Following Ipswich Town Football Club has, unfortunately, become an almost completely joyless affair.

No, this isn’t another hackneyed put-down of ‘dinosaur’ Mick McCarthy and the tactical naivety which has transformed this club from Championship relegation fodder to perennial play-off contenders.

Nor is this is yet another moan about our owner Marcus Evans who had the audacity to grab us from the threat of a second administration using his own personal wealth and now has the audacity not to pay over the top prices in this over-inflated football economy.

No, I’m afraid this is about us – that other major element of any football club – the fans. The fact is that so many of us have become so jaundiced and desperate to join the calamitous Premier League circus that we have started to display almost vociferous hatred towards the thing we should all hold most dear – our beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.

On the evenings of defeat the message boards and Twitter feeds pulsate with the fuming hatred of our fans towards the current club set-up and anyone who dares talk positively about our team.

The fact that consistently evenings of defeat attract far more comments than evenings of victories to me speaks volumes. I honestly believe such is the hatred of our current club that many of these fans positively – if not knowingly – yearn for defeat so they can once more vent their spleen.

Anger at defeat is not unusual or new – what is more disturbing is anger at victory. We have reached the point where because of so many social media and message board warriors, even winning has become a joyless experience.

This week’s hard-fought victory against Derby was certainly not pretty but it was a victory and yet the message boards and Twitter feeds after it still convulsed with criticism and bile. Skuse only had this many touches, daylight robbery, we’d be relegated without Bart, Dinosaur Mick, Pitman’s no Murphy, Varney’s useless, oh hang-on etc etc etc.

This is not the club my Granddad introduced me to and the one I fell in love with. My first season was the first of the post-Robson era so it is fair to say my Ipswich life has been one largely of decline but it has also been one where I’ve recognised our club as inspiring fierce loyalty, ardent support, bringing out the positives and being a friendly somehow different entity to other normal clubs.

It is a huge regret that I no-longer feel this. The club has become joyless in victory as well as defeat. Discussion has made way for insult and scorn, criticism pushed aside by vitriolic loathing and loyalty cast off by resentment.

So to the fan who penned that letter in the Ipswich Star asking Mr Evans for his club back. I concur. I also want my club back. My friendly club, my supportive club, the club where I feel we are all pulling in the same direction and all wanting the same elusive glory.

I want to find joy in following Ipswich again. I fear instead I’ll just find a string of insults at the bottom of this blog for daring to say so.

Botham1981 added 15:10 - Sep 14 Blue Cobbler - lovely piece, setting a damming picture of the social media age where tweets, postings and phone-ins are seen to be the voice of the people. Don't be put off by such miserable ramblings, I bet most of us were jumping around in joy last night - I was pacing up and down my decking listening to the final minutes on the radio, howling when it sounded like they scored and screaming down the Fynn Valley when the final whistle blew. I was lucky enough to see us beat Real Madrid, Barcelona, the Milans, - anything anyone could throw at us, but last night's feeling was almost as good as watching us beat Man U 6-1!

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Penguinblue added 15:29 - Sep 14 Good article. I enjoy watching Ipswich home and away, but apart from the day out you are right, it has become a joyless affair. I blame McCarthy for this and see no point in not saying so. His idiotic excuses, tactics, favoritism, hoofball and downright stupidity spoils it for me. I have got to the point that even when we win I think it has put back the day when we can be rid of him so I enjoy the victory less. I only repeat my criticisms on TWTD to try and generate enough support to get rid of him. Changing his ways would not be enough, I want him to go - Ipswich are a boring laughing stock because of him - I don't even blame Mr Evans - McCarthy has previously said there is no one better than we already have so he has burnt his boats there even though it was the height of stupidity. Milne is a nothing man, he does not answer anything slightly critical so McCarthy remains unchecked. Please go McCarthy - make Ipswich joyful again

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itfcjoe added 15:30 - Sep 14 Why not just ignore social media and the messageboard? It's easy enough to do and if it brings you that much anguish may be in your best interests
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ElderGrizzly added 15:37 - Sep 14 Good stuff. The 'defeat found within a victory' is something that is becoming more and more of a trend with a lot of clubs, including ours. A listen to Radio Suffolk travelling back from a game, even after a win, is testament to that. The desire to find the smallest chink to criticise, while not recognising we really are a '2nd tier' side and always probably will be. We had spells over 30 years ago where we punched above our weight and in some ways we are continuing to do so. There are things we can improve and there always will be. Just the patience of some fans (yes i know 15 years!!) isn't there anymore when they see some traditionally smaller clubs are financially doping their way out of the league. It's still enjoyable for me, just not as enjoyable as it used to be. Football is meant to entertain and an increasing number of games it isn't. I've had a SEason Ticket for over 20 years now, so seen good and bad. Right now, this is certainly a half-full rather than half-empty stage in our history

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groovyASH added 15:47 - Sep 14 Joe- it's an almost impossible expectation to ignore social media and message boards in 2016, as it has replaced the footballing experience that grandstand, teletext and to an extent, radio used to bring to fans who cannot, for whatever reason, attend the match day experience. But to the blogger I would also say, this is not a phenomenon unique to either our club or even football. The age of the Internet has ushered in a time where people can share very vocal criticisms on a public level that was not possible before. Previously such things were shared by writing to your local paper (who would only select "the best" to publish) or the horrible radio phone-in, which has been a medium for moaning as far back as the Burley days. You look at the hate other clubs get- even the likes of Arsenal are unceasingly blasted by fans on a weekly basis- and this extends to films, to shows, books etc. The age of the Internet has given everyone in the world the chance to express an opinion, and the fact is, humankind is simply a miserable species happier moaning and with more to talk about if there's negatives or unheavels to discuss.

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Mullet added 16:37 - Sep 14 To be honest most of them are hollow, unfulfilled beings it seems. Projecting their existential angst in blue and white rather than holding up a mirror to their failings. Very few of these professionally aggrieved can even put together a coherent argument, let alone mean what they say. It's just a default position and the facts and scenarios are fitted around their 15 minutes of blame, each week. The dickhead down the pub, now has 10's of thousands of eyes to catch, not 10's of ears. That's all.

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megamoth added 16:45 - Sep 14 I think it's the human condition and our fan base is no different to anyone else. Football has become an endless scrambling for success and yes the joy has, I suppose gone out of it. I remember back 30 years or so to when the shirts didn't have anything on them other than the team badge on the chest and a number on the back. In today's world, I imagine even Burton supporters will be happy for consolidation this year but if they stay in the Championship, within two or three years they too will start berating their team and demanding change if they aren't pushing for the playoffs. Also, bear in mind that the 100 or so comments that are posted after a defeat include multiple posts from the same supporters and some of them (even if only the minority) are positive. It probably leaves you with about 70 "negative" posters. In truth, even if every one of the 100 comments posted after a match were negative, it's still such a small number that you really shouldn't hold all supporters to account for the vehement views of so few.

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BlueandTruesince82 added 19:09 - Sep 14 All very well put
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Daleyitfc added 19:15 - Sep 14 We are now in the situation where the result is almost an irrelevance : the quality of football played is so bad that I can't watch it anymore, and this is solely down to "I'm always right" McCarthy and his vision of every match being a rearguard action where the opposition needs to be ground down until we fluke a goal ; or don't. If there really are only 70 negative posters at this time, then shame on all the rest who are happy to put up with this tripe year after year, and blindly follow McCarthy (just as they did Jewell ; Keane ; Magilton ; probably Milburn if they're old enough) because they condier that criticising the club/team/manager makes you a Budgie or dis-loyal. Well, guess what : the most important people in my life are my family, and sometimes they do things wrong too, and they also benefit from being told when this is so : as have I on the 3 occasions I got something wrong a few years back ...

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DurhamTownFan added 19:57 - Sep 14 Really enjoyed reading this, and I feel the same. What I dislike the most is people saying you're not really supporting the team if you're critical. If you're happy with Micks awful attempt at football then I feel sorry for you. I complain because even when we win, we only ever just nick a win. When was the last time we beat a team by a comfortable margin? Some of us can remember when we were known as one of the best football-playing teams in the league, and now people pity us. I pity us. I don't care what anyone says about being over-negative. Our football is disgusting and I've also had enough of it. Can you imagine what we'd do if we did get promoted? It'd be embarrassing. MM out. End of.

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JCBLUE added 20:01 - Sep 14 Great article
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Mullet added 20:49 - Sep 14 Barnsley about a month or so ago?
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Blue_Moses added 22:02 - Sep 14 I don't think it's any different to when I first came on here in 2001.
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carsey added 05:20 - Sep 15 Like owners are said to become like their dogs so football teams become like their managers and since McCarthy has turned into a caricature of a boring dull Neanderthal Yorkshire man so Town have become a parody of a football team. Like it or not this isn't moaning it's observation from someone who was lucky enough to be there when Town played decent football with knowledgeable men running and coaching the club. Joyless? Yes it is but I have still got a season ticket more in hope than expectation.

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RoyalAscotBlue added 08:10 - Sep 15 Following Ipswich Town Football Club has, unfortunately, become an almost completely joyless affair... Because the match day experience has become so poor. The football being played, if you can call it that, is simply dreadful to watch. I want to watch a game of football, where people use their feet to pass the ball around, in an attempt to get it into the opposition's goal.

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Ardentitfc1978 added 10:40 - Sep 15 Good blog. From my personal perspective, I think MM has done reasonably well to keep the club afloat and still competing for top 6 places. Players that MM has brought in this season so far, whether free, on loan or out right purchase are encouraging signings. However, was disappointed that he could not add another striker on time before the dateline. The budget given to MM unfortunately was not be much. ME will not spend millions like what Man City or others can and will do. The 15 years outside the Premier League also hampers the club financially in getting the MILLIONS from EPL sponsors etc. Therefor, I do not expect a quick financial fix to go back to the promise land. Previous managers entrusted, were not able to do it even with a higher budget than MM. Worse of all, that terrible ex-MU so called legend, totally destroyed the club we all love so very much. I will never forgive him. When MM came in, he really had to start rebuilding the club and I am very grateful to MM for keeping ITFC alive. Players come and players go. Even the very best and expensive players still needs time to gel in the team. The boring style of playing hoof ball is not so obvious this season as compared to the last two. Thumbs up to MM for trying to change. For me this season top 6 is very possible with the current group of players, given time I hope. I would agree that each and every ITFC fan has got their rights to voice out their opinions. As for me at the present moment, I am standing behind MM, TC & ME and the rest of the players. Not that I am satisfied but at this particular moment in time, I think Ipswich Town FC is in good hands. UP THE BLUES !!!

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MVBlue added 11:43 - Sep 15 We must push on. Anyone that watched the East Anglian Derby this season knows we can play decently. We're jusy short of a couple of really good players, whether we may ever pay for them we don't know. We should get 5th or 6th and thats where we are as a club. People are entitled to moan afterwards if they go to the matches IMHO.
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Surco72 added 13:32 - Sep 15 The biggest thing you say is " it is not the club your granddad introduced you to " It is nowhere near that club in terms of approach to the game , style of play that has been accustomed to Ipswich sides through the years . The result has become irrelevant we wont go up and we will not be relegated so surely it is about entertainment and watching attractive football and flair players playing on the deck at pace . This football is the worst I have seen it is negative , boring , dated rubbish hence the crowds are getting smaller even though MM is more successful than previous managers ? It is certainly not attracting a younger generation of supporters as I have 3 who no longer want to go and watch as there are very few goal attempts very few goals .The same players play every week whether they have good or bad performances , just personally think it is time for a change and a new footballing approach more with how the game is now being played

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blrmy added 14:55 - Sep 15 A good post, one I could make myself. Its sad, but keyboard warriors, trolls, etc., are unfortunately a symptom of the online age. Hiding behind a keyboard is too easy. I have many conversations in the pub, work, and so on, and TWTD (or more specifically some of the people who post, as the site as run by Gav and Phil is great) are the butt of many jokes, they certainly have a reputation and it's not a good one, lol!

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RegencyBlue added 18:12 - Sep 15 All I can say is that it used to be a pleasure to watch ITFC but for many years now it has become more and more a chore. I still have a season ticket and attend a few away games a season but more in hope than expectation. I don't pretend to know how we get out of the rut we are in, although additional investment has to be part of it, but I also don't think the current regime have the answer either. What I would say is that each and every Town fan have the right to express their opinion whatever it may be.

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stevieiriswattii added 19:25 - Sep 15 The first read through your blog & I was in broad agreement with your argument, following Ipswich has become a joyless affair. My first season was also immediately post-Robson, so I too have missed the glory years. Now though, I am bored watching or listening to any Ipswich game, I am almost to the point where I care not what the result is. However I completely disagree with your reasoning. You are squarely putting the blame on fans & their reactions. Suggesting it is the fans who are 'desperate to join the calamitous Premier League circus' and it is that which causes the vitriolic reactions. Surely at the very least the club as a whole are equally, if not more desperate to join the calamitous Premier League circus'. The club doesn't care about the dwindling support. The result is the only thing that matters to McCarthy. At the beginning of every season, we always hear about the young players ready to break into the first team and yet most cannot get a decent chance. McCarthy himself has talked about a more football on the floor, mixing it up, but that has been notably absent this season (barring ironically against Norwich with the big man Murphy). He is even taking regular shots at fans who dare to disagree with his tactics. Are you actually reading the 'negative' posts from fans? Many, (admittedly not all), are not moaning about the result, we are fed up with the horrendous style of 'football', the utterly defensive tactics, the refusal to drop favourite players despite them being utterly out of form or out of their depth in a position they are not suited to. We are fed up of being told what a super performance it was to get a 1-0 win at home to Preston. We are fed up of cup games being treated with complete disdain. I too want my club back, the club which plays football, which does bring through its young players, which respects it fans and which can focus on being a stable vibrant club, respects the fans and the community, rather than ripping us all off and thinking it will all be better when promoted.

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SpiritOfJohn added 07:57 - Sep 17 Everyone has a right to their opinion. Maybe it is part of the human condition to react more strongly to bad news than good? It also seems to be more difficult to add a positive comment. I am no psychologist but adding an overwhelmingly negative blog doesn't seem to be the way to lift our spirits. Maybe the blogger could lead the way by adding more positive comments of their own in future?

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