Ipswich Town have over the past seasons been in total wilderness and at the moment struggling in the third tier of English football. A number of management changes has been seen over the past decade and since Mick McCarthy left Portman Road it’s been a downhill race.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe last time you could watch Premier League football at Portman Road was in the season of 2001/02, and it’s been difficult to adapt to a challenge since then, with a decline almost season by season.
The seasons of the 70’s under the late Sir Bobby Robson were the super period of this club, and it was masterminded by a man that later made fantastic results with other clubs and England, so he was unique in that way and of course a bit surreal for a club of the size of Ipswich Town.
But we do believe that this club is more than a middle position league one outfit, but also looking at the way Sir Bobby build his temple, might be something to go back to and you need to be clever to find the ideal mix between youth development, signings from other clubs and keeping a few experienced players with a long life at Portman Road.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe new ownership from America, Gamechanger, might be an injection that could help the club in the right direction, but it’s not a guarantee. Paul Cook, is the man in charge at the moment, and the former Norwich City player has a grand background in management being in charge of Wigan as his previous job before taking over at the club during this season.
The way forward looks a bit foggy as a change is needed and hopefully coming soon. They have a squad that looks a bit unfinished, but it might not be too much addition needed to start fighting for a return to a higher level.
Most players do have the ability to play on at the club, but to get that vital push up the ladder will probably mean a number of changes in certain areas.
Experience is of course good, but how long will 35 year old Stephen Ward last, previously a top flight player with 50 caps for Ireland, joining the club in front of the season and is currently on a one year deal. Another old boy is captain Luke Chambers also in his mid thirties and a long servant, but will he be able to keep the level needed to push for promtion. Chambers has been among the teams best players but age is taking it’s toll.
Embed from Getty Images22 year Luke Woolfenden is a player to notice and one that can progress and be a key player under new manager Paul Cook.
Not certain about the goalkeeper situation either with former Gillingham man Tomas Holy covering that position, if he has what it takes to be in a team pushing for promotion, with his form being a bit average and probably a position to improve.
There are also a number of players coming to age in the midfield area and probably players a bit younger should be recruited. Still waiting to see the real blossoming of Andre Dozzell and probably filling shoes he might not have the size for, needs to improve his game to be a key player in this line-up. He has just signed a new three year extension and hopefully he will get up to a level that is expected.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf you look at the team you see that the real struggle is up front were only James Norwood is scoring goals, the rest is not really hitting the goal much. Norwood also needs to improve with only six goals to his name so far in the season. Aaron Drinnan, is seen as promising, but the 22 year old Ireland U.21 international has a bit left to be rated as a League One top quality forward.
It will be exciting times coming up, but a bit of change is needed and hopefully Paul Cook will get the financial backing he needs to be able next season to compete for a promotion.
Former Rochdale “wonder kid” has joined the club on loan from Wolverhampton and might be of help this season, but is not one of their own, so we just have to see what will happen.
Leave a Reply