x

Chairman Predicts Changes - Ipswich Town News

Town chairman David Sheepshanks says he expects great change to the structure of English football over the next few years with the development of a second Premiership division likely.

Sheepshanks told the club site: "The status quo is no longer sustainable nor acceptable. We may well ultimately see the emergence of two elite divisions - in my view possibly even elected on criteria as opposed to merit - perhaps even with no promotion or relegation beneath them - thereby propagating the emergence of a USA-style franchise ownership system.

"Although our inner instincts may be to throw our hands up in horror at such a suggestion, I actually believe that something radical along these lines may be the solution.

"Apart from the idea of asking Celtic and Rangers to join Division One, thereby enhancing its TV/sponsorship value, nobody in the game seems to be coming forward with any other ideas.

"There is a limit as to how long Premiership clubs will tolerate being relegated into financial turmoil at best, or bankruptcy at worst.

"The conundrum is how to create a viable life for two divisions at the top (as opposed to one as now) and yet preserve the very important divisions below."

What to read next:

U18s Host West Brom in First U18 Premier League Fixture
Town’s U18s will start their first ever U18 Premier League South campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion at Playford Road on Saturday 16th August (KO 11am).
Ndaba Completes Lecce Move
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good Season
Town boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
Hirst: Scotland Call-Up Has Made Me a Better Player
Town striker George Hirst says he has taken a lot from being in the Scotland squad and feels the international recognition has made him a better player.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney £35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney £35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.