| where we are right now.... 08:40 - Nov 1 with 7240 views | blueysbackside |
....I might be wrong but it seems to me that there are fans just waiting for a bad result to pile on the pressure on Cook. And that whatever he does between now and whenever, he just can't win. I read of fans on here who gave him three games at the end of October, then two games at the end of November to save his skin. And prior to last Saturday it was all about the next five games being key etc etc. This short-term approach to trying to finding a winning lottery ticket just ain't gonna work. Other fans keep pointing to Wigan and whoever else as justification for why we should be doing better cos 'they also bought a load of players in the summer'. Yes, it doesn't always work like that at clubs. Were fans still wanting Cook to being in an assistant immediately after the 4-0 win at Pompey? I've said it once and I'll say it again. The season for me started post August when Celina and Morsy were in the team. Judge us - and Cook - after Xmas. We may not go up automatically, or via the play offs. It may well take time. Just cos we bought in a load of players doesn't mean we have a right to be up near the top - nor does it mean another manager will be able to do that with this squad. I see fans talking about 'yeah, but the owners wouldn't have brought in all these players if it wasn't the aim to go straight up this season'. Perhaps, but they won't be going anywhere soon. Be patient. Things are changing for the better. |  | | |  |
| where we are right now.... on 09:44 - Nov 1 with 882 views | jayessess |
| where we are right now.... on 09:11 - Nov 1 by blueysbackside |
Without going over ground that's already been covered, what would Cook need to do to get extra time in your opinion? I'm talking about results....plain and simple, tell me what he needs to achieve? |
After our wretched start I said that from our low base, we needed steady regular improvement that ends up with us being more or less the best team in the league in the second half of the season.
The bar for what's expected ratchets up the longer the season goes on and the longer he has these players together, not just on match day but also in training. In September we simply had to shift from total rubbish to just OK. In October it had to go to play-off form.
In November we'll have to show that we're one of the better sides in the league. Straight losses to Wycombe, Oxford, Sunderland, Rotherham would prove we aren't at that level and would, to me, demonstrate that we aren't getting there any time soon. Win a couple of them or even win 1 and draw a couple and we're just about showing enough to keep the show on the road. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 09:46 - Nov 1 with 880 views | blueysbackside |
| where we are right now.... on 09:32 - Nov 1 by Guthrum |
Improve consistency of performances and results, put together a decent winning run, against the better teams as well as those struggling.
I think we're on the way to achieving that, with 17 points gained from the last 27 available. But things are still fragile, every setback is magnified by the first phase of the season, which has put us on the back foot as far as League position is concerned and made the job ahead (of at least finishing in the top six) all the harder.
It's especially frustrating as the same things keep happening - a looseness in defence letting leads slip, good chances not converted into on-target shots through lack of composure. There needs to be progress on that, too. |
Hi Guthrum.
My point being that he will need time to do all that - yet a number of fans won't give him that (but presumably will give a new boss a full season to do what he needs to do). | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 09:49 - Nov 1 with 878 views | blueysbackside |
| where we are right now.... on 09:37 - Nov 1 by HighgateBlue |
Unfortunately the League Table that is in widest use is the one which started in August. Cook understands that, and he understood it when he ripped up last season's successful defence. It's right that it takes time for a wholly new team to bed in, but nobody forced him to bin quite so many players.
But in any event, your position is not so different to many. Judging Cook at the end of October (now) means forming a view 20 months into his contract. You are asking that he be judged 22 months into his contract (after Xmas). That's really not an unacceptable difference of opinion. Each to his/her own.
We will have some better results, and some worse results. That's inevitable when you're a mid table team, which is what we are, and what we have been each year in League One. At present there's no real evidence of that changing. Evidence such as beating someone in the top ten, or such as putting ourselves closer to the playoffs than the relegation zone, or such as not throwing away more points from a winning position than the total number of points on the board. Fans who point out true facts are not waiting for failure. They don't need to wait - they are merely pointing at it. |
I think where I differ from what you're saying is that rightly or wrongly I gave him the benefit of the doubt until his squad was in place, until he could pick his team - and that began when Morsy/Celina started playing. So, for me, the season is a month or so old. That's my opinion, a lot of fans disagree. | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 09:50 - Nov 1 with 872 views | homer_123 |
| where we are right now.... on 09:32 - Nov 1 by Guthrum |
Improve consistency of performances and results, put together a decent winning run, against the better teams as well as those struggling.
I think we're on the way to achieving that, with 17 points gained from the last 27 available. But things are still fragile, every setback is magnified by the first phase of the season, which has put us on the back foot as far as League position is concerned and made the job ahead (of at least finishing in the top six) all the harder.
It's especially frustrating as the same things keep happening - a looseness in defence letting leads slip, good chances not converted into on-target shots through lack of composure. There needs to be progress on that, too. |
This is certainly my biggest concern with Cook. He's not, yet, been able to eradicate the issues we saw last season. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 09:52 - Nov 1 with 856 views | homer_123 |
| where we are right now.... on 09:11 - Nov 1 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Many of us are patient. I'm obviously not talking about them. There's a disproportionate amount of negativity on TWTD compared to in the stands, IMO.
Also, I think there are very few who only discuss positives. |
Surely it is a good thing that the negativity is played out away from PR?
I'm frustrated this season as there is evidence to suggest this team can really play well, good football, on the front foot etc. but that frustration comes from not being able to capitalise on this. | |
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| where we are right now.... on 09:53 - Nov 1 with 855 views | jayessess |
| where we are right now.... on 09:49 - Nov 1 by blueysbackside |
I think where I differ from what you're saying is that rightly or wrongly I gave him the benefit of the doubt until his squad was in place, until he could pick his team - and that began when Morsy/Celina started playing. So, for me, the season is a month or so old. That's my opinion, a lot of fans disagree. |
I like to think that adapting to the players you actually have available is one of the key skills of a football manager. If it was just a case of identifying good footballers, most of us could have a reasonable crack at it. [Post edited 1 Nov 2021 9:54]
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| where we are right now.... on 09:59 - Nov 1 with 842 views | Lightworker |
"And that whatever he does between now and whenever, he just can't win."
Well that just isn't true. He can win by doing exactly that.....winning games! If we win the next 5 games on the bounce I don't think anybody will be complaining, it is completely in Cook's hands.
I desperately want Cook to succeed but November is crucial and we need to start beating the better teams. if we don't beat at least two of Wycombe, Sunderland, Oxford and Rotherham then for me it is game over for Cook and he needs to go.
We are in the 3rd division and we simply cannot accept mediocrity any longer at this level. |  | | |
| where we are right now.... on 10:02 - Nov 1 with 836 views | hype313 |
| where we are right now.... on 09:59 - Nov 1 by Lightworker |
"And that whatever he does between now and whenever, he just can't win."
Well that just isn't true. He can win by doing exactly that.....winning games! If we win the next 5 games on the bounce I don't think anybody will be complaining, it is completely in Cook's hands.
I desperately want Cook to succeed but November is crucial and we need to start beating the better teams. if we don't beat at least two of Wycombe, Sunderland, Oxford and Rotherham then for me it is game over for Cook and he needs to go.
We are in the 3rd division and we simply cannot accept mediocrity any longer at this level. |
The problem we have is that if we don't pick up points in the next 5 games and Cook is gone then we are not only out of the promotion race, but we then have another manager given a free hit for the remainder of the season with players that he didn't bring in.
Rinse and repeat, yet again. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:03 - Nov 1 with 830 views | bluefunk |
| where we are right now.... on 09:12 - Nov 1 by Stewart27 |
Can’t speak for all fans but you’re wrong in my opinion.
I am waiting for Cook to string a few wins together.
I am so fed up with us being completely tosh all the time. I’m fed up with this league and for not being able to mount a challenge on the top 2, let alone top 6.
We absolutely need to be getting results in the next 4 games though. To not make ground, let alone lose ground would be absolutely awful for our plight this season. |
But we’re not completely tosh all the time, otherwise we wouldn’t have taken 17 points from 24 ahead of the Plymouth game.
We lose that, which could easily have been a draw or win, and what happens? The usual suspects punt up on here with post about last season, we only beat rubbish teams, Cook can’t change games, etc etc. The season is 46 games, maybe 49, then they hand out the prizes.
This club is getting fixed but it won’t happen overnight, given the shambles it had become, why not just enjoy the fact that we now at least look like we could win games. |  | | |
| where we are right now.... on 10:11 - Nov 1 with 817 views | DavoIPB |
| where we are right now.... on 08:49 - Nov 1 by blueysbackside |
That's great to hear about the little Hypester. My son is LOVING it, too. He's so looking forward to the Wycombe game (although we'll be in one of the home stands over the touchline). Rewind to last season and he could not be arsed with Ipswich, despite going to a number of games. I get a lot of abuse on here (not that I give a rat's arse) but we have turned into the Pot Noodle brigade - win ASAP, promotion ASAP. It's not going to happen like that. [Post edited 1 Nov 2021 8:50]
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Yep totally agree with this. Been to portman road a couple of times this season, Doncaster and Shrewbury and really enjoyed both. Not just because we won both but the football was so much more exciting than last season and so was the quality.
I almost stopped going when MM was in charge and the football has only got back to where it should be. Reminds me of when we were in the old league 1 and Bobby petta was running past players for fun. We don't sit back and seem to happy to lose a game 1-0 or are devoid of any attacking ideas. We create chances, have exciting players like Aluko, Edwards, Celina and Burns and players who score goals.
May take a season or two to get promotion but the football is so much better. Also just as a point the pace of our game, the passing, finding players with long cross field balls, we look at times like a championship side in comparison to other teams in the league. plymouth are the only ones who have matched us for level of quality football this season. The others have just outdone us by being more aggressive or we have given them goals. | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 10:14 - Nov 1 with 812 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| where we are right now.... on 09:52 - Nov 1 by homer_123 |
Surely it is a good thing that the negativity is played out away from PR?
I'm frustrated this season as there is evidence to suggest this team can really play well, good football, on the front foot etc. but that frustration comes from not being able to capitalise on this. |
I don't know why people need to be negative anywhere to be honest, but maybe that's just me. Constructive criticism, by the way, is not the same as some of the rabid stuff we get on here after a defeat (which disappears after a win). |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:19 - Nov 1 with 789 views | DMDC |
Awful defence,awful coaches, awful manager. |  | | |
| where we are right now.... on 10:23 - Nov 1 with 752 views | The_Romford_Blue |
| where we are right now.... on 08:50 - Nov 1 by homer_123 |
In fairness....Town fans are incredibly patient. Cook and the players have all said as much....given our current situation, there is plenty of things to debate and discuss about where we are, why and what we should do going forward.
If I may, I find it equally frustrating that some will just look and discuss only the positives. This is a forum, and an excellent one. |
In general, Town fans are patient yes.
But as for the Cook scenario, it’s not patience to be Cook out after 30 games (15 of which are after a squad overhaul). That isn’t patience at all. It’s ridiculousness. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:25 - Nov 1 with 728 views | blueysbackside |
| where we are right now.... on 10:23 - Nov 1 by The_Romford_Blue |
In general, Town fans are patient yes.
But as for the Cook scenario, it’s not patience to be Cook out after 30 games (15 of which are after a squad overhaul). That isn’t patience at all. It’s ridiculousness. |
Well said, sir.
PS Any antepost Cheltenham Festival bets?! | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 10:37 - Nov 1 with 705 views | bobbyramsey |
| where we are right now.... on 09:31 - Nov 1 by jayessess |
I'm critical on here, but supportive at the ground, as I'm sure many are. |
Were you a regular visitor to Portman Road when Lamberk was at his useless best?
Approx 20,000 fans at home and away allocations regularly sold out tells its own story, the majority of Town fans can see what's going on and are thoroughly enjoying it. [Post edited 1 Nov 2021 10:40]
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| where we are right now.... on 10:38 - Nov 1 with 694 views | ElephantintheRoom |
You assume the owners know what they are doing. The owners are actually an Arizona Pension Fund who have passed the buck to an Ohio Property Fund Manager. I'm not sure he has much provenance in third division soccer in little olde Englande.
Why are things getting better now that Town are a franchise with a long line of freeloaders looking to make money from themto an unknown timetable stretching from Portman Road to Ohio by way of Arizona? | |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:51 - Nov 1 with 657 views | Fixed_It |
| where we are right now.... on 10:38 - Nov 1 by ElephantintheRoom |
You assume the owners know what they are doing. The owners are actually an Arizona Pension Fund who have passed the buck to an Ohio Property Fund Manager. I'm not sure he has much provenance in third division soccer in little olde Englande.
Why are things getting better now that Town are a franchise with a long line of freeloaders looking to make money from themto an unknown timetable stretching from Portman Road to Ohio by way of Arizona? |
Don't you get bored of this? We do. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:59 - Nov 1 with 636 views | The_Romford_Blue |
| where we are right now.... on 10:25 - Nov 1 by blueysbackside |
Well said, sir.
PS Any antepost Cheltenham Festival bets?! |
Had about 10 Cheltenham bets over the summer and a couple this week as it goes. Main play this summer is rolling a few doubles up on to Bob Olinger for the Marsh. Think he’s still around 6s. He’s apparently relished his schooling over fences and we know he has the engine of a Ferrari from his novice Hurdle campaign last year. And he won’t have faced anything decent before Cheltenham so his price will just keep shortening with some futile wins until Punchestown for the Dublin festival in February. Will be 1/2 on the day for Cheltenham if he wins at that trial meeting as I expect.
Also played I Am Maximus for the Supreme this week at 20s and Journey With Me for the Albert Bartlett at 16s. Both with Bet365 so full cashout available should they get beat early doors. However, both should mop up weak races and head to Christmas unbeaten and by then will be 6/1 in their respective markets. The 16s with cashout is a must bet angle as long as you’re quick to cashout should they lose (act quickly and the cashout will be full stake still) or hear news of an injury. | |
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| where we are right now.... on 10:59 - Nov 1 with 636 views | Burns7 |
We have heard this all before, more time, it will be better next season, football is better…
We’re currently facing a choice between making a go of the Gamechanger opportunity or treading water in the middle of the third division for years to come. Do you think that pension funds going to keep pouring money in and getting nothing back? Cooks had 30 odd games and umpteen players, he’s been backed like no other Ipswich manager and we’re as average as anyone else in this division as a result. We’re as capable of beating Portsmouth as we are losing to Cheltenham and that’s exactly why we are not going up. His mates are not qualified for the jobs he’s given them, our defence is laughable and he’s got no plan B. These problems haven’t changed since he arrived, last season he got away with it because he threw the players under the bus, a squad many said was more than good enough. Now while I accept they probably weren’t, the reality is he’s not done much better replacing them, the results and league positions do not lie.
Cook has utterly failed and is our worse ever manager. When he’s gone and it’s too late that will be the consensus here. Some have realised, others will catch up once we finish 11th. |  | | |
| where we are right now.... on 11:02 - Nov 1 with 622 views | blueysbackside |
| where we are right now.... on 10:59 - Nov 1 by The_Romford_Blue |
Had about 10 Cheltenham bets over the summer and a couple this week as it goes. Main play this summer is rolling a few doubles up on to Bob Olinger for the Marsh. Think he’s still around 6s. He’s apparently relished his schooling over fences and we know he has the engine of a Ferrari from his novice Hurdle campaign last year. And he won’t have faced anything decent before Cheltenham so his price will just keep shortening with some futile wins until Punchestown for the Dublin festival in February. Will be 1/2 on the day for Cheltenham if he wins at that trial meeting as I expect.
Also played I Am Maximus for the Supreme this week at 20s and Journey With Me for the Albert Bartlett at 16s. Both with Bet365 so full cashout available should they get beat early doors. However, both should mop up weak races and head to Christmas unbeaten and by then will be 6/1 in their respective markets. The 16s with cashout is a must bet angle as long as you’re quick to cashout should they lose (act quickly and the cashout will be full stake still) or hear news of an injury. |
Cheers for that. Has Hendo said anything about Maximus? When is he likely to be out? I'm gonna be backing Mes Milner for a Pertemps repeat. Only other bet I've had at this stage is Bravemansgame for the RSA. | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 11:05 - Nov 1 with 618 views | Lightworker |
| where we are right now.... on 10:02 - Nov 1 by hype313 |
The problem we have is that if we don't pick up points in the next 5 games and Cook is gone then we are not only out of the promotion race, but we then have another manager given a free hit for the remainder of the season with players that he didn't bring in.
Rinse and repeat, yet again. |
If we are out of the promotion race by the end of November then Cook deserves to pay the price for his failure, period.
Lets hope it doesn't come to that as we do look like we are potentially a really good side, the problem is we can't live off potential for much longer. | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 11:27 - Nov 1 with 584 views | AlanG296 |
| where we are right now.... on 09:37 - Nov 1 by HighgateBlue |
Unfortunately the League Table that is in widest use is the one which started in August. Cook understands that, and he understood it when he ripped up last season's successful defence. It's right that it takes time for a wholly new team to bed in, but nobody forced him to bin quite so many players.
But in any event, your position is not so different to many. Judging Cook at the end of October (now) means forming a view 20 months into his contract. You are asking that he be judged 22 months into his contract (after Xmas). That's really not an unacceptable difference of opinion. Each to his/her own.
We will have some better results, and some worse results. That's inevitable when you're a mid table team, which is what we are, and what we have been each year in League One. At present there's no real evidence of that changing. Evidence such as beating someone in the top ten, or such as putting ourselves closer to the playoffs than the relegation zone, or such as not throwing away more points from a winning position than the total number of points on the board. Fans who point out true facts are not waiting for failure. They don't need to wait - they are merely pointing at it. |
20 months into his contract? What are you on about? | | | |
| where we are right now.... on 11:34 - Nov 1 with 559 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| where we are right now.... on 11:27 - Nov 1 by AlanG296 |
20 months into his contract? What are you on about? |
I must've missed that Cook's been here nearly 2 years. | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| where we are right now.... on 12:05 - Nov 1 with 532 views | itfcjoe |
| where we are right now.... on 09:13 - Nov 1 by WilbrahamBlue |
These unmeasurable improvements (that don't have a statistic to attach to or interrogate) are a huge deal for many fans.....general atmosphere, fans invested in the team, a range of likeable players who our kids are latching on to, everyone feeling part of the club again, seeing the club improve off the pitch etc
These things hold a huge amount of weight for a lot of people as at the end of the day, how you experience the football with your mates or family is one of the biggest drivers for going or supporting.
These are the reasons that people may invest in Cook for longer than others feel is appropriate, or why many fans want stability and just aren't as desperate as others to get out of the division at Gamechangers first attempt. [Post edited 1 Nov 2021 9:15]
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Why do you think those things will change though if we get a new manager? The key to the changes around the club are in place now and for the forseeable future - Cook going is really neither here nor there on that side of things.
When Cook inevitably goes, whether tit be now, or in two years time, we will still be in a far better position because of what has gone on off the pitch and will continue to do so. |  |
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| where we are right now.... on 12:10 - Nov 1 with 522 views | itfcjoe |
| where we are right now.... on 10:02 - Nov 1 by hype313 |
The problem we have is that if we don't pick up points in the next 5 games and Cook is gone then we are not only out of the promotion race, but we then have another manager given a free hit for the remainder of the season with players that he didn't bring in.
Rinse and repeat, yet again. |
That's the way of the game - if the worst happens and Cook does have to go, then better to start building for next season with hopefully the right man than just keep plodding on with the wrong one. | |
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