Keeper Christian Walton says everyone in the Blues dressing room believes that they can be in the top six come the end of the season, yesterday’s 0-0 draw away against the MK Dons having taken ninth-placed Town five points from the play-off places.

They could be pushed back a point at lunchtime when Sheffield Wednesday host Rotherham but six wins and Saturday’s draw from new boss Kieran McKenna’s first nine games in charge has put the Blues firmly in the picture with 14 matches left to play.

Reflecting on Saturday’s stalemate at Stadium MK, Walton said: “I thought it was a good performance from the team. I thought in the first half they had spells in the game, they probably started the better of the two teams and we got back into it and started controlling the possession.

“Half-time came and I thought in the second half we were the more dominant team and the only thing that was lacking was getting the goal in front of our travelling support. It was all they probably wanted and all that we wanted but it wasn’t to be.

“But another clean sheet, which is positive because we’ve kept a few in the last few weeks. Hopefully we can build on that keep more.”

Walton and his backline kept their third successive clean sheet, the sixth since McKenna took over in the middle of December.

“I think it comes from the preparation that we do, the work that we do through the week, the way the manager’s set us up and the meetings we have as units,” the 26-year-old said.

“Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities for the team. I think if you’re doing your job on a personal level, it’s only going to help the collective and help the team.

“Everyone’s switched into it and it’s not just starting with us, it’s starting from the front, the way we press on the loss of possession and regain the ball back higher up the pitch, it makes our job and the centre-halves’ jobs a lot easier.”

Has the day-to-day work at Playford Road changed much since the change of boss? “I think every manager’s different. Definitely we’ve been working really hard throughout the week and we’re going into games as well-prepared as we possibly can and we know the ins and outs of the opposition. Like I say, it’s only going to help us individually and collectively as a team.”

Walton didn’t have a particularly busy day, although he was forced into a save in the dying seconds from a Scott Twine free-kick.

Quizzed on whether he saw it all the way, he said: “I didn’t really, it went up and over the wall but I was there to react, so no. It was a good free-kick but it was nice to keep a clean sheet.

“I think any goalkeeper’s job really is making sure you’re alert to their threats. I know they’re a good team, they’re not third in the league for no reason and you need to be alert to the threats they pose and I think myself and the back three and the whole team were switched in and dialled in from the first minute. Really positive to keep another clean sheet.”

Does he keep a tally of his clean sheets? “I think so, in the back of my mind I do, it’s what I want to pride myself on and I want to keep as many as I can because you look at the teams higher up in the division, like Rotherham, I think they’re probably top on clean sheets and they’re sitting top of the league.

“I don’t think there’s any secret behind it, I think if you do keep clean sheets it gives a massive platform for the rest of the team to go and win games.”

Has it helped having a settled back three with Janoi Donacien, Luke Woolfenden and George Edmundson now having played the last 10 matches together?

“Consistency’s massive but you’re only a minute away from getting someone injured or sent off,” the keeper continued.

“So it’s the strength in depth we’ve got in the squad as well with Cam Burgess, who’s not played a minute under this manager yet. He’s raring to go and has been training unbelievably well.

“It’s obviously really positive to have some consistency and see the same faces in front of me every week, but I think if anyone’s injured, we’ve got numbers to support that, it’s really positive with squad depth we’ve got.”

He added: “It’s the consistency knowing your partner on the pitch and knowing each other’s strengths and working with each other on a day-to-day basis and preparing through the week knowing that that’s going to be the back four, back five, whatever it is.

“It’s nice to see the same faces in front of me, but the squad depth we’ve got is really good so anyone that comes into the team I think we’ll be settled with and it’s really positive.”

In addition to the back three, wing-backs Wes Burns and recent loan signing Dominic Thompson are becoming similarly familiar fixtures in the side since the change of formation, first under interim boss John McGreal and then McKenna.

“They’re all part of the defensive unit now, Wes has joined the crew,” Walton smiled. “He’s done really well and Dom’s settled in quickly.

“It’s not easy coming in in January to a new team but he’s done really well and he’s obviously had Premier League experience this year, so for us to get a player like that in and around the team is really good for the club and for ourselves as a team.”

Asked what a draw away against the division’s third-placed team does for morale, the former Brighton man said: “It’s obviously a massive boost for everyone. I think we believed coming into today’s game that we would take something from the game. We’ve tested them and we’ve gone toe-to-toe with them and played really good football.

“It’s a game that you don’t really see in League One. The ball was in play a lot, not really teams setting up for plays, you get that in this division, but it was probably a good game for the neutral really, just unfortunate we just couldn’t get that goal that everyone wanted, especially those fans that have travelled.”

Walton says the result increases the belief in the dressing room that they can make the top six.

“Definitely,” he insisted. “As soon as I signed at the club in the summer, I think that was where we wanted to be.

“Obviously it was a bit of a sticky patch, certain parts of the season, but since the new manager’s come in he’s instilled that belief in everyone and we’re setting up the right way and we’re trying to win games of football, and keeping clean sheets is obviously going to help that.

“Everyone’s belief now is top six and I think if we concentrate on ourselves and win as many games as possible, I think there’s no reason we can’t be in and around it come April 30th.”

He added: “I’ve not actually looked at the results yet but [moving a point nearer to the top six is] positive. We’ve got games coming up now that are big games for us.

“To keep a good, winning record at Portman Road will be key for us as well as doing well on the road.”"

Asked about the 6,850-strong away following at Stadium MK, the biggest in the EFL this season and probably the largest in the league in the club’s history, Walton said: “It was unbelievable, I’ve never seen anything like that for an away game. It was like a home game. I was warming up and they were singing from the minute I ran out.

“It’s unbelievable and we just can’t thank them enough and we’re so grateful for the money and effort that they’ve put in to support us, not just here but all the way around the country, Morecambe, Fleetwood, they’ll be in their numbers again there and we just can’t thank them enough really.”

The size of the support at MK shows how desperate fans are for some success after a lean couple of decades.

“Massively, I think everyone is at the club,” Walton continued. “I think we’re going on a positive way here and I think it’s clear for everyone to see that we are trying to bring that success back to the club and everyone’s on the same page, so hopefully we can produce that.”

Having joined the club on a permanent basis in January from the Seagulls following a loan spell in the first half of the season, Walton says he feels more settled than previously.

“Weirdly it’s actually a different feeling because I’ve always been on loan, I’ve never actually experienced being settled somewhere,” he said.

“I was settled as a loan player just because the support I had from fans, people around the club, people around the town, it was really good, and that was one of the reasons why I wanted to sign and make it a permanent deal.

“But I feel more settled and I want to be part of something and want to be part of success. That’s why I signed at a massive club like this and it just goes to show with the support that we get, it’s an unbelievable place to be for anyone that wants to develop as a player.

“I still see myself as a younger player and I just want to develop under this manager, and I think everyone else does too.”

Photos: TWTD/Pagepix

pegasus added 11:55 - Feb 13 What an intelligent and articiulate young man! I wonder if the 'meetings as units' is a new development. My guess is yes. And it really does seem to be working in defence. Realistic about 'consistency', too - "Consistency's massive but you're only a minute away from getting someone injured or sent off', enables him to talk about the overall strength of the squad. I'm even more optimistic about the future after reading this.

14

Linkboy13 added 12:02 - Feb 13 Another good display by Walton yesterday commands his area which gives the defence confidence. Big worry for me is Bonne players lose form but he looks so unfit compared to the start of the season don't know if he's been socialising too much. That's probably why McKenna's not playing him up front on his own he's just not mobile enough. Norwood's a liability all he wants to do is come on and wind up the opposition which nearly cost us the game yesterday. I know Morsys got a bad streak in him but ninety nine percent of the time he's ok plus he's a class player at league one level. I'd be amazed if Norwood's still at the club next season . Can see four or five departures next season McKenna will know deep down this squad is not strong enough in certain areas. Can see exiting times ahead COYB.

10

blueboy1981 added 12:09 - Feb 13 I agree - with a Goalkeeper as competent, and back line doing their job as they are, it should be perfectly feasible - BUT - you don't accrue enough points by just doing that … !!! Goals,in addition win games, and close gaps in points deficit. At the moment Midfield, and Final Third failings, are not going to compliment what they have behind them.. What little we do create - we don't put away, is the REALITY of our situation. Much still to do, in a League of poor standard, to talk in terms of Top Six … !!!

1

Bazza8564 added 12:16 - Feb 13 Walton is class, and its clear KM is too. 7000 of us yesterday, in 50 years following the town ive not seen anything like this before, not even the mid 70's when we had such a strong support from the growing Afro-Caribbean community and we were two divisions higher. We are on the cusp of something special again. Yesterday was awesome, and having players like CW signing long term deals shows we are on the right track. Yes we are lacking up top as Linkboy13 says above, we aren't the finished article yet but we are League One and there will be plenty of time for investment as we push our way through the divisions.

17

TimmyH added 12:16 - Feb 13 Far too early but that was always the ask once Cook was out...showing some consistency under McK now and solid defending so we have a chance, there will be some surprise results as we head towards the end of the season...there always is.
6

ArnieM added 12:16 - Feb 13 Departures I can see happening are; Norwood Piggott Edwards Burgess Not sure we'll even try to sign Bonne, or Bakinson And not sure Celina will stay if we are League one next season . The squad is still evolving after the mass clear out. It'll be interesting to see who McKenna targets in the summer . Obviously the players we go for will be dependent upon which division we are in . Here's hoping it's the Championship.

1

PortmanTerrorist added 12:37 - Feb 13 Loving Walton. An even thinking hours all round game may be better than Bart! What we now need is other players to force the manager's hand and cement a first team place. I think current rotation is in part because no one is doing quite enough to be undroppable other than the back line.....and Morsy of course. Boss needs more than performances and there is time this season for that to happen....think it will need to for promotion to be a real possibility.

3

Crinkle59 added 14:05 - Feb 13 possible chance forSimpson in the next game or two knows where the goal is played against"men's teams?
2

yorkieblue62 added 14:14 - Feb 13 Don't agree with blueboy 1981 and others who talk about the poor standard in this league. I think the standard and competition in all the leagues just keeps improving. Watch quite a bit of Nat League football and even down to the sixth tier a lot of the football is close to league standard. The likes of Harrogate, Sutton, Salford and Forest green show that. What is happening of course is that the gap between the leagues is increasing, especially Premier to championship and championship to league !.

4

Bazza8564 added 14:44 - Feb 13 yorkieblue62 agreed, there are a few "up and under" rugby sides like Accrington but the willingness to play football by most sides means the quality, for me, is decent. Just ask Newcastle fans how they got (FAC) knocked out by Cambridge, ive actually been impressed by a number of sides who have tried to play properly. Im not going to mark Arnie down because player retention is very much an opinion thing, but ive seen something in Bakinson that makes me think he's useful with the right company, I thought he did OK again yesterday, he is certainly getting tidier. The forwards thing is interesting too, i sense most people are seeing through Bonne a bit because of his lack on control, but I think Pigott, of all of them, is the one who hasn't had a fair crack yet. First half again Accrington last week he held the ball up brilliantly, won headers where Bonne and Norwood don't, and Ive love to see him leading that front three with the two (Celina and Chaplin) playing off him. And for all his critics, Jackson's pace looked a threat yesterday. I too cant really see Bonne staying unless he bucks his ideas up, and that disappoints me because as a local lad you want that passion, and with money to spend in the summer you cant keep them all. One thing I am sure of though, is that KM knows football and I trust his judgement

6

dirtydingusmagee added 14:51 - Feb 13 Rotherham just did us a favour, but Oxford need to trip up, top six still a tall ask but it is not impossible yet . COYB
1

Bert added 17:32 - Feb 13 Walton's save from the freekick in time added on was first class. We all held our breath ! Fantastic appointment and up there with Bart, possibly even better.
5

Karlosfandangal added 20:39 - Feb 13 Love or hate Mr Cook he brought in some good players and the best one was this young man. Would love to see him make more appearances than Cooper.
4

Monkey_Blue added 08:40 - Feb 14 6 clean sheets in 9 games and only 4 conceded in total. Walton has played his part but the back 3 have been superb as have the wing backs. Just shows what you can do with decent players and a manager who actually has a plan. Anyone who thinks Cook was sacked too soon must now acknowledge we'd have been better off sacking him sooner. If we get out of this division this season the momentum could be amazing. If we don't we will have a good squad and a good manager in place next season and not have to worry about making the play-offs, we'll be worrying about if we make the top two in my opinion.

4

Monkey_Blue added 08:47 - Feb 14 The problem Bonne might have is if we get promoted we might be looking for strikers proven at championship level. Norwood should have been sacked, but even without that I very much doubt he'll get another contract. Pigott? Anyones guess… we might be looking at signing 3 or 4 new strikers in the summer if we were promoted. We'll have a better idea of who McKenna rates come the summer.

1

SussexTractor added 09:28 - Feb 14 As I have stated before Walton is our best signing in years. I know Brighton fans who were surprised that the club let him go and they believe he is of Premier league quality.
2

runningout added 11:20 - Feb 14 even if we fail to make play-offs, it will be interesting
1

Karlosfandangal added 11:26 - Feb 14 SussexTractor. Agree with a Burns a close second
1

Unhinged_dynamo added 12:17 - Feb 14 I'm not looking at 5th or 6th as they have games in hand at present. But Sunderland in 4th are 7 points ahead on the same games played and in terrible form, if we win the next two then I honestly think it's in our own hands and we could potentially push for 3rd or 4th by the end of the season
1

Suffolkboy added 12:49 - Feb 14 Pretty well all the arrows in ITFC pointing in the same and right direction ,under a Manager of very real talent with a smashing support team around him ! Spring is coming, sky is blue what have we to actually worry about ; most things in our Club garden are starting to look rosy ! COYB
0

Jugsy added 13:53 - Feb 14 @monkeyblue - I was a fan saying Cook deserved more time. I did that based on football's knee jerk reaction for success and the fact we'd sold our whole team and allowed Cook to bring his own players in. As an invested project, I maintain more time makes sense. I also felt there was no-one out there in the realistic market which would do a better job. Ashton has uncovered a real gem in McKenna but no football fan in the country would have linked him to the vacant post, nor had an idea how successful he would be. So whilst i'm super happy that he's doing well and is better than what we had, I wouldn't change what I said about Paul Cook because it was based on information we had and not a crystal ball.

2

runningout added 14:06 - Feb 14 No success to shout about YET
0

Umros added 14:25 - Feb 14 Agree with a 3/4 above, trams just in front are placed better than us, I'd be looking at the likes of Sunderland and Wycombe as those to hunt down for 5/6th finish. Defensively now we are doing well, for leap in confidence we could do with another Doncaster at home win 4/5or 6, this would really push us onward I think. Lets hope Burton or Cheltenham oblige.....both equally possible but I bet one will be a struggle !

0

Karlosfandangal added 15:05 - Feb 14 Of the 9 games under McKenna 6 have been away from home and they won 3 of them. If Town carry on with winning 50% of our away games we won't be far away.
3

therein61 added 18:17 - Feb 14 Hi all, just to digress from the football for a minute is anybody else being constantly bombarded by ads(big beggars at that) none of the other sites i visit have the problem any help would be appreciated as twtd do not reply to my requests. C.O.Y.B
1

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls