I had pretty much finished writing this when the Richie Wellens article was posted, so I don’t know how people are likely to take it. I guess what I had written would have been a little more controversial prior to his open and frank assessment of our club. But I thought I’d finish what I had started for all to see.

For some it may now just read like a collection of things that they feel and have now read put in one place. But I hope it is a little more interesting than that.

I’ve had a bit of time to think about Paul Jewell’s exit, and I still concede that he was the wrong man for the job. However, I feel, if we sort the mess out in our club, we may look back on his time here with a little more sympathy, and little less scorn.

People said his tactics were all wrong and he made bizarre choices. Whilst this may be true, the more I read, the more I feel that it wasn’t entirely his fault. If you have players at the club that don’t care, you don’t know who you can count on, you don’t know who will make the difference. In other words, you’re playing your hand blind.

People also blame Roy Keane for the majority of our problems, stating that he took the club to the wrong end of the table, after Jim Magilton had done a half decent, yet largely uninspiring job.

They argue that Jewell took on a squad and didn’t have the ideas to make it better. But I’m starting to feel more sympathetic to both. I feel there has been a negative ethos at the club for too long. We don’t hold onto leads and concede late on, not because of coaching issues, but because the other teams want to win the game more.

In August 2009 Ipswich lost a very promising young Irish keeper by the name of Shane Supple. Even more bizarre, he left as he had ‘fallen out of love with the game’. For me this was shocking at the time. How could a young player fall out of love with football at Ipswich? Or how could it be so bad that they would give up great financial rewards. I’ve done jobs I don’t like, but if I’m paid enough, I get on with it and do my best.

It later turned out that he fell out of love with the game as too few people cared about the results, performances, etc. This was even more shocking for me. It got to such a point that Supple was effectively pushed out of the club as he cared for the integrity of himself and the club, due to other players who simply didn’t care (see here for Supple’s views at the time. Link courtesy of algarvefan).

Fast forward to today, and we haven’t sorted this problem.

I’ll start with Michael Chopra. The guy’s personal finances were kindly sorted out by our owner, who went way beyond the call of duty to assist him. He essentially gave him another shot at life to build himself up, live a comfortable life, and establish himself as a cult figure at the club.

Chopra is talented, he is undeniably good, and easily a 20 goal-a-season striker this club needed so badly. Yet he shows a distinct lack of care for the club and respect for himself, the fans and the owner.

Insulting fans is never a good way to endear yourself to them, but frankly I kind of agree with his first outburst, people were making inappropriate comments. I also didn’t care too much for the players that went out for a drink, it seemed like a bit of a non-story to me.

But the more I think about it and following his defence of the players in question, and then posting baiting tweets to fans, it has changed my opinion. He doesn’t care. He is merely self-justifying. Saying fans need to “need to get a f***** life” and calling them “haters” is moronic. I would normally say something like “he need to pull his finger out”, but in the context of the club's issues, I call for the club to sack him.

Yes, he is a great player, yes he could be the solution to the problem if he was committed to us. But he is not. And while you have players at the club who would rather self-aggrandise, rather than get stuck in and do the 'job' they are paid to do, then they are part of the problem. We will not survive by playing and paying the wages of people who don’t care. (For more on Chopra’s comment’s see here).

We move on to Chris Hutchings. He has had one game in charge and already causing me concern, not that it is his fault. But again he is pointing the finger towards people not caring. He was never going to get the manager’s job, that much was clear prior to kick-off. So players were playing for personal pride, for the pride of the club, and for the fans' pride.

Yet as Hutchings suggests, players don’t care: “I was pleased for Luke Hyam and Josh Carson, they were the only bright sparks, showing a little bit of effort and commitment.”

Effort and commitment. Is it too much to ask for a person who watching players day in day out, to state that more than two players show effort and commitment? I personally think not.

He is states that more senior players let him down. He should give a list of the players that he feels don’t care, and Marcus Evans should sack them.

Again, we need players that care. We need young players to see role models within the club that care. This may seem harsh, but as I said earlier, we will get relegated by players that don’t care. For more on Hutchings assessment see here.

(Note, for those that are wondering it is at this point I see Wellens's quotes come out!)

Wellens’s comments really provide a good conclusion to the statement I started with. He states “One of the coaches said that the old manager got stick for bringing in loan players, but it is the loan players who are showing they care and that is a sad indication of what is wrong.”

It is, I would have never imagined it could be as bad as loan players caring more than the players we pay to represent the club. I honestly thought they were part of the problem.

It is just further indication that certain players are not fit to represent the club... and they should be shown the door. In light of his honest comments, I hope Wellens receives a significant reception at the next home game.

Daleyitfc added 14:38 - Oct 29 Good stuff : the truth is starting to crawl out of the woodwork. Lee Martin had a run-in with a fan after the game on Saturday, according to t'Star, and this typifies the contempt that many of the players have for the paying public. Chopra should definitely be sacked for 'breach of contract', or, indeed anything the club cares to conjure up, for his disgusting behaviour towards club & supporters : but Thomas, Edwards and Martin need to be booted out with him. And that's probably just for starters.

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DurhamTownFan added 14:49 - Oct 29 Worrying times, and good blog. I'm starting to think that this mess we're in could go on for a good few weeks even if we do get someone new in before the weekend (please do!) Your blog has provided a good summary of the discontent at the club, among the fans, staff, and now also apparently with the players. The new guy needs to drop an ultimatum: either you're with us or against us, and if you're against us, you're out-no second chances. For my money, McCarthy is psobably the man to do this (although I'm still not sure if I want him!) For too long we've been seen as offering an easy payday for less then 100 per cent effort, thanks to a patient owner, patient fans and our rich and even more patient financeer. Time for a big change!

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Edmunds5 added 14:50 - Oct 29 Very good blog and enitrely agree the comments about Supple are interesting because I remember him saying that. I think he went to play gaelic football and entered the catering buisness with his family if I remember correctly, promising he was as well. The problem with players is they get everything handed to them so they become self indulgent. I'd love to see a wage system where players are put on a not too high and not too low wage that would be sensibly increased through performances and goals ect...at the moment they have a high wage for performing badly, contract runs out then they get a similar wage at another club. why should they? The comments by Chopra just shows what he's about, he makes it Ipswich v Chopra. I'd love him too say,' I want to apologise if I have let anybody down and promise to put things right on the pitch, I'm 100% committed and i hope you fans will see this from me' he would earn respect that way but instead he draws himself into arguments and acts and talks like a three year old. I may sound like I'm being too against players but the likes OF Chops and JET have no idea what its like to be a fan of Ipswich because they do not have it in there blood. And as you giving a bit of effort and committment is surel a gimme for a footballer. I did a blog a while back which kind of links to this if you fancied a read Blog: The Factors and Impact of Motivation/Getting Inside a Player’s Head 24th Sep 2012 15:11 There have been a few blogs lately that concern the manager, the owner and the playing staff, which have also touched on other issues that are part of being a football fan, such as ticket prices, personal experiences and memories. There is not much I can personally add to these issues because I think recent blogs have really pinpointed the way in which the club has gone downhill over the years. 7

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BillBlue added 15:06 - Oct 29 Yes, you have said some of the things that need saying Propotkin and your Blog is coherent too. I was among those who felt that the 'birthday night out' was overplayed and felt sorry for the players involved but I had completely missed Chopra's reaction which is way beyond the Pale. I agree, he should be sacked, not for the night out, but for his comments. We have experienced similar situations within our club before when BR first came here and it ended with a punch up between the Captain and BR and the man was immediately shown the door and look what happened after that! I see people are saying that we need an experienced Manager to handle this situation but I disagree. We need a sensible no nonsense Manager, remember BR was inexperienced when he came here. Well written. Thank you. COYB

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runaround added 15:12 - Oct 29 Spot on blog! I just hope the new boss can either get the shirkers to start working or, in more likelyhood, ship them out. We need players who want to play for us, but I fear it may take us time to get there
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IvorFeeling added 15:38 - Oct 29 Instead of sacking them, although I agree with the sentiment, transfer list the lot save the exception of Hyam, Loach, Cresswell and those that have made less than 10 first team appearances. This season JET and Chopra need to take a good look in the mirror. Both have the talent to leave a legacy, be remembered, but life is passing them by - they will wake up one day and their life of being a pro is gone then it will be too late.

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roytheboy added 15:41 - Oct 29 Very well written, I totally agree with all the points presented, I really feel strongly that investigations should commence urgently, to identify the players who don't deserve to be at ITFC and to make a case for discontinuing their contracts, we need a powerful Manager who will also lead by example, the only one that has been mentioned that appeals to me is Ian Holloway, strong and yet stands by his players, a fair Man I would think, one who would command respect.

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Edmunds5 added 15:44 - Oct 29 daleyitfc- Funny you say that about Martin because he had a run in with a fan when I saw a town XI play at Leiston a few years ago when Keane was in charge. Martin didn't want to know at the time and a fan shouted something to which Martin gave him verbals. Suppose you can say a fan started it but just shows the kind of play we have at the club.
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Bergholtblue added 17:10 - Oct 29 I do wonder whether Chopra is the catalyst of all that's wrong with the team and club. He was bailed out to the tune of 1/4 million and the club acted admirably in doing so. They sent him tom 'the clinic' to get sorted and then sent him to a health farm in California to get fit. What did the other players get? We were told that each received personalised fitness plans, was there jealousy betwen players over who seemed to get a better deal than others? For the Newcastle drinking incident Bullard was barred from the club for 4 weeks but Chopra's punishment was minor in comparison. I do wonder whether Chopra's treatment has caused some resentment amongst others. I would get rid of him as soon as and I wouldn't then be surprised if attitudes changed. Excellent blog by the way. These things need saying.

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Edmunds5 added 17:14 - Oct 29 Great comment that Bergholt blue, it does make you think like that. Blogs like these really illustrate the problems and some of the things you dont really think about.
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IvorFeeling added 17:50 - Oct 29 bergholt - think could be something in that. He hasn't performed so I would get rid anyway but shows we need a stronger manager who isn't frightened of this lot.
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bluesimon added 17:58 - Oct 29 An interesting blog and thought provoking blog. I was thinking that this must be a football wide thing now as since Supple came out with those comments in 2009 the squad and most, if not all, of the staff have now changed a couple of times. It seems to be that Ipswich should perhaps be doing more to looking into the players background and attitude in greater depth before signing them and not just making the decision based on footballing ability.

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MattinLondon added 17:59 - Oct 29 I'm sure that a lot of people who read or post on TWTD have themselves worked with people who don't care or lack the motivation to do a decent job.The trouble is that this attitude, if not checked, is infectious and brings down the entire team. If the new manager does not confront this issue head on then players like Carson and Hyam will think 'sod this, if they don't care why should I?. Whoever the new manager has a choice. Allow all his players to start with a new slate or get the 'non triers' out of the club straight away. Personally I think that when a club buys a player from a bigger club then sometimes this leads to trouble. Players who are used to being involved (albeit at reserve level) at Man U, Arsenal etc probably think that the Championship is below their level and that they don't have to try as much. Players brought from a lower level might well think that they have something to prove and are grateful to be given the opportunity at a bigger club. Obviously the above argument is quite simplistic but I think that an element of truth exists in it. I'm sure that at some point between now and when he was sacked, Jewell mused to himself 'what went wrong this season?'. I think the biggest regret with his failure has to be that he sunk without a fight. That he failed by playing the same old team week in and week out. Hand on heart does he know, if the younger players would of played with more enthusiasm and pride? No, of course not. In the face of failure he retreated to what he preferred - and this was to play experience when quite clearly it was experience that let him down. There was no experimentation, no different ideas, just the same old-same-old. Personally speaking we need a ruthless manager, someone who with the hlep of his number one, can look at previous matches and decide what is wrong quickly. Someone who can win back fans by playing entertaining football. If that person is on the long list or short list then stop messing around and give him the job now.

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daybreaker247 added 19:02 - Oct 29 Good blog and the link back to supple highlights the issues in the club are not new and reflect the ongoing poor run we have had for such a long time. I don't follow other teams that closely but, while I am sure this issue is quite common, the problem seems so embedded in the club at the moment. It demonstrates to me that any new manager will have a tough job to turn this round, certainly without the opportunity to radically change the side in the short term. After the dressing room allegedly being divided under Magilton, and this issue clearly being around then, hindsight suggests the discipline of Keane was a good choice of manager at the time but he couldn't turn it round. The 'niceness' of Jewell similarly hasn't worked so where do you go? In light of the latest comments, the choice of manager becomes even more important now and maybe the criteria of experience of promotion should come second to someone who can better relate with players at this level to motivate and bring some professional pride back into the players!

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Metcalfe added 19:28 - Oct 29 well done good blog. But i still dont think loan players are good for us.
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Stan added 20:13 - Oct 29 Cracking blog. Agree totally, this club needs a cull of senior players; to free up wages and to give a message to those inside the club and to football at large about player conduct. Let's get rid.
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Nthsuffolkblue added 20:38 - Oct 29 This attitude has been ingrained amongst players at the club for some time. Remember Supple's comments in Magilton's time when he went back to Ireland? It is down to the new manager to overcome this either through clearing the decks, motivating the established pros, building from the youth or some combination of these.
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WestNorfolk_Blue added 21:34 - Oct 29 Great blog. The more that comes out at the moment it just gets worse, it is difficult and hard to accept things can be so bad. At the time when Jewell treated chopra different to Bullard I thought he got it right, in hindsight Chops has just continued to take the p*ss and should have been transfer listed on the spot. It would be nice if we could sack the lazy dossers but that wouldnt leave enough for a team and we seem to let everyone go for nothing which makes no financial sense. I hope the new manger is tough walks in either chins chopra without saying good morning or as a minimum sends him out and then make him train alone. Then rips a new ar*hole into everyone else giving them the chance to prove themselves on the training ground. Maybee take them down a local rec on a Saturday afternoon to see real desire and guts.

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algarvefan added 22:20 - Oct 29 Let's be honest here, they don't come harder or much meaner than Roy Keane and he couldn't sort this bleeding mess out, so what chance does the new manager have? The issues at Ipswich lie at the heart of footballs problems and some footballers think they are better than they actually are. They are paid way too much in the Championship and contacts should reflect first team appearances and crucially a 'win bonus', less for a draw and basic salary if you lose. That way you may get some effort and an attempt to win at least. I hope whoever comes in can identify and get rid of these players straight away as we have good youngsters who must have lost heart under recent management. Whatever happens it's a long road ahead!!!!

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Edmunds5 added 23:02 - Oct 29 algarvefan: true but Roy Keane was too firm to the point that he bullied players. He wasn't drilling them he was grilling them, theres discipline and then theres Roy Keanes discipline. Jewell was too soft Keane too hard. They need a firm man man-manager/motivator but not someone who is angry all the time like Keane was but someone who the players will respect but know where they stand. The only two that stick out for me is Holloway and McCarthy. Karl Robinson aswell because I think players will enjoy his youthful vibrance and way of playing.

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bluefeast added 23:26 - Oct 29 Marcus Evans will support the new man. If he says we need to off load players then it will happen. I suspect the last few managers have given the owner a wake up call in terms of what is needed. We have to trust in the future. Lets face its all of lowest times , if your 10 yrs old or 6o yrs old you wont of experience much worse. So on the positive the only way is up , even if that means a clean sweep and selling our bad attitudes for 100k a go.

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Keaneish added 00:41 - Oct 30 @daleyitfc - totally agree mate! Those 4 are exactly who we're talking about and three of that 4 were out on the town hours after PJ went! Drinking or not which tells you all you need to know. I can't decide who disgusts me more out of those three. Probably JET, Chopra and then Edwards. My hope is that McCarthy comes in, sacks Edwards as skipper straight away and make him compete for the wide midfield against JET, the loser getting benched and tells Chopra that if he doesn't hit a certain goal tally by Jan, he'll rot in the reserves or be sold. In all honesty, i'd get rid of all three in Jan anyway.

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tractorboy2421 added 10:37 - Oct 30 it always stuns me when i see / hear about players acting the way they do..... thinking they are above everybody else !! & its not just the ones who play ( if you call it that ) for us, it covers nearly every leaugue. what happend to the days of being proud to play for your club & even country, these so called superstars NEED to look at what they have actually done for our club & how much money they have PINCHED( i say pinched because they bloody well havent earned it) hopefully their days are numberd

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AndrewPC added 10:45 - Oct 30 It looks to me as if Wellens' comments and the resurrection of Supple's have been the catalyst for supporters to finally agree that the palyers are a key part of the problem. Keane indicated as much both in words and deeds. PJ was far too generous to the players most of the time, except towards the end of his tenure when repeatedly blaming individual errors on the pitch. So, yes. The new man should have SC's and ME's full support to get rid of players who do not pull their weight. Read the instructions on the packet when arriving. Give everyone a fair chance. Drop players that have inconsistent quality or lack total application. Transfer list those that fail to demonstrate that they'got with the programme'. I would expect if MM is appointed that the squad members will be at least 50% different by season's end.

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AndrewPC added 10:45 - Oct 30 It looks to me as if Wellens' comments and the resurrection of Supple's have been the catalyst for supporters to finally agree that the palyers are a key part of the problem. Keane indicated as much both in words and deeds. PJ was far too generous to the players most of the time, except towards the end of his tenure when repeatedly blaming individual errors on the pitch. So, yes. The new man should have SC's and ME's full support to get rid of players who do not pull their weight. Read the instructions on the packet when arriving. Give everyone a fair chance. Drop players that have inconsistent quality or lack total application. Transfer list those that fail to demonstrate that they'got with the programme'. I would expect if MM is appointed that the squad members will be at least 50% different by season's end.

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