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Skuse Targeting Top Two
Friday, 28th Nov 2014 06:00

Midfielder Cole Skuse believes Town should be aiming for automatic promotion this season, rather than targeting a top-six finish.

Skuse, 28, said: “I know it’s still very early but I don’t think we should just be talking about the top six.

“We’re right in the mix and should be talking about the top two and automatic promotion. The top six should be the minimum I think and we are definitely going to give it a good go.

“If we get into the top two with a win at Charlton on Saturday it will do our confidence some good but you have to remember that if you are in the top two the other teams will be looking to shoot you down.

“That will mean an extra bit of pressure on you every week from the media and people generally asking questions — but we won’t let it affect us.”

Fourth-placed Town head for the live-on-Sky clash in South London — kick-off 12.15pm — looking to extend an impressive record of just one defeat in 14 league games.

But Skuse accepts it is a tough assignment since their hosts have yet to lose at home in the current campaign and have suffered just two defeats in their 18 league fixtures to date.

Skuse added: “They’ve been going very well and I spoke to their keeper, Stephen Henderson, a little while ago. He was saying in no uncertain terms that it will be a very tough game for us. They don’t give away much at home and it will be tough to break them down.

“The Valley is always a tough place to go, the atmosphere is always quite hostile and their pitch wasn’t great when we went there last season. Don’t worry, we know what to expect there and we’ll be ready for it.”

Skuse agrees that while Town were not among the pre-season promotion favourites they are currently in such a rich vein of form that their chances can no longer be ignored.

He said: “I think the way we have climbed the league has caught a few people out and even Steve Claridge might have mentioned us on The Football League Show. He might even have spoken about us for two or three seconds, so it must mean we’re doing something right.

“We’re definitely going about our business the right way and I don’t mind it being quiet. I can honestly say that the manager has never held a meeting and we as players have never held a meeting to say we’ve got to be in the top two.

“Now and again you’ll hear the manager say that the top six should be our minimum target but there have been no meetings to discuss it.

“The atmosphere’s very good, the training’s been really lively and intense, and everyone is walking round with a big smile on their faces. It’s no different to usual — we’re always smiling — but I think there’s a bit of a buzz around the town at the minute.”


Photo: Action Images



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bluemikey100 added 07:26 - Nov 28
theres a buzz about the place attendences on the up and we not gettin beaten hardly
2

SteddyJ added 09:32 - Nov 28
I'm a 17 year old Town fan so I've not had much to cheer about since I have started supporting Ipswich but these last 2 years or so have been the best time of my life supporting my hometown team and I honestly believe that the next 2 years could be even better for us Town fans. COYB
25

jonnysuave added 09:50 - Nov 28
If only I'd followed my instinct and bet on us and Derby to go up automatically this year I could be rich beyond the dreams of avarice. As it goes I didn't and after Norwich was glad I hadn't but now wish I had.

Was that all a bit me, me, me?
2

theblueginger added 09:57 - Nov 28
It's good to know the players are aware of the general lack of coverage we recieve in the media!

Of course, we will lose now and Claridge will have a 5 minute discussion on it.....
3

theblueginger added 09:57 - Nov 28
It's good to know the players are aware of the general lack of coverage we recieve in the media!

Of course, we will lose now and Claridge will have a 5 minute discussion on it.....
0

FarringdonBlue added 10:01 - Nov 28
"Steve Claridge might have mentioned us on The Football League Show. He might even have spoken about us for two or three seconds, so it must mean we're doing something right." - Brilliant and absolutely true by the way!!

Blue Arrrrrmy!!!!
3

paulthebluealien added 10:01 - Nov 28
Haha, the thing about Claridge is great. He's so anti-Ipswich it's unreal. Him and the donkey Peter Beagrie.
5

FarringdonBlue added 10:02 - Nov 28
Also, just heard that Roy Keane has quit Villa, flippin' useless pr*ck! Didn't take them long to work him out then....
4

Paulblue62 added 11:09 - Nov 28
I am loving this attitude. The whole squad are going to push each other to the limits this season which can only be great news for all who love this great club of ours. Such a different atmosphere about the place these days. Massive thanks to all connected to the club for giving the fans a team they can truly follow with pride.
8

skinnyman27 added 12:20 - Nov 28
steady on cole!! top 6 would be an amazing achievemnet, obviously nothing wrong with him being optimistic and shows the confidence in our squad but there is still a very long way to go, with a few bad results over christmas period we could be mid table. sorry for being a bit pesimistic, just know how easily things can change in this league. charlton 1, town 2
COYB!!!
4

TimmyH added 12:47 - Nov 28
I think if we keep relatively injury free we might stand a chance as I still believe there are no 'stand out' teams to get automatically promoted, you could make a point Derby are the most likeliest but even they slip up now and again.
Also feel we play better when Cole isn't in the starting line up.
4

afrodids added 14:04 - Nov 28
we don't do very well at the Valley I hope this changes come Saturday. COYB top2 here we come.
2

dubblue added 14:46 - Nov 28
Yes top 6 would be a great achievement but going back to the Burley days we all know how tricky the play-offs can be, so lets aim for the top two and stay there!!
2

mickymacsbarmyarmy added 14:52 - Nov 28
afrodids..what planet you been on last few years..won 1-0 at charlton last season & 2-1 the year before..wish people would think before they post !!
2


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