x

Jewell: Formation May Work Better Away - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Paul Jewell conceded that Town’s 4-5-1 formation may be more suited to away games after Town’s 1-0 home defeat to Hull City. However, the Liverpudlian felt Saturday’s result was more down to his players not being at their best.

Jewell said: "It may possibly be a formation which works better away from home but we’ve got to have the personnel.

"However, I think whatever formation we play, we’re entitled to create more chances at home than we did against Hull.

"We had a few players who were off the pace, no doubt about that. We can talk formations all day long, it’s about 11 players really.”

Speaking ahead of the game, the Town manager said his side sometimes find it harder at home than they do away, something which again proved to be the case against the Tigers: "Teams often come at us when we’re away from home and at home the onus is on the home team, that’s always been the way in football. That’s why the first goal is vital.

"We hit a couple of diagonal balls in great situations and we either mis-controlled the ball or didn’t get a cross in. We’ve a newish half-a-team there. We’ve got to get better and we will get better.

"I wasn’t getting too excited last week and, although I’m disappointed, it’s not as if I’ve just woken up and thought ‘bloody hell! We’re not going to win the league!’. It’s a work in progress.”

Jewell says Saturday’s match illustrated the tightness of the division: "It is a tough league. Nothing comes easy in life. The team which will get out of this league will be consistent.

"Everyone thinks Leicester will run away with it because they have more spending power than anyone else.

"I was speaking to Nigel Pearson before the match and he was saying every game is the toss of a coin - the teams are really, really evenly matched.

"Everyone thinks they should be in the top six, everyone thinks they are dark horses, that’s the way it is. This time last week I was saying ‘we’ve won 3-0 but let’s not get too excited’.”

What to read next:

Hutchinson Assists as England U21s Progress Despite Defeat
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson won his seventh cap as England’s U21s made it through to the knockout stages of the European Championship, despite being beaten 2-1 by Germany in their final group game in Slovakia.
Youngster Nicolaou Signs First Pro Deal
Academy youngster Shakil Nicolaou has signed his first professional deal.
Hutchinson's England U21s Face Germany
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson and his England U21s teammates will be looking to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the European Championship when they face Germany in Nitra, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
Town to Face Auxerre in Pre-Season
Town will travel to face French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre at Stade Abbé-Deschamps in a friendly on Saturday 2nd August (KO 6pm local time, 5pm UK).
Trabzonspor President Confirms Tuanzebe Interest
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed his club is interested in signing free agent Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Blue Action Asking For Donations For Derby Tifo
Town independent supporters group Blue Action have set up a GoFundMe page to raise cash for a tifo to be displayed at the home derby with Norwich City in the new season.
Last Day to Complete TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Today is the final day in which to fill in the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
Town at Aberdeen in Pre-Season
Town will travel to Scotland to face Aberdeen in a pre-season friendly at Pittodrie on Friday 25th July (KO 7.30pm).
Armstrong New Gateshead Boss
Former Blues striker Alun Armstrong has been appointed the new manager of his hometown club, National League Gateshead.
Town Programme For Visit to Port Vale Sells For Almost £3,000
A programme from the Blues’ visit to Port Vale in the 1946/47 season has become the most expensive involving the club to be sold at auction.