x

Lankester: Gaffer Has Made It Clear We're Out There to Win League - Ipswich Town News

Jack Lankester says manager Paul Lambert has made it clear to the squad that the Blues will be “out there to win the league” this season, despite the Blues boss appearing to temper expectations with his public comments after Saturday’s 3-2 friendly defeat at Paderborn.

"He’s made it pretty clear that we’re out there to win the league,” Lankester, who missed the final months of last season with a stress fracture to his back, told iFollow Ipswich when asked what the manager had said to the squad.

"Everyone’s come back really well, the intensity in training is so high, we’re all ready for it, we’re all together.

"In terms of me, he said he wasn’t expecting me to come back and go straight in straight away, which I have.”

Bury St Edmunds-born Lankester is a Town fan born and bred with his father Steve a regular at Portman Road on matchdays.

"My whole family [are Town fans] so it’s not nice seeing what happened [last season],” the 19-year-old continued.

"But you’ve got to look at it in a way that we’ve got to bounce back up this season straight away, no doubt about it. We’ve got to give everything. I know I’ll give everything for this club.

"[The goal is] definitely [to go straight back up], the first few games are vital to get off to a good start and that sets out our season. Get some points early then we’ll be alright.”

He added: "It's not an easy first game away to Burton and then hosting Sunderland a week later, who are another massive club in the division, will also be difficult.

"But if we can prove ourselves against those two sides then I think it sets us up really well for the campaign."

What to read next:

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.
Aberdeen 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Jaden Philogene scored twice and George Hirst once as Town beat Aberdeen 3-1 in their friendly at Pittodrie. Philogene stroked home from close range after good work from Sammie Szmodics and Hirst on 28, then Hirst added a second with a predatory rebound 10 minutes later, before Philogene netted the third just before the hour with Aberdeen pulling one back in the 79th minute remaining and the Blues having replaced their entire starting XI.
Aberdeen 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst have given the Blues a 2-0 half-time lead in this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.