After huge successes at Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers, what more does Mick McCarthy need to do to this ever-developing Ipswich Town side?

It's an issue a lot of fans have divided opinions on. Do we need a striker? A midfielder? A right-back? Or even a keeper? Despite a recent haul of 13 points out of a possible 18, Town fans still think there is quite a bit to be done before we can truly challenge for promotion.

Firstly we start in-between the sticks. Current goalkeeper Dean Gerken was labelled as a rather peculiar signing by myself and a lot of other fans, so what exactly does he have that Scott Loach doesn't?

After his release from League One side Bristol City, not many supporters felt he could get near boyhood Town fan Loach, but recently Gerken has been in fine form. His hesitancy on the ball is evident, one example being him conceding a corner against Blackburn after dwelling on the ball for far too long.

However, for me with confidence he could be the difference between us being a mid-table side or a play-off side. In the last two matches he has rightfully collected the Man Of The Match award, and without the Rochford-born keeper Town could have lost three points in those games.

Right-back is a place where no fan has been happy with this season, but like me, most are reluctant to leave Luke Chambers out of the team simply because of his commitment. Chambers, who is now 28 years of age, hasn't got the pace of Elliott Hewitt, which is a concern for Town.

In the build up to the Huddersfield opener Chambers was nothing more than a spectator as Adam Hammill breezed passed him and ultimately provided the assist for the goal. McCarthy for me in the summer, or even January must bring in an fairly experienced full-back who has a bit of pace. Somebody like Danny Simpson from QPR.

Central midfield is a place which again divides opinion, with many fans warming to summer signing Cole Skuse, he is definitely now one of the first names on the team sheet. But with one more place there up for grabs, do we have a play-off worthy player to partner Skuse?

Ryan Tunnicliffe, who I feel will extend his current loan deal, has been the preferred player to play in the centre amongst fans, but does he do as much defensively wise as Luke Hyam? In Tunnicliffe's defence, he provides a more attacking flare, but on the other hand, Luke Hyam is a big part in helping us keep it tight at the back.

Until January I feel Mick has done well to keep fans quiet about the wide positions. Signing Stephen Hunt and Jordan Graham on short-term deals has bolstered his options, with him previously only having Paul Anderson and Carlos Edwards as recognised wingers. If we can keep the experienced Hunt and skilful Graham I feel with a bit of game time those two players could become fan favourites.

Up front at the moment the favoured pairing of David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy has contributed 14 goals to a Town side which are amongst the top six highest scoring sides in the league.

A huge improvement on recent times, but are these two men good enough? David McGoldrick is certainly a player capable of getting into near enough any attack in this league, but is Daryl Murphy? In the summer we saw the news he had took a rather large pay cut to sign for the Blues, which warmed the hearts of fans, as it was refreshing for a player to do that in a modern era where wages have risen to unimaginable levels.

For me a goalkeeper isn't a huge concern, as Gerken has proved his worth recently. There are definitely better out there though, with Stephen Henderson being one some fans may want back in between the sticks for us.

Right-back we definitely need someone. Is Richard Stearman the man? Maybe, I don't know, but currently he seems committed at Wolves and I think we should look elsewhere for a more pacier full-back. Or on the other hand do we stick with Hewitt once he has recovered from his injury?

Central midfield currently isn't a big problem, and neither are the wide positions, with news recently emerging that Stephen Hunt is close to signing a deal to take him to the end of the season.

Up front is Murphy good enough? For this season I'd say yes, he's hard-working and always gives 100%. If Mick manages to grab Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in the January window though, I feel he would do a great job in the team, sadly though at Murphy's expense.

cooper4england added 23:56 - Dec 16 Top man luke finally adding a blog after such a long time since our last one. Well written and I pretty much agree with your synopsis. If we don't get Ebanks perhaps a loan for a young quick forward from the prem would be good (marriot for next year). Cheers and merry Christmas all
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Illinoisblue added 01:22 - Dec 17 far too many questions posed in this. Make a coherent point and I'll react to it. I'm not here to play 20 questions.
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luke_38 added 08:08 - Dec 17 I wanted to post a lot of questions in this to see people's opinions. But thanks for the feedback.
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Illinoisblue added 11:41 - Dec 17 The point of a blog is to give YOUR opinion.
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ITFC_Essex added 13:19 - Dec 17 Scott Loach is not an Ipswich supporter, he was in the youth team. Hes from Nottingham and supports Manchester United. http://sportsvibe.co.uk/specials/football/eye-on-england-7319/scott-loach-watfor "I was a Manchester United fan as when I was growing up as they had the likes of Schmeichel, Neville, Beckham, Giggs, Cantona, Yorke and Cole and they were a joy to watch. I wasn't a glory hunter, they were just an incredible side."

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luke_38 added 16:00 - Dec 17 He etched the games with his father, which does suggest he did like the team aswell. As you say United may be his most favoured club but he still liked Town when he was younger
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luke_38 added 16:00 - Dec 17 Watched*
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