| Ipswich have the best squad in League One 10:46 - Mar 28 with 4355 views | bournemouthblue |
this wasn't even true when we were first relegated
I would say it was about 6th in the league and for me the issue has always been a lack of balance
We lack pace and power through out the side. The team we started with yesterday (KVY aside) was so slow and cloggy, exactly the vision I had of bang average League One sides whenever I had seen them appearing in the FA Cup.
We have a total lack of athletes with no real agility.
Bennetts is a frustrating player but he offers us more than the motley crew we put out yesterday.
The same is true with Parrott and I think both of them improve the balance of our side if nothing else.
Dozzell and Bishop are both talented players but that's a powder puff combo in the middle of the park. We suddenly look short on options with Downes out, Skuse well off the pace, Huws a shadow of his former self and Nolan seemingly cast into the wilderness. McGavin may have done a better job in there but we can't use him either!
Norwood is the only striker who looks up to it and I like the look of Parrot but he isn't ours ultimately.
Kayden Jackson has proved to be disappointing, Sears looks a shadow of the player who McCarthy first signed, Hawkins seems to have disappeared and Drinnan looks like he is playing a league or too high.
I've no doubt Drinnan is going to work hard but he doesn't look quick enough to really make a defence sweat for me. He had a rare burst forward against someone I forget and actually looked quicker than I was expecting but that seemed to be a rare flurry where he looked up to it.
If we somehow fluked our way into the playoffs and won them, we'd need a complete squad rebuild or we could crashing back down with a similar points haul to Wycombe. [Post edited 28 Mar 2021 10:57]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 10:29 - Mar 31 with 1097 views | Chrisd |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 09:55 - Mar 31 by haynes_toe1 |
Yeah, I really hope he is what we need. He certainly has credentials at lower levels, with one promotion from this division, which is a good sign. Equally, Hurts had just done well with Shrewsbury and he was a disaster. Sometimes it's best not just rely on the past and judge on what you see in front of you. |
Had he though? He got them to the EFL Trophy Final and L1 Play Off final, which they both lost. Don't get me wrong, I was one of those that thought he would be a good appointment for us. PC certainly has more success and a better managerial track record than PH, so I'm still very much hopeful, but once again who are the constants during this period of consistent failure at the club? Until changes are made we can't really judge PC, he's doing his best with what he has available. Let him get his type of players in first during the summer and then let's see where we go from there. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 10:38]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 11:02 - Mar 31 with 1049 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 09:55 - Mar 31 by haynes_toe1 |
Yeah, I really hope he is what we need. He certainly has credentials at lower levels, with one promotion from this division, which is a good sign. Equally, Hurts had just done well with Shrewsbury and he was a disaster. Sometimes it's best not just rely on the past and judge on what you see in front of you. |
Hurst's record isn't remotely comparable to Cook's. Once again you show you know nothing about football. |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 11:56 - Mar 31 with 1038 views | Keaneish |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 09:55 - Mar 31 by haynes_toe1 |
Yeah, I really hope he is what we need. He certainly has credentials at lower levels, with one promotion from this division, which is a good sign. Equally, Hurts had just done well with Shrewsbury and he was a disaster. Sometimes it's best not just rely on the past and judge on what you see in front of you. |
Yes, "judge what you see in front of you" but also take into consideration everything that is happening around it too. Cook has already implemented changes and they're positive and he's calling it as it is. At the moment the players aren't executing it but, there are positive signs, it'll just take a bit of time.
We'll have a better run between now and the send of the season. Whether its enough to hit a top 6 finish, who knows!? |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:22 - Mar 31 with 1032 views | itfcjoe |
I think people overestimate other teams in this leagues resources and squads - Accrinton were missing their 4 key players at Posh last week and lost 7-0. Posh have 1bout 16 players who have played 100 or so senior games, and rely on youngsters below that to fill squad.
Whereas we have players like Jordan Roberts last year and Janoi Donacien this year, who can't even get close to being in the matchday 18, who then join clubs at this level and start everyweek as they outperform us.
There are clear issues in the squad, especially with wide forwards for me - but think people need to look around more. Teams like Oxford, and Doncaster - lose key players mid season for relative peanuts, we don't have that issue.
It's bloated, unbalanced, and missing key ingredients - but there is a huge depth of quality and experience.....but it has got to the stage where there is too much depth and it is unmanageable |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:32 - Mar 31 with 1011 views | Keaneish |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:22 - Mar 31 by itfcjoe |
I think people overestimate other teams in this leagues resources and squads - Accrinton were missing their 4 key players at Posh last week and lost 7-0. Posh have 1bout 16 players who have played 100 or so senior games, and rely on youngsters below that to fill squad.
Whereas we have players like Jordan Roberts last year and Janoi Donacien this year, who can't even get close to being in the matchday 18, who then join clubs at this level and start everyweek as they outperform us.
There are clear issues in the squad, especially with wide forwards for me - but think people need to look around more. Teams like Oxford, and Doncaster - lose key players mid season for relative peanuts, we don't have that issue.
It's bloated, unbalanced, and missing key ingredients - but there is a huge depth of quality and experience.....but it has got to the stage where there is too much depth and it is unmanageable |
Its strange that Lambert contradicted every statement he made. He said we had, "imbalances" but ended up creating more. He said we needed "quality in certain areas" and either didn't bring it in or overloaded it with personnel.
This is a talented, experienced squad. If we wanted we could play a spine of Chambers, Skuse and Norwood who have amassed nearly 1700 games between them. That level of experience is invaluable. Agree with you we have 2 issues: balance and lack of quality in wide areas. We either need to address these quickly or someone needs to step up to the plate and find some form otherwise it won't be a top 6 finish.
Downes is a huge loss at the moment. We have few other options who look like inspiring other than Norwood. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:44 - Mar 31 with 1000 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:32 - Mar 31 by Keaneish |
Its strange that Lambert contradicted every statement he made. He said we had, "imbalances" but ended up creating more. He said we needed "quality in certain areas" and either didn't bring it in or overloaded it with personnel.
This is a talented, experienced squad. If we wanted we could play a spine of Chambers, Skuse and Norwood who have amassed nearly 1700 games between them. That level of experience is invaluable. Agree with you we have 2 issues: balance and lack of quality in wide areas. We either need to address these quickly or someone needs to step up to the plate and find some form otherwise it won't be a top 6 finish.
Downes is a huge loss at the moment. We have few other options who look like inspiring other than Norwood. |
Chambers and Skuse have been central figures in our demise over the last three years and need to leave. |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:47 - Mar 31 with 1000 views | itfcjoe |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:32 - Mar 31 by Keaneish |
Its strange that Lambert contradicted every statement he made. He said we had, "imbalances" but ended up creating more. He said we needed "quality in certain areas" and either didn't bring it in or overloaded it with personnel.
This is a talented, experienced squad. If we wanted we could play a spine of Chambers, Skuse and Norwood who have amassed nearly 1700 games between them. That level of experience is invaluable. Agree with you we have 2 issues: balance and lack of quality in wide areas. We either need to address these quickly or someone needs to step up to the plate and find some form otherwise it won't be a top 6 finish.
Downes is a huge loss at the moment. We have few other options who look like inspiring other than Norwood. |
You just have to look at the players outside the 18 every game, it;s silly at this level.
But it also means development has been totally screwed for younger players, as there are so many bodies between them and the first team | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:50 - Mar 31 with 985 views | Herbivore |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:44 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
Chambers and Skuse have been central figures in our demise over the last three years and need to leave. |
They were also central figures in us being a competetive Championship side in the years preceding that. It's very odd that it's them and not some of the dross we've recruited since that seem to carry the can. |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:52 - Mar 31 with 982 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:50 - Mar 31 by Herbivore |
They were also central figures in us being a competetive Championship side in the years preceding that. It's very odd that it's them and not some of the dross we've recruited since that seem to carry the can. |
The other dross has gone though, apart from Sears. Talking specifically about central figures here. And we haven’t been competitive in the championship since what was it, 2014..?
Edit; sorry I misread your post and yes, there are a load of players here who need to go now ASAP, but I think those two and Sears specifically have to leave now, so used are they to failure. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 12:56]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:56 - Mar 31 with 974 views | Herbivore |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:52 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
The other dross has gone though, apart from Sears. Talking specifically about central figures here. And we haven’t been competitive in the championship since what was it, 2014..?
Edit; sorry I misread your post and yes, there are a load of players here who need to go now ASAP, but I think those two and Sears specifically have to leave now, so used are they to failure. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 12:56]
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We finished 12th in 2018. That's competetive, if somewhat unexciting. The other dross has left? We've still got most of Hurst's signings and have had a conveyor belt of loanees ranging from bang average to absolutely shocking over the past 3 years. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:01 - Mar 31 with 955 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 12:56 - Mar 31 by Herbivore |
We finished 12th in 2018. That's competetive, if somewhat unexciting. The other dross has left? We've still got most of Hurst's signings and have had a conveyor belt of loanees ranging from bang average to absolutely shocking over the past 3 years. |
I don’t think mid table is competing for anything although I look back on those halcyon days now and weep uncontrollably. You’re right in your other points, sorry I miss read your initial post. We’re all very used to big change every summer but this summer needs BIG change, and it should start with those 3 plus about 10 others. I’d keep my man Toto, Downes and Dozzell if possible, Norwood if he can be arsed, and Nolan. The rest have to go even if it means another season of putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:05 - Mar 31 with 944 views | footers |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:01 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
I don’t think mid table is competing for anything although I look back on those halcyon days now and weep uncontrollably. You’re right in your other points, sorry I miss read your initial post. We’re all very used to big change every summer but this summer needs BIG change, and it should start with those 3 plus about 10 others. I’d keep my man Toto, Downes and Dozzell if possible, Norwood if he can be arsed, and Nolan. The rest have to go even if it means another season of putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. |
The Banter Boy can stay if he gets rid of that ridiculous top knot and removes himself from all social media channels. Those are my demands. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 13:06]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:05 - Mar 31 with 946 views | Herbivore |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:01 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
I don’t think mid table is competing for anything although I look back on those halcyon days now and weep uncontrollably. You’re right in your other points, sorry I miss read your initial post. We’re all very used to big change every summer but this summer needs BIG change, and it should start with those 3 plus about 10 others. I’d keep my man Toto, Downes and Dozzell if possible, Norwood if he can be arsed, and Nolan. The rest have to go even if it means another season of putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. |
I don't necessarily disagree with Chambers and Skuse going for what it's worth. They are both well past their best now, same with Sears. My only worry is we lose about the only voices we have in the squad and having to sign players who can immediately step in to lead the dressing room is a bit of a challenge. On that basis I might give Chambers another year as he's still good enough to play a part at this level and can pass the baton.
The bit I don't like so much is the amount of blame that gets apportioned to Chambers and Skuse in respect of our demise. They were part of competent Championship sides when paired with similarly competent Championship players. We sold those players and replaced them with dross. I think our demise is mainly down to that than to Chambo and Skusey. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:12 - Mar 31 with 931 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:05 - Mar 31 by footers |
The Banter Boy can stay if he gets rid of that ridiculous top knot and removes himself from all social media channels. Those are my demands. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 13:06]
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He’s a cock but what do you expect from the privately educated? Plus every team needs a wind up merchant & aggravation specialist and we haven’t had one for ages. Part of the problem in fact. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:14 - Mar 31 with 927 views | footers |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:12 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
He’s a cock but what do you expect from the privately educated? Plus every team needs a wind up merchant & aggravation specialist and we haven’t had one for ages. Part of the problem in fact. |
Hang on. He was privately educated? Jesus wept, I hope his parents kept the receipts. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:14 - Mar 31 with 926 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:05 - Mar 31 by Herbivore |
I don't necessarily disagree with Chambers and Skuse going for what it's worth. They are both well past their best now, same with Sears. My only worry is we lose about the only voices we have in the squad and having to sign players who can immediately step in to lead the dressing room is a bit of a challenge. On that basis I might give Chambers another year as he's still good enough to play a part at this level and can pass the baton.
The bit I don't like so much is the amount of blame that gets apportioned to Chambers and Skuse in respect of our demise. They were part of competent Championship sides when paired with similarly competent Championship players. We sold those players and replaced them with dross. I think our demise is mainly down to that than to Chambo and Skusey. |
I think it’s fair for them to receive some criticism. Not all of it, and that’s not what I’m saying, but some. And if both of them had been fully behind Mini Roy- they may have been by the way, this is speculation on my part - maybe things under him could have been different. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:16 - Mar 31 with 924 views | chicoazul |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:14 - Mar 31 by footers |
Hang on. He was privately educated? Jesus wept, I hope his parents kept the receipts. |
He’s from Eastbourne and went to St Bedes, I think his dad was a Dr. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:29 - Mar 31 with 913 views | jayessess |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:05 - Mar 31 by Herbivore |
I don't necessarily disagree with Chambers and Skuse going for what it's worth. They are both well past their best now, same with Sears. My only worry is we lose about the only voices we have in the squad and having to sign players who can immediately step in to lead the dressing room is a bit of a challenge. On that basis I might give Chambers another year as he's still good enough to play a part at this level and can pass the baton.
The bit I don't like so much is the amount of blame that gets apportioned to Chambers and Skuse in respect of our demise. They were part of competent Championship sides when paired with similarly competent Championship players. We sold those players and replaced them with dross. I think our demise is mainly down to that than to Chambo and Skusey. |
I don't think Chambers and Skuse are to blame for anything particularly, but the "dressing room leaders" thing has always struck me as odd. The general consensus at the club is that the culture/atmosphere at the club is bad. Sometimes that's expressed as a lack of confidence or bravery, sometimes as a lack of character, determination and desire or as low expectations, lack of ambition.
If it is bad then surely either (a) the senior players don't or can't set the tone or (b) they set this bad tone? Either way, I don't see how personality-wise they can be doing us much good?
Is the argument that it would be even worse without them? How? |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:46 - Mar 31 with 892 views | chrismakin |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:14 - Mar 31 by chicoazul |
I think it’s fair for them to receive some criticism. Not all of it, and that’s not what I’m saying, but some. And if both of them had been fully behind Mini Roy- they may have been by the way, this is speculation on my part - maybe things under him could have been different. |
I didnt realise until J2 advised the other day that Chambers and skuse held player meetings post game.
There are 2 ways of seeing that
A positive that they were trying to help
Or they were undermining the new manager
I'm not 100% sure which it is tbh.
I'd personally hate it it I was managing a new office and found out that two of my senior staff held their own private meetings. |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:55 - Mar 31 with 884 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:29 - Mar 31 by jayessess |
I don't think Chambers and Skuse are to blame for anything particularly, but the "dressing room leaders" thing has always struck me as odd. The general consensus at the club is that the culture/atmosphere at the club is bad. Sometimes that's expressed as a lack of confidence or bravery, sometimes as a lack of character, determination and desire or as low expectations, lack of ambition.
If it is bad then surely either (a) the senior players don't or can't set the tone or (b) they set this bad tone? Either way, I don't see how personality-wise they can be doing us much good?
Is the argument that it would be even worse without them? How? |
I do wonder if Chambers/Skuse (Chambo particularly) are perhaps too dominant as figures in that dressing room/on the training ground. I'm not saying that in a negative way re their persona, attitude or characters as they have been fantastic servants here. However, you do wonder if them both going may allow others to step up to the plate and start taking some responsibility/begin to lead. Of course, it could go totally the other way. However, my instinct is I think a clean sweep this summer is needed and as part of that they should go. Cook needs to bring in a couple of his own lieutenants with a fresh voice about the place. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 13:56]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:56 - Mar 31 with 883 views | Herbivore |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:29 - Mar 31 by jayessess |
I don't think Chambers and Skuse are to blame for anything particularly, but the "dressing room leaders" thing has always struck me as odd. The general consensus at the club is that the culture/atmosphere at the club is bad. Sometimes that's expressed as a lack of confidence or bravery, sometimes as a lack of character, determination and desire or as low expectations, lack of ambition.
If it is bad then surely either (a) the senior players don't or can't set the tone or (b) they set this bad tone? Either way, I don't see how personality-wise they can be doing us much good?
Is the argument that it would be even worse without them? How? |
If Skuse and Chambers are bad apples, don't you think one of the past 3 (now 4 actually) managers would have binned them off out of the club, rather than giving them new contracts? There's only so much two individuals can do. Some managers have said it's a quiet dressing room, Chambers and Skuse can't change the personalities of their teammates. | |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 14:04 - Mar 31 with 870 views | Nthsuffolkblue |
On paper I disagree. I think we had a good number of players with Championship experience and who have performed well at League 1 level:
Jackson and Norwood together as a partnership, Hawkins.
Edwards, Nolan, Bishop, Downes, Skuse, Sears, Judge, Huws.
Nsiala, Chambers, Ward, Kenlock, Donacien, Wilson.
Holy (and to a lesser degree Cornell)
Add to that younger talented players like Dozzell, Dobra, El Mizouni, Ndaba, KVY, Lankester, Woolfenden, Nydam, McGavin and Baggott. Add in talent and experience of Bennetts, Parrott, Harrop and Mathieson.
I don't know much about the other teams in this division and their squads but I doubt many have anything with as much depth to them.
There have been a number of issues. One is managing such a large, cumbersome squad. Another is getting the players free from injury and performing. Another is developing partnerships - the only ones I can really see there are Norwood with Jackson and Nsiala with Wilson and, for whatever reasons, one of those partnerships is not getting played. Another appears to be match fitness and even, possibly, motivation and desire. Tactics were a big issue for a long time too and I think the players are taking a long time to adjust away from what they have had ingrained into them for some considerable time now.
On paper our squad is far better than it has performed on the pitch. Yes, it is also unbalanced with a lack of quality goal scorers. However, I am sure Norwood, Jackson, Nolan, Edwards and Sears have provided those in the past. They simply are not doing so now.
What do we need going forward? We need a decent squad of around 20 players who know what they are doing and have developed effective partnerships all over the pitch. Add to that half a dozen or so talented, hungry young players who will be able to provide cover and push anyone who is not performing regularly enough. We also desperately lack someone who can organise and motivate on the pitch. A real captain figure who will be able to lead the team beyond next season and in the Championship. |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 14:25 - Mar 31 with 857 views | jayessess |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:56 - Mar 31 by Herbivore |
If Skuse and Chambers are bad apples, don't you think one of the past 3 (now 4 actually) managers would have binned them off out of the club, rather than giving them new contracts? There's only so much two individuals can do. Some managers have said it's a quiet dressing room, Chambers and Skuse can't change the personalities of their teammates. |
Which would tend towards (a), wouldn't it? That they don't or can't set the tone?
The suggestion is that we need to keep them around for the positive effect they have in the dressing room and on the pitch, but we're also saying that they can't affect their teammates. Doesn't compute. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 14:25]
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 14:43 - Mar 31 with 840 views | Steve_M |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 13:29 - Mar 31 by jayessess |
I don't think Chambers and Skuse are to blame for anything particularly, but the "dressing room leaders" thing has always struck me as odd. The general consensus at the club is that the culture/atmosphere at the club is bad. Sometimes that's expressed as a lack of confidence or bravery, sometimes as a lack of character, determination and desire or as low expectations, lack of ambition.
If it is bad then surely either (a) the senior players don't or can't set the tone or (b) they set this bad tone? Either way, I don't see how personality-wise they can be doing us much good?
Is the argument that it would be even worse without them? How? |
The bad atmosphere at the club starts from the very top because Marcus Evans isn't very involved in the running of his expensive hobby. The state of the club reflects that in every aspect, everything outside the first team is done on the cheap which means it's generally done poorly and that impacts the first team - the state of the pitch, the injuries, the state of the ground .
If Chambers and Skuse are still dressing room leaders after so long then it reflects the fact that the only player we have signed with any personality is a bit of a knob at times (but still one of our better players). |  |
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| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 14:48 - Mar 31 with 834 views | itfcjoe |
| Ipswich have the best squad in League One on 14:25 - Mar 31 by jayessess |
Which would tend towards (a), wouldn't it? That they don't or can't set the tone?
The suggestion is that we need to keep them around for the positive effect they have in the dressing room and on the pitch, but we're also saying that they can't affect their teammates. Doesn't compute. [Post edited 31 Mar 2021 14:25]
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Cook has gone out of his way to praise them so far, and has been (from what I'm told) desperate to get Chambers back to CB to play there - but who knows how they go in the summer.
For me it feels a season too far for Sears, who jut hasn't contributed, possibly the same for Skuse who at his age has now spent a lot of time injured in the last 18 months - neither of those have "earned" a new contract for what they have done on the pitch.
Chambers a different story though, he'll again play 40+ games - as he has every season since he got here - and has performed at a consistent enough level that both managers this season have started him every week despite the relentless schedule.
If in the summer Cook decides that his race here is run, I don't think anyone will be up in arms about that decision - he has treated him with respect since he came in and not tried to be a wrecking ball....................however, if he gets a new deal (which I personally think he deserves, but can understand why he wouldn't if Cook wants a new broom) then I can guarantee there won't be the same level of respect shown to Cook's decision and a portion of the fanbase will stay on his back. | |
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