 Taking a View of the Season AheadWritten by WalkyTalky on Sunday, 12th Aug 2012 01:08 With the Olympics ending, it brings us to the beginning of a new season, starting with the Capital One Cup tie against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, are we really promotion contenders this season, relegation contenders or could we even be set for another bleak and depressing mid-table finish? Since the fixture list came out, I have been buzzing. To do it all again, experience the highs and lows that come with being an Ipswich fan! Looking back at last season, I think its fair to say we had a few of both. The seven-game losing streak springs to mind, as well as the Barnsley game, along with the West Ham match. As well as looking back at Ipswich, looking back at the teams in the league, and how difficult promotion is, Maybe we weren't ready for the Premier League quite yet. Last year's Championship was very close from relegation right through to the play-off places, not many points separated those clubs, and the quality wasn't too different either. Last year's league was difficult, and these season's is nothing less. Wolves, Bolton and Blackburn have down, while the boys from League One, Huddersfield, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday, have come up. Looking at the teams on paper, they all pose a threat, and will not be easy prey for Town. Most of these teams have strengthened well over the transfer window, and currently Huddersfield still hold on to their prized asset, Jordan Rhodes (dare I mention if only Keane hadn't..) But not only looking at these newly-welcomed teams, current teams have also progressed, arguably ourselves included. Leeds are a key example, taking Pompey's decent players, and that Jamaican Rodolph Austin looks a tough one. Cardiff have also strengthened, like most teams.
 If you look at our new signings, Elliott Hewitt, Luke Chambers and Scott Loach, personally I think they all show progression, and intention to do well. Against West Ham our new look defence looked a lot more calm and collected, as well as organised. Michael Chopra also looks a lot sharper, and dangerous. Another new signing, Massimo Luongo, looks like a gem, a very good spot there by Paul Jewell, and credit to Bryan Klug as I'm sure he had something to do with it. He can add the passing to our midfield, and would fit in nicely to a 4-2-3-1 formation should we choose to use it. Maurice Edu would also fit well, he would certainly add a touch of class to our team, something we thought we would get from Jimmy Bullard, but I think we all know the story. A big target man would be nice as well, A loan offer for Jay Bothroyd anyone? Would play well with Chopra, and they know each other's game! Signings aside I'm very pleased with preparation. Results haven't been superb but signs of improvement have been evident over the summer. After attending the open day, I'm very impressed with some of the drills used, especially the defending ones which help the defence move the ball about between them and giving them the opportunity to pick a right pass instead of the old fashioned 'hoof'. The attacking training also looked very good, giving players a chance to cross the ball and attack the ball in the area. Moving onto the focus of the blog, I think Town are ready for the season, the team have had chance to gel together unlike last season, Twitter has shown us that the team bond together outside of football, improving morale of course. With the right attitude from both fans and players we could certainly finish top half this season, and as long as we play good football and give 100%, I will be happy! To finish I'm begging all Town fans that read this, Do not vote for the 'new updated' Singing the Blues for the club anthem! Does my head in, and it brought us no luck last year, consider that! COYB Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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