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Why All the Positivity?
Written by Cambonbleu on Monday, 3rd Aug 2015 14:38

Please don't take the headline of this piece to be negative, it certainly isn't. Whilst the odd doom and gloom-monger still exists within the ranks, it is evident to the vast majority of Town fans that the aura that surrounds the club at the moment is the most positive it's been since the heady days of Premiership football.

OK, we've had a few false dawns, especially at the beginning of the reign of 'he who must not be named' but, in my humble opinion, this is the most upbeat and together the club has been since we finished fifth in the Premier League in 2001. But why? What are the magic ingredients that have brought this situation about? I think it hinges on the following three factors:

[b]1) Mick McCarthy and TC[/b]

We have a management team who undoubtedly know what they're doing. Mick and Terry and all of the backroom staff have done a fantastic club since they have been at the helm. They have spent minimal money, but have a cracking eye for a player and it will be evident just how much you can get from an individual by creating a great atmosphere, being clear about the tasks you want them to undertake and then go out and let them perform and do their job properly.

If you enjoy your job, you can perform well and there's no doubt that our boys have a good boss. How much would any of the players we've picked up on a free transfer over the last nearly three years be valued at now? Berra? Murphy? McGoldrick? Bru? Skuse? The list goes on!

[b]2) Results[/b]

Results last season were fantastic, a number of factors combined to ensure that we were in and around the promotion race for the majority of the season. Good results breed belief and there was a real togetherness surrounding the club as we went through the season with the common goal of achieving promotion.

[b]3) Relationship with Fans[/b]

I think this is the most important element. There have been so many occasions over the last few years where, with the Clegg/he who must not be named/PJ combos that the club has felt so far removed from its fan base that it lost its sense of community.

A large number of fans felt alienated, and that coupled with poor results on the pitch around those times, meant that it wasn't always the proudest of times to admit you're the only Town fan in the room. The last two seasons have been great, especially last season where results were fantastic and brought excitement, goals and the play-offs.

This has made a huge difference to how fans feel about their club but I think the most important factor has been the attitude of our captain, Luke Chambers. He has been the focal point for re-connecting the club to its fan base. Finally we have a captain who genuinely cares about the club and recognises how important the fans are to the club's success.

He acts the right way, has galvanised the club's support to get behind the team and that is reflected in the way that the club and its players are perceived. Chambo is a real credit to our club.

For the first time in a number of years, I go into the new season with more than hope that our club will have a successful season, I truly believe that we will be. COYB




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Miles added 17:05 - Aug 3
I agree with your points here. Mick, TC and the staff have made a real difference. Last season I was optimistic and we finished 6th. This season I have even more reason for optimism and that's down to the squad changes.

Running through the squad changes we had Mings - an unproven left back not knowing what to expect and we've replaced him with someone with a lot of experience despite his age and a lot of potential. Mings was the only guaranteed starter we had that isn't with us now. Anderson and S. Hunt left and while I liked them both due to their work rate we've replaced them with flair and what seems to be a hard working duo in Fraser and AMN.

And up top where we are strongest in my opinion we have Pitman and Sears over Nouble and Bajner. The only other departures of note are Hewitt who added decent cover which I expect us to replace.

As the season went on we added cover through loans and I expect us to do the same. Add to that the fact that Bishop and Bru are established members of the first team squad and that there is an influx of youth coming through.

The future is very positive in my eyes.
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ipswich134 added 18:22 - Aug 3
I agree and hopefully we can make it to top 2 this year.
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Tractorog added 01:22 - Aug 4
I agree with your sentiments, but I think there is a danger that too much unrealistic optimism will lead to disillusion. Jonas is new to English football and some of the other signings are a bit strange frankly. Toure? How many games is he likely to get? Where do Skuse and Cole fit? Will Tab play? I am more optimistic, I think the squad is better, but teams are complicated. Other sides have also invested and Football has a way of grabbing you like Vinny Jones on Gascoigne just when you think you're about to lob the last Scottish defender and volley it into the net. Just a word of caution that's all. It will take time to jell this team. Don't expect miracles on day 1.
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Nthsuffolkblue added 10:33 - Aug 4
Decent blog. My thought as soon as I read the headline was two words: Mick McCarthy. He has shown year-on-year progress with our club and progress from last season can only be very positive.

Add to that the signings we have made this summer and I honestly believe we have improved our squad. I don't think Derby and Middlesborough can say the same and they are considered favourites for the division.
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ArnieMsBigToe added 10:47 - Aug 5
I agree with nearly all that you say on here CambonBleu.

I presume that "he who must not be named" refers to the dark lord & not Marcus Evans.
I do not blame ME for wanting to keep a low profile, but he certainly deserves a mention. I think he was inexperienced as a club owner for a start, and unfortunately made some bad choices.

What I admire about ME is, he hasn't walked away and thrown his hands in the air.
He hasn't given up. He has learnt from his mistakes and I think he deserves a lot of credit for that.

Mick McCarthy is brilliant. . . but so is Terry Connor.
I often liken them to Lennon and McCartney.
I always thought that they were not so good once the Beatles had split up and they went solo.

I think the same could probably be said for McCarthy/Connor. What a team.

All you need is goals
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