULTS

2009-03-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

To play the top team and the third from top team away from home and not concede a goal is an excellent performance. To bring home 4 points from these two encounters is a great achievement for the team. So mathematically at least the play-offs remain within reach although realistically unlikely. I would love to have to eat my words though.

I was surprised to read that we have a Mexican International on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season. I'm going to have to open another tab to look up his name again.....he's called Giovani Dos Santos. Hopefully we'll be shouting it out loud during Tuesday's home game against Burnley. He's been brought in following the news that Jon Walters is out for the rest of the season and I believe needs surgery. Quite an exotic team now with a Pablo, Luca and Giovani.

I hope we perform well this coming Tuesday evening at home against Burnley as we can't afford to give them any points at our expense. I do think the play-offs are a great idea. An MBE to whoever thought of them (unless they already have a knighthood of course). Of course that just a suggestion...I don't have it within my powers to award MBEs. The play-offs retain interest towards the end of the season for so many more clubs and supporters than if it was just the top three past the post getting promoted. Maybe there should be something similar at the bottom of the table - two automatically relegated but the next two face a play-off to stay in the division. If that idea is taken up I hope I'll get an MBE (or better still, a knighthood). Of course if Ipswich ever were to get relegated from fourth bottom position I suppose I'd now get a lynching instead.

A FEW LUCKY SUPPORTERS

2009-03-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

There were only a few hundred noisy and enthusiastic fans at Portman Road present to witness a great team performance. Yet they saw a team play with skill and passion, eager to win every ball, eager to push forwards towards goal. Eager and able to entertain.

But enough about the Southampton supporters and their team.

I unfortunately was part of a weary and dispirited group of over nineteen thousand Ipswich Town suppporters present at the same match. We saw what many longer term supporters than myself felt was the worse Ipswich home performance in years. A scoreline of 3-0 flattered us. It could have been five or six. Our defending was comical (think Laurel & Hardy meet the Marx Brothers) and our midfield passing was woeful. Even after two half-time substitutions (when was the last time that happened at Portman Road?) nothing really changed. After the second Southampton goal went in there were loud and prolonged choruses of "What A Load Of Rubbish" from seemingly all around the ground. The radio phone-in on the way home echoed these sentiments.

Yet many of the players were the same ones that played so well at Loftus Road against QPR (see previous posting). But Jim and the players certainly lost the crowd this evening. Turning out on a wet and blustery evening we must all have had high hopes for this game against a team third from bottom of the league, but how cruelly were those hopes dashed. Towards the end many home fans were applauding the good play by Southampton and clapped the scorer of two of their goals when he was substituted. Instead of the restrain "Can we play you every week?" I felt like singing "Can we watch you every week?"

It is crystal clear that our team is not worthy of promotion. On tonight's performance the whole idea is absurd. And at least a Southampton win is blow for ******* in their quest to avoid relegation.

OUR BEST PERFORMANCE SO FAR THIS SEASON?

2009-02-23T05:35:00.001-08:00

I watched this game at our village community hall rather than trail down to Portman Road. A Coca-Cola and a packet of Walker's crisps for £1.20 (can't be bad). When Town went one nil down within the first three minutes I thought it was going to be a bad evening. Yet once they settled down after the first five minutes they played some excellent football. We were unlucky not to be ahead at the interval. The second half saw two brilliant goals, first by Pablo (ole, ole) and then from a 40 yard diagonal cross from Quinny, Jon Walters controlled the ball in the air then smashed it into the back of the net. 3-1, final score. I got a pie and chips from the local fish shop and went home happy.

I've never doubted that this Town squad had a game like this in them. It was knowing that we have such a strong, skillful squad which made so many of this season's home performances so annoying. Hopefully Jim will stick with these fourteen players who put in such a great performance at QPR with Balkenstein and Schumi there to cover injuries.

I noticed that Fabio Capello was in the crowd at QPR. Was he watching Richard Wright I wonder? If so, I think he'll have been impressed.

THE WRIGHT STUFF!

2009-02-19T05:38:00.001-08:00

Ipswich v Nottingham Forest was an entertaining game. It could easily have finished 4-3 or 3-3. And it was a welcome sensation for part of the game to have a 2 goal cushion but we had the inevitable nail biting finish. Richard Wright made a tremendous save in the first half and an even better one in the second. I know I criticised him earlier in the season but his game has improved significantly since then (back to his best form). Having said that, I do think should it become mathematically impossible for us to reach the play-offs that Shane Supple should be given a few games. It must be so frustrating to sit on the bench all season.

David Wright scored a great goal. I'm a big fan of David Wright. I always feel better when I see his name on the teamsheet and if I were picking the team he would be one of the first names on my sheet each week. Alex Bruce and Alan Quinn would be others. I thought Danny Haynes had a nightmare of a game - he seemed completely out of sorts. I was happy to see Jon Walters take his place even though he is playing below his own high standards of last season. I do like the look of our new signing Luca Civelli and expect great things of him as he gets more games under his belt.

I see that Town are opening up their restaurant/bar to show the QPR game on Saturday. I think this is a great idea for fans, like me, who don't have Sky at home. So I'll go down there early Saturday for a drink, a bite to eat and hopefully to see a good game of football.

WANTED URGENTLY - A NEW MANAGER

2009-02-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

I could not have imagined at the start of this season, at the start of ITFC's marketing department's Operation Premiership, that we would have a spell of home games where we garnered only 3 points out of a possible 15. We've lost to Cardiff and Birmingham, we've drawn against Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea and Blackpool in our last five home games.

P5 W0 D3 L2

Worse case scenario should have been to beat Wednesday and Blackpool, drawn with Cardiff and Swansea and lost to Birmingham P5 W2 D2 L1 - eight points rather than three. This would not have been promotion form but we would now have been close to the play-offs.

Last season, well certainly in the first half of last season, it would not have been imprudent to put a bet on Ipswich beating Blackpool by 3 goals to nil. I've just broken off writing this to look back at last season's programmes and see that we actually played Blackpool on the same middle Saturday of February and beat them 2-1. So exactly a year on and we've gone backwards in this fixture.

That's not surprising as we have indeed gone backwards virtually all season. We may have won away from home a few times which is an improvement on last season. However overall, and considering how much money has been spent, I feel the manager has taken the club backwards not forwards. Jim Magilton comes over as a decent, honest man with strong feelings for the club, but somehow he can't mould a team or motivate the individual players sufficiently to make the requisite progress the fans expect.

Listening to Radio Suffolk on the way back from the match this seems to also be the overwhelming feeling of the fans who phoned in. My feeling is that it is now a question of when, not if Jim leaves the club. Will it be before the end of February so that a new manager has the chance to come in and experiment with this squad and perhaps recall some young loan players over the balance of this season? Or will Mr Evans wait until May thus delaying a new manager by three vital months before the start of season 2009/10?

This coming week, and Wednesday's game against Forest, should be interesting. I'll be very interested also to hear the thoughts of any readers of this blog regarding Jim's future. If you feel strongly either way do please comment.

I LOOK AT THE LEAGUE TABLE AND I DESPAIR

2009-02-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

A comprehensive defeat by a team we needed to beat to keep up any realistic hope of a promotion challenge. It sounds, from listening to the commentary that we hardly had a shot on target all game. Walters subbed at half-time sums up his recent performances.

It is frustrating and it is disappointing. The league table now shows a 4 point gap between us and the top 10 and a depressing 7 point gap and the play-off positions.

I suspect we will be lucky to get 7 points out of the next 12 on offer and that would just maintain our position as a mid-table team.

I'm fortunate to also historically support Bradford City who are making decent progress in League Two. That is a very tight league for the top few places but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that City's good season and form continue through to May.

EUPHORIA DASHED!

2009-01-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

I went down to Portman Road in good spirits this afternoon. After three successive away victories in the League and a very credible performance in the Cup against Chelsea things were looking up. Plymouth at home, with Plymouth's recent poor form, looked a three point banker. I didn't put a bet on Ipswich though as this always puts a jinx on things.

With the game starting well I was looking forward to a potential goal feast. So it was disappointing to go home hungry. In fact when Plymouth got the ball in the back of the net on about the 85th minute it looked for a few seconds, until the linesman came to our rescue, that we would be dropping all three points. We had a couple of decent penalty appeals, one with Counago's neck in an armlock in the box and one where Lisbie was pushed over about two yards from goal. Overall though we lacked a cutting edge. If Stead's early shot had gone in rather than hit the post perhaps the game would have unfolded differently. But several players were well below their best today. The back four were solid but the midfield did not inspire. Norris in particular was below par which surprised me given that he playing against his old club. I would have liked to have seen Quinn come off the bench today.

Listening to the radio on the way home several fans were moaning about our lack of an out and out goal poacher. Ironic in some ways given first Clarke's hat-trick last week on loan for Northampton and today Jordan Rhodes scoring a hat-trick on loan for Brentford. Rhodes in particular seems well capable of tucking away chances, albeit at a low league or reserve level.

So this season, and recently in particular, the form of the team has been stood on its head with poor performances at Portman Road yet several decent away results. I said to my neighbour in the stand that I ought to buy an Away Season Ticket.

Next up is Swansea away - a difficult game yet now a must win fixture - then two more home games against Blackpool and Forest. I may take Mrs Troy and Troy Junior to the Blackpool game - well it is on Valentine's Day and it's the first home game after our second wedding anniversary. Who says romance is dead. Sometime this season we are due an emphatic victory. I shouldn't have to trail my family down to Crystal Palace to see one.

Finally a welcome to my new Chinese reader who commented on the last post - I hope this all makes sense to you. Anyone reading is more than welcome to leave their thoughts in the comment box.

WELL I BELIEVE WE GAVE OUR BEST

2009-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

I listened to the Chelsea v Ipswich cup game over the internet (Ipswich World). After a hectic start by Chelsea and their first goal it did sound as if we also posed them a few problems on the break. I was so pleased to hear that Alex Bruce had scored and enjoyed watching it on ITV's very, very brief coverage of the game on Saturday evening. It sounded like we had a couple of decent half-chances whilst still level at 1-1. The second and third Chelsea goals were world class free kicks and unfortunately, as is often the case, the Premier team's superior class won through. Shame, I was so looking forward to the replay.

I haven't been able to catch up yet with my neighbour who did see the game. I'm looking forward to hearing his take on the match. However he did very kindly push the match programme through my letterbox on Saturday evening. If anyone reading this did go to the match I'd be interested in your thoughts - comments box supplied at foot of the posting (as always).

I'm always interesting in seeing the next round draw even if one's own team is out of it. "One's own" makes me sound like I'm Marcus Evans - but I'm not! So Chelsea now go to Watford, one of Ipswich's bogey teams. I also see that Derby, if they win their replay, will be hosting Man. U. - good luck Ken if you are reading this!

CHELSEA - HERE WE COME! OH NO!!! OOPS! SOLD OUT - HERE WE LISTEN

2009-01-14T15:34:00.001-08:00

So it is to be Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the 4th Round. No surprise there then, but an upset looked a possibility at one stage during this evening. Southend put on a good show. Tickets for Chelsea go on sale for Season Ticket holders on Monday 19th. So no guesses where I'll be Monday morning. Last time I queued for football tickets was for Bradford's Play-Off Final at Wembley (where they beat Notts County in a thrilling game). I wonder if there will be a queue this Monday?

POSTSCRIPT : There was a queue Monday morning at 9.20am in the rain. It was a quite long queue outside in the rain. Many people huddled under umbrellas in the rain. Troy doesn't do queues in the rain. Hopefully if I go back later there will still be some tickets and it will be dry. Did I mention it was raining?

LATER THAT DAY : Sold Out! Will have to listen on the wireless (no, not the radio, I mean over the wi-fi, this is the 21st Century). At least I'm guaranteed a ticket if we take them to a replay. My neighbour is taking a corporate client of his to the game and enjoying a hospitality package - alright for some!

Read here about how the ticket sales was organised.

MID-TABLE MEDIOCRITY. MOTM - ALAN FERGUSON

2009-01-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

So it was Portman Road today (Saturday) rather than The Cherries v The Bantams. I have to say that the enjoyment of last season is turning to increasing frustration this season.

Unlike many football games, this one wasn't postponed. That's why I've given my Man Of The Match award to the Head Groundsman, Alan Ferguson. Well done Alan, you've obviously got a good team behind you. Thirteen seasons without a postponement - brilliant performance. It's a shame we didn't have such a good team in front of us during the afternoon.

I would have had Voltz on at right back - Campo's injury made Jim Magilton switch Bruce back where he is best, in the centre. Alex Bruce MUST be offered a new contract - a great player and a crowd favourite. I would have subbed Lisbie and brought on Stead (Jim did) and subbed Haynes and brought on Quinn to play on the left whilst bringing Walters over to his better right side (Jim didn't). Some people on the radio on the way home thought that Haynes had a good game but I didn't see that. Maybe we expect too much of him (sprinting AND ball control?).

So another 2 home points dropped. One point out of nine over the last three home games. Keeps us in mid-table mediocrity, 8 points and inferior goal difference to the last play-off position. The gap is widening.

Are you as frustrated as me with how things are going this season. If you are reading this please let me know (yes, that includes you Rosy!).

CONFESSION OF A JUDAS

2009-01-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Why that heading? Well this weekend instead of faithfully going down to Portman Road I will instead be watching the League Two game between AFC Bournemouth and Bradford City. If you've read the blog from the start you'll know that my first football love was Bradford. They are doing really well this season although my modest bet on them getting promoted will screw up any promotion chances they may have had. I'm meeting up there with my second cousin and her husband who are avid City supporters. In fact my second cousin-in-law is a Famous Author. Well, the most famous author with any family connection to myself at least. He wrote an excellent book about the Bradford City fire. If you click on this connection you can buy it from Amazon. It comes up showing as "out of stock" but they can get it promptly from the publisher. You can also buy it direct from my cousin who is also a Famous Publisher at paulfirth[at]blueyonder[dot]co[dot]uk. I thoroughly recommend it if you have any interest in football. Not only is there a thoroughly researched background to the fire itself but also tales of heroics and tragedies on the day and a first hand account of my cousin's and uncle's narrow escapes from the inferno. So go and buy it...NOW!

So whilst I'm watching Bradford City in their promotion quest no doubt I'll be missing the match of the season at Portman Road. Another 6-1 result like last season's Bristol City game perhaps? Well if so, I can at least watch the highlights on Ipswich World.

So why "Judas" in the heading? Well when I offered my Season Ticket to my neighbour, explaining that I was going to the Bournemouth v Bradford game he called me a "Judas". There's gratitude!

This is the first home game I've missed since August 2007. The August 2007 game clashed with a pre-booked holiday and coincidently was also against Sheffield Wednesday. I lent my neighbour my season ticket for that game too.

FRIDAY LUNCHTIME UPDATE
My neighbour didn't want my ticket due to the recent arrival of a new baby. Then a pitch inspection at Bournemouth has lead to a postponement of the match due to a frozen pitch. So back to plan B - watching Town v Sheffield W. "Come on you Super Blues"

THROUGH TO THE FOURTH ROUND

2009-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well we saw off the League Two challenge of Chesterfield in the FA Cup 3rd Round. It was a fairly evenly matched first half but we were 2 goals up within eight minutes of the start of the second half and finally ran out comfortable 3:0 winners.

The crowd at 12,500 was disappointing. All the regular season ticket holders that sit around me in the Cobbold Stand were absent. It seemed odd being in my normal seat but surrounded by strangers. They were a very subdued lot too - they didn't stand up to applaud the team out onto the pitch.

So the Fourth Round draw has thrown up the winners of Chelsea and Southend. I wonder who will win the replay? Obviously I'm hoping to be able to get a ticket to watch Chelsea v Ipswich. There should be about 6,500 available for Ipswich supporters based on 15% allocation of a 41,800 capacity Stamford Bridge. A draw at Stamford Bridge and a replay at Portman Road would be great. But I'm getting ahead of myself - first Chelsea need to beat Southend, or as the locals would say - Sarfend.

Last year when we were knocked out by Premier League opposition (Portsmouth) they went on to win the Cup. I wonder if history will repeat itself?

UP FOR THE CUP!

2009-01-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

For one weekend (at least) we can put the League to one side and enjoy the magic of the FA Cup. We've had a long wait since the 3rd Round Draw was announced to know who Ipswich will be playing. Now after fog, replays, controversy, failed floodlights and ineligible player appeals we finally know that we are to play Chesterfield this Saturday at 3pm.

Of course a League Two team will be relishing a visit to Portman Road to pit themselves against Championship opposition. And the beauty of the Cup is that there is always the prospect of a juicy tie to come for the winners in the next round. Ipswich are of course strong favourites to win this game - we should be confident of a 4-1 sized win. But then nothing can be taken for granted in football - we may well have a shock result which will intensify the "Magilton Out" campaign.

Figures crossed we will be in the 4th Round Draw taking place live on ITV around 3.25pm Sunday.

MAGILTON MUST GO!

2008-12-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

I've just returned home after watching an abysmal performance by Ipswich Town against Birmingham. The Evening Star have summed it up as "Ipswich look clueless" and I can't put it better than that.

In the last seven games we have Won 1, Drawn 2 and Lost 4 thereby taking 5 points out of a possible 21. If that isn't relegation standard then I don't know what is.

If Ipswich keep playing to the same poor standard as today then I will have to serious consider whether it is worth renewing my season ticket for 2009/10. I go to see decent football and to be entertained - I encountered neither today. The squad of players have much potential, the sorry conclusion must be that the current manager can't get them to perform for him. Tactically they were all at sea today. The answer is simple - Magilton must go. There are several managers available right now as well as many presently employed who would leap at the chance of joining a club with the set up - stadium, finances and community spirit of Ipswich. The rest of the season could then be used to meld a team ready to perform in 2009/10. I don't think a lot of money needs spending - I've seen many of these players perform well, both individually and as a team. A tactically more competent manager, with better man-management skills is the missing ingredient to get things right.

The sooner the better.

I've just worked out that if we continue this present form - 5 points out of possible 21 - over the remaining 21 games we'll end up on 47 points at the end of the season. Last year Leicester were relegated with 52 points.

******* 2 IPSWICH 0

2008-12-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

That result REALLY hurts. We were outplayed throughout and live on SKY to make matters worse. Its a long time to wait for revenge - Sunday 19th April 2009 at 12.45 to be precise. Bring it on!

Two home games coming up for the lads to make amends - Wednesday evening against Bristol City then Saturday afternoon against Cardiff. 6 points great, 4 points not too bad, anything less unacceptable.

Still waiting to see who we meet in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup - Chesterfield and Droylsden don't seem able to decide between themselves. They replay next on Tuesday 16th.

1 WON, 1 LOST, 1 DRAWN

2008-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

I was hoping we'd get 6 or 7 points out of the last three games but will have to be content with just 4. I enjoyed watching the win over Derby County and was then quite tempted to make the trip across to Birmingham on Tuesday evening. However I stayed at home and instead watched TV whilst flicking over to see the updated score on Teletext. From the reports I've read, it sounds like we were well beaten on the night. The draw at home yesterday against Sheffield Untied was disappointing. I've watched the highlights again this morning on The Championship on ITV. We had some good chances. Both penalties were rather contentious but at least they were given evenly to both teams. Both players took their penalties well. That's 6 out of 6 for Tommy Miller. Rock on Tommy!

So next up is the derby game away at *******. Always an eagerly awaited tie (says he who's been here all of two years!). I'll be watching it on Sky TV at the local Community Centre. We can expect ******* to raise their game against Ipswich so its difficult to predict the result.

And we've been given a home tie in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Looking forward to that cup game - always enjoy an FA Cup game as the result is all or nothing and looking forward to the possibility of getting a big club in the next round.

MORE UPS AND DOWN

2008-11-17T02:24:00.000-08:00

Two away games - one win and one loss. Oh, the fluctuating fortunes of this football team. A fine win (1-0) at Blackpool which included the infamous goal scoring celebrations of David Norris then onto Doncaster with a late kick-off on Sky TV. Doncaster may be bottom of the league but they played well. We had our chances and didn't take them. A draw would have been a fairer result than the 1-0 loss.

Another new loan signing, Darren Ambrose, returning to his first club. I wasn't here when he played before but I gather he came up through the Academy ranks and was then sold on for £1million+. It is good to get back players who feel they are returning to their roots and who have a genuine affection for the place. More selection headaches for Mr Magilton with such a wide choice of midfielders to select from.

Three tough games coming up in the remainder of November - Derby at home (a team coming into form), then Birmingham away (an evening kick-off) then back to Portman Road for a home game against Sheffield United. Could be 4 points, could be as high as 7 points - so difficult to judge in this division and with the fluctuating performances of this team.

SUPER SUB STEAD

2008-11-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

Another three points in the bag following a 2-0 win over QPR at a very wet Portman Road on the first day in November. Good all round play by the "Super Blues" but again a frustrating lack of clinical finishing for the first 65 minutes. The introduction of Counago and then Stead changed things considerably.

Jon Stead scored twice within 9 minutes of coming on the pitch to transform the game. Then into injury time and a free kick about 25 yards from the centre of the goal. I was willing Stead on to take the free kick as he was on a potential hat-trick. Great minds think alike! Stead takes the kick.....and hit the post! An inch away from a tremendous hat-trick. Stead is fast becoming a Portman Road favourite.

It was good performance by just about ever player. Wright made a great save whilst at 0-0. The back four formed a solid defence. The midfield passed the ball around well. Only Lisbie missing what appeared to be an easy opportunity to score was a disappointment on the day.

Now for two away games against teams that were promoted from League One last year - Blackpool, then Doncaster. Hopefully a minimum of four more points. The Doncaster game will feature on Sky with a 5.20pm kick-off so I'll be watching that down the local pub.

FOUR MORE POINTS - BUT A FRUSTRATING EVENING

2008-10-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

A great away win last Saturday - 3-1 at Plymouth with goals by Garvan (2) and Lisbie. I listened to the game on Radio Suffolk. It sounded like we thoroughly deserved to win. Most encouraging!

Back down to earth though this Tuesday at Portman Road. We totally dominated Charlton Athletic for the majority of the game. We should have been several goals to the good but instead only a rather fluky Garvan free-kick put us one up. Then a penalty miss by Counago followed by a Charlton equaliser. A disappointing and frustrating evening overall with a 1-1 draw. A plus point was a good performance by Alan Quinn. Also David Wright made some great overlapping runs down the left wing but did not receive the passes he deserved for them.

Still, looking forward to the QPR game on Saturday afternoon followed by a firework display in Christchurch Park on Saturday evening.

TWELVE GAMES GONE : NOT LOOKING GOOD

2008-10-23T02:51:00.000-07:00

So 12 games into the 2008-09 Season and how are we doing?

The answer – Not Good!. Not good at all!

With 14 points and in 18th place the contrast with this time last season is most unfavourable. Then we had 21 points and were in 4th place.

On home form we are 10 points short of this time last season with a home form of W2 D2 L2 compared to W6 D0 L0.

On away form we are 3 points ahead, with away form of W1 D3 L2 compared to W0 D3 L3.

From a supporters' point of view home form is crucial to their enjoyment and feeling of well being. The mood I pick up in the Cobbold Stand this season is way, way down on what it was last year. Looking back at the consistent squad that Magilton picked in the early part of last season –

Goal : Alexander,
Defence :Wright, De Vos, Bruce, Harding,
Midfield : Walters, Miller, Garvan, Roberts
Forward : Lee, Counago
supported by regular subs. Wilnes and Clarke

now brings back warm feelings of nostalgia! Losing Alexander to Glasgow Rangers and De Vos to retirement have been big losses. Roberts (now with Huddersfield) had his detractors and certainly lost form later in the season and Lee’s form also slumped as the season wore on. Still I would now walk down to Portman Road with more of a spring in my step if I thought I was going to see that squad in action. Don’t get me wrong; Stead and Quinn are useful players and Campo at times looks a class act. The jury remains out on £2million Norris although he is one feisty player. Voltz and Thatcher have not been helped by injuries.

However, which ever way one looks at it, Magilton has created a poorer, less effective team out of the bigger, and more expensive squad he has assembled.

Time is beginning to run out. Okay, Hull City managed to come from nowhere last season and have since gone on to much greater things (they must still be pinching themselves every morning), but we are going to need a significant improvement in form, and results, if we are to have a season worth celebrating.

A FRUSTRATING AFTERNOON

2008-10-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

The first home game since I started this blog and unfortunately it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. A 2-2 draw with Swansea City, a team promoted up to the Championship at the end of last season. On paper, and certainly on last season's home form, this should have been an easy game for Ipswich. Swansea's team appear to be made up at least in part by journeyman footballers rather than expensive purchases. The difference seems to be in the managers. Swansea's manager obviously has the man-management and motivational skills to get the best out of his more limited resources.

The good points to take out of the game - two fine goals by Pablo Counago. This should boost his confidence. The bad points - some poor passing, we faded after a bright ten minute opening spell and a fairly soft second Swansea goal. The guys around me in the Cobbold stand were cursing Richard Wright, our goalkeeper throughout the game. A variant of John Lennon's song comes to mind:--

"All we are saying, is give Shane a chance."

It would be good if Jim Magilton gave Shane Supple a chance in goal. We have four games coming up in the next two weeks - two away, then two at home. Supple should be given a chance to show what he can do.

Finally, a son one of my neighbours was one of the mascots at the game. He's quite a sturdy nine year old yet all the mascots look so small next to the 6ft+ players. He told me after the game that he had had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

THE PROLOGUE

2008-10-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

One of the simple pleasures in my life is going down to Portman Road and watching a good game of Championship football. Historically I've always supported Bradford City as this was my local team when I was a boy. Well strictly speaking, Leeds United was closer, but in those days of terrace standing, it was both cheaper and safer for my father to take me down to Valley Parade. So what am I doing now supporting Ipswich Town I hear you ask? East Anglian is our new home - hopefully for a long time - and I believe people should support their local teams. Also, its easy and convenient to get into Ipswich from where we live.

So the first Saturday after we moved into our new home I got tickets for myself, Mrs Troy and Troy Junior to go and watch Ipswich Town. They were playing West Brom and unfortunately we got stuffed 1-5, Kevin Phillips scoring a hat-trick against us. Not as an auspicious start! Its strange when you're not familiar with the team, but it was a good atmosphere, and the scoreline was flattering to the away team. So I took Troy Junior to a few more games before Christmas 2006 and we both enjoyed them. This was Troy Junior's first exposure to league football, at the age of five - I was in my early teens before I got any interest in football.

In the season 2006-07 I got a half-season ticket for myself and Troy Junior which covered all the home games from January 1st to the end of the season. We renewed for the season 2007-08. That was a good season, with Ipswich only being beaten once at home and missing out on the promotion play-offs by only one point. There were some excellent home performances. However Troy Junior was not keen on the cold winter afternoon games and Mrs Troy wouldn't let him stay up for the weekday evening games. Well, she did let him go to one evening game in the October half-term holiday but at half-time (8.30pm) he said he was tired and wanted to go home. We didn't. We stayed for a great second half of football but it was clear that Troy Junior was too young to enjoy evening kick-offs. Towards the end of that season Troy Junior declined to go to several games so when it came time to renew our Season Tickets for 2008-09, I only renewed my own.

So now for season 2008-09 I'm going on my own to Portman Road. The results so far this season have been mixed but the manager, Jim Magilton, has got together a good squad with some very useful players so the future looks bright ("the future's bright, the future's Blue"). In future postings I don't intend to give specific reports on games - the local and national press can do that better than I can - but I do hope to relay some of the atmosphere and excitement experienced as Ipswich Town seek to gain promotion to the holy grail - the Premiership.