| End of an Era at Ipswich 20:09 - Jul 21 with 5275 views | ITFC_Essex |
Now, before I start, I want to make it clear that this isn’t a criticism of the club but rather sharing some of my sentimental feelings about the (needed!) change at the club and mourning what was. Ipswich is changing; the days of youth team players making up a chunk of the side and unknown gems from around the country are over, and we’re now into the international market.
I may be wrong, but I believe it was Jackie Milburn who started the youth system here at Ipswich with the mindset of developing our own local talent to help bring in good players when Ipswich at the time didn’t have the budget or the same draw as many of the fashionable clubs of that era. That was a big part of the culture of this club for a very long time, and I suspect most of our lifetime. Alongside that home-grown culture, we legitimately had a reputation (and success) developing some of the best talent from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, alongside recruiting players others had binned off or deemed not up to it and making them into successes. It’s something I have always been very proud of and one of the big successes this club has achieved throughout its history. The Ipswich way: good football, focusing on local and wider UK/Ire talent and giving them an opportunity they wouldn’t get elsewhere. That was our club, and at times, we excelled at doing it.
I guess in many ways, between Cook and McKenna we still had that; we recruited a lot of the British-based talent that others maybe didn’t utilize and turned into players that have won us three promotions. We saw the likes of Christian Walton, Harry Clarke, Luke Wolfenden, Cameron Burgess, Wes Burns, Leif Davis, Sam Morsy, Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst play for us in the topflight in what was one of modern football's fairy tales and easily the best times we have had for many years.
It really has been such a big part of our DNA for so long; it’s who we have been, and it does feel strange to be moving away from that. I think we can be a bit sad that the world has changed, and our way has become a bit of a relic. It’s a DNA with deep roots, you had the likes of Ray Crawford and Billy Baxter, who were here under Sir Alf Ramsay, who were still here under Sir Bobby Robson, who played alongside Mick Mills, and Colin Viljoen, who played alongside John Wark, Russell Osman and George Burley, who themselves played alongside Jason Dozzell, Mick Stockwell, and Frank Yallop, who played alongside Richard Wright, James Scowcroft, Kieron Dyer who themselves would play alongside the likes of Tommy Smith and it just goes on. It was who we are, and it was, frankly, beautiful when the times were good.
Even in more modern times, we stormed the Premier League in 2000, and we knew we would, with players from our youth system, players we astutely signed largely from unfashionable clubs or were unwanted elsewhere. Sure, for several reasons it did not work out long-term, but that Ipswich side was one of our best, and over the years it was here was probably unlucky not to win more, such as a League Cup, because we did have the talent; we did play the football. Even after the fall, Sheepshanks had a vision to recruit the bulk of the players from our youth system. I believe we actually achieved that around 2004, fielding a side with Matt Richards, Richard Naylor, Tommy Miller, Ian Westlake, Darren Bent and Dean Bowditch in it.
However, after Marcus Evans came in, the youth side of the club was neglected, which has set us back decades, and that’s even with us still relying on a lot of our own youngsters even in recent years; and with that neglect, it’s amazing anyone came through it at all.
So, to sum up, while I appreciate this is the modern game and the way of things now, I do reflect on what we’ve lost. It is sad that we live in a world that is so ultra-capitalistic that the dream many working-class lads have/had of growing up and playing for their local team, a dream that we as a club have helped fulfil many times, is now just a piece of history.
Jason Dozzell scoring on his debut, in the top flight, at 16, while still at school.
We never knew we had it so good.
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:15 - Jul 21 with 4324 views | lurcher |
Ashton has frequently stated that the club will become self sufficient and create its own players. We cleared the youth team out a few years back. Its going to take more time for youth players to break through. |  | | |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:19 - Jul 21 with 4240 views | ITFC_Essex |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:15 - Jul 21 by lurcher |
Ashton has frequently stated that the club will become self sufficient and create its own players. We cleared the youth team out a few years back. Its going to take more time for youth players to break through. |
I love the aspiration and the words, but that's just not how it is done these days, and I expect what we're seeing now is our long-term, even once the youth system is up to speed. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:27 - Jul 21 with 4132 views | BelsteadCav |
My son was with Ipswich 5/6 years ago when he was 13/14
Told he was too small ( 5ft 10)
Then the academy seemed to be flooded with Arsenal and Chelsea rejects who were all above 6ft
The chances of a local lad being in the side again will be very slim, If hes not over 6ft [Post edited 21 Jul 20:31]
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:30 - Jul 21 with 4022 views | GlasgowBlue |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:27 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
My son was with Ipswich 5/6 years ago when he was 13/14
Told he was too small ( 5ft 10)
Then the academy seemed to be flooded with Arsenal and Chelsea rejects who were all above 6ft
The chances of a local lad being in the side again will be very slim, If hes not over 6ft [Post edited 21 Jul 20:31]
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Did your boy move to another club? |  |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:32 - Jul 21 with 4013 views | BelsteadCav |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:30 - Jul 21 by GlasgowBlue |
Did your boy move to another club? |
Long story but he now doesn’t play at all, really sad. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:32 - Jul 21 with 4007 views | ITFC_Essex |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:27 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
My son was with Ipswich 5/6 years ago when he was 13/14
Told he was too small ( 5ft 10)
Then the academy seemed to be flooded with Arsenal and Chelsea rejects who were all above 6ft
The chances of a local lad being in the side again will be very slim, If hes not over 6ft [Post edited 21 Jul 20:31]
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Yeah having seen some of our youth teams, some of the lads look like they are 21/22 already and often tower over their opponents. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:33 - Jul 21 with 3973 views | SitfcB |
You’re probably a few years too late with this thread. |  |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:34 - Jul 21 with 3947 views | FrimleyBlue |
Not the end just bringing back the old days
A side that will eventually be strong enough to compete at the highest level whilst being able to bring through then trust its own creations
Weve had gems leave us for utd. Man city etc and more recently one to newcastle.
If we can compete at this level it can help us keep the best youngsters. |  |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:39 - Jul 21 with 3854 views | GlasgowBlue |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:32 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
Long story but he now doesn’t play at all, really sad. |
My eldest from my first marriage was on the books at Spurs as a keeper from the age of seven until he was fifteen when they let him go. The only player from his team to make a career was Danny Rose.
He was offered terms by Cambridge Utd but he was so disillusioned that he completely gave the game up.
Took him a few years to find his love for the game and played Blue Square at Braintree before heading to the States playing indoor league, and he is now a coach Jacksonville in Florida.
Must have been five or six years out of the game after his Spurs rejection. Hope your boy regains his love for the game. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:46 - Jul 21 with 3718 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:32 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
Long story but he now doesn’t play at all, really sad. |
That is sad. But unfortunately seems a common story for kids beaten up by the academy system. |  |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:47 - Jul 21 with 3711 views | BelsteadCav |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:39 - Jul 21 by GlasgowBlue |
My eldest from my first marriage was on the books at Spurs as a keeper from the age of seven until he was fifteen when they let him go. The only player from his team to make a career was Danny Rose.
He was offered terms by Cambridge Utd but he was so disillusioned that he completely gave the game up.
Took him a few years to find his love for the game and played Blue Square at Braintree before heading to the States playing indoor league, and he is now a coach Jacksonville in Florida.
Must have been five or six years out of the game after his Spurs rejection. Hope your boy regains his love for the game. |
That’s sounds amazing, strange how life works out sometimes
I really hope he falls in love with it again as he was a very talented boy
It’s just a massive kick in the teeth for boys when you’re constantly told ( by coaches etc) how good you are, then just left by the wayside. Professional football academy’s are absolutely brutal. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:47 - Jul 21 with 3708 views | Guthrum |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:19 - Jul 21 by ITFC_Essex |
I love the aspiration and the words, but that's just not how it is done these days, and I expect what we're seeing now is our long-term, even once the youth system is up to speed. |
Young players still need to start somewhere. There will always be a place for academies, even in an era of drawing in the top talent from all over the world. It may not be a conveyor belt to the First Team, but talent will continue to climb the ladder.
Who knows? If Town can get ourselves established in the Prem, maybe we can reverse some of the "brain drain" to London clubs from the region this side of the capital. Have talented youths knocking on our door as they now do with Chelsea. |  |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:48 - Jul 21 with 3674 views | BelsteadCav |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:46 - Jul 21 by Marshalls_Mullet |
That is sad. But unfortunately seems a common story for kids beaten up by the academy system. |
Yep, So many of his team mates have done the same thing. Academy football is brutal | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:49 - Jul 21 with 3651 views | GlasgowBlue |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:47 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
That’s sounds amazing, strange how life works out sometimes
I really hope he falls in love with it again as he was a very talented boy
It’s just a massive kick in the teeth for boys when you’re constantly told ( by coaches etc) how good you are, then just left by the wayside. Professional football academy’s are absolutely brutal. |
Yeah. Brutal is the perfect word. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:49 - Jul 21 with 3656 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:34 - Jul 21 by FrimleyBlue |
Not the end just bringing back the old days
A side that will eventually be strong enough to compete at the highest level whilst being able to bring through then trust its own creations
Weve had gems leave us for utd. Man city etc and more recently one to newcastle.
If we can compete at this level it can help us keep the best youngsters. |
That's a fair point. The best prospects have been picked off before they get near the first team.
I guess before the EPPP blackmail deal put the nail in our coffin. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:52 - Jul 21 with 3579 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:47 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
That’s sounds amazing, strange how life works out sometimes
I really hope he falls in love with it again as he was a very talented boy
It’s just a massive kick in the teeth for boys when you’re constantly told ( by coaches etc) how good you are, then just left by the wayside. Professional football academy’s are absolutely brutal. |
Also, there will be a majority of kids in each age group who are the supporting cast for the 1 or 2 prime prospects.
Some kids will stay years, having that carrot dangled, when the coaches know they aren't likely to make it. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:56 - Jul 21 with 3521 views | BelsteadCav |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:52 - Jul 21 by Marshalls_Mullet |
Also, there will be a majority of kids in each age group who are the supporting cast for the 1 or 2 prime prospects.
Some kids will stay years, having that carrot dangled, when the coaches know they aren't likely to make it. |
Yep, I totally understand that now.
One of my son’s friends was with Ipswich since he was 7. Told he was going to make it, and they cut him while he was doing his GCSEs. Completely knocked him for 6. Had to have counselling | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:59 - Jul 21 with 3448 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:56 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
Yep, I totally understand that now.
One of my son’s friends was with Ipswich since he was 7. Told he was going to make it, and they cut him while he was doing his GCSEs. Completely knocked him for 6. Had to have counselling |
That's brutal.
Playing with kids futures. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 21:04 - Jul 21 with 3381 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:56 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
Yep, I totally understand that now.
One of my son’s friends was with Ipswich since he was 7. Told he was going to make it, and they cut him while he was doing his GCSEs. Completely knocked him for 6. Had to have counselling |
Shouldn't be allowed to happen at key stages in their education.
Clubs should have to delay any decision in Y11 until after exams.
A decision like that mid year / pre exams will be a huge devastation and distraction. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 21:06 - Jul 21 with 3338 views | cressi |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 20:27 - Jul 21 by BelsteadCav |
My son was with Ipswich 5/6 years ago when he was 13/14
Told he was too small ( 5ft 10)
Then the academy seemed to be flooded with Arsenal and Chelsea rejects who were all above 6ft
The chances of a local lad being in the side again will be very slim, If hes not over 6ft [Post edited 21 Jul 20:31]
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I am one who don't believe in size certainly not at youth level. Thirty years ago I was in Tenerife in January I was walking along and in a small stadium I watched a game youngsters about 11 to 12 small players exceptional movement and reading of the game no cluster of players or just booting the ball out I said then this is the future it hasn't done Spain to bad. |  | | |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 21:13 - Jul 21 with 3232 views | BelsteadCav |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 21:04 - Jul 21 by Marshalls_Mullet |
Shouldn't be allowed to happen at key stages in their education.
Clubs should have to delay any decision in Y11 until after exams.
A decision like that mid year / pre exams will be a huge devastation and distraction. |
He’s another one who doesn’t play anymore
I honestly think they don’t care, just a job to them | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 22:05 - Jul 21 with 2777 views | ParisBlue |
As fantastic as 23/24 was (and honestly, it was beyond all my wildest dreams) I wrote at the time that it would change the club for ever more. I guess the price of success, but with squad overhauls every 12 months, 40% increase on matchday tickets, increased commercialism etc etc it's a different experience.
Interesting how the next couple of years go, and whether we can survive in the PL (and what that looks like) or whether we "yo-yo", resetting the clock each time, until we just "yo". Sheffield Utd, West Brom, Norwich, Boro, Swansea, Stoke all had extended stays in the PL but all look distant from it now. Southampton wil be interesting to watch (probably not from behind a tree) this season.
I wonder what satisfaction looks like for itfc, because I'm not sure finishing between 17th and 12th for the next 10 years sounds too exciting. [Post edited 21 Jul 22:35]
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 22:28 - Jul 21 with 2544 views | jasondozzell |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 22:05 - Jul 21 by ParisBlue |
As fantastic as 23/24 was (and honestly, it was beyond all my wildest dreams) I wrote at the time that it would change the club for ever more. I guess the price of success, but with squad overhauls every 12 months, 40% increase on matchday tickets, increased commercialism etc etc it's a different experience.
Interesting how the next couple of years go, and whether we can survive in the PL (and what that looks like) or whether we "yo-yo", resetting the clock each time, until we just "yo". Sheffield Utd, West Brom, Norwich, Boro, Swansea, Stoke all had extended stays in the PL but all look distant from it now. Southampton wil be interesting to watch (probably not from behind a tree) this season.
I wonder what satisfaction looks like for itfc, because I'm not sure finishing between 17th and 12th for the next 10 years sounds too exciting. [Post edited 21 Jul 22:35]
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Both the original thread post and your reply here are spot on.
I felt exactly the same after 23/34. Perhaps even before. I think when the takeover happened in all honesty.
Some would say that the club changed the day we sold to Evans but Gamechanger was always going to be another level.
Whilst Mark Detmer talking about amounts in the bank on Twitter was exciting, it was also kind of sad.
Sport is big business now.
Klug being turfed out a another watershed moment.
The club desperately needed the investment and look what it brought us but at the same time it was always doing the deal with the devil. |  | | |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 23:07 - Jul 21 with 2298 views | Guthrum |
| End of an Era at Ipswich on 22:05 - Jul 21 by ParisBlue |
As fantastic as 23/24 was (and honestly, it was beyond all my wildest dreams) I wrote at the time that it would change the club for ever more. I guess the price of success, but with squad overhauls every 12 months, 40% increase on matchday tickets, increased commercialism etc etc it's a different experience.
Interesting how the next couple of years go, and whether we can survive in the PL (and what that looks like) or whether we "yo-yo", resetting the clock each time, until we just "yo". Sheffield Utd, West Brom, Norwich, Boro, Swansea, Stoke all had extended stays in the PL but all look distant from it now. Southampton wil be interesting to watch (probably not from behind a tree) this season.
I wonder what satisfaction looks like for itfc, because I'm not sure finishing between 17th and 12th for the next 10 years sounds too exciting. [Post edited 21 Jul 22:35]
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Altho picture a scenario where we finish 17th, then 12th ... then 8th, just outside the European places, after that establishing ourselves among the upper echelon, as Aston Villa have done.
I'm not sure that is so unrealistic, given the levels of investment and support from the ownership, plus their ambition and targets. The Cobbolds backed Ramsey and Robson, by the standards of the day, as did Sheepshanks with Burley. It's at an altogether higher level, but I see every sign the present ownership can and will do the same, if we push on. | |
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| End of an Era at Ipswich on 23:28 - Jul 21 with 2192 views | positivity |
agree with this.
the youth team was geared up to produce league one level players for many years, i'll take years for players brought in to the new category one set-up to come through to a prem first team | |
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