| We're getting together a quite exciting squad 00:00 - Aug 8 with 2856 views | Guthrum |
Internationals, World Cup players, top tier experience from Europe and the Prem. The question now is can we forge them into a team, what will the approach and philosophy for the season be?
From a fan perspective, everything is up in the air. Formations, attack versus defence, how well the squad gels, how effective all of this will be, have we signed enough quality or far exceeded the base level, what we will be like to watch - we have no real idea. It's difficult to know where to pitch our enthusiasm and expectations, there is still so much we don't know (including even who will be here and who not, come September 1st).
I'm quite looking forward to the first few games. It won't be until then that we have any real idea of the trajectory for this season. [Post edited 8 Aug 0:05]
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 00:55 - Aug 8 with 2422 views | BlueBadger |
Yeah, looks like we're putting together a squad of 'quality grafters', all the players so far signed seem to be serious 'workers' but with a bit about them. I am quietly optimistic. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 02:43 - Aug 8 with 2271 views | burnbudgiesburn |
It's exciting and at the same time, nervous wondering what the following season would look like if we go down - less champ ready i'd suspect with less players willing to stay/ easier prey for promoted sides.
But, F it... you don't get that many chances to begin establishing yourself in the top flight. So we have to take a chance sometime.
I'll be happier if we can get Enciso in, as we do look a little short up top at the moment but that can all change in the next 2 weeks. |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 06:41 - Aug 8 with 1949 views | RIPbobby |
I think the kind of players we have bought this time is exactly what is required for this level. We are positioning ourselves nicely to have a fighting chance of staying up. We now have the resources to keep above the dreaded relegation line. Anyone else we get in before the windows closes will enhance our chances.
Last time at this level Jens and Kalvin were not good enough to out battle modern CMs. We had spells, but were not sustainable over 90 minutes. Our tactics/playing style was far too rigid and team selection had no variation. This manager will play horses for courses. Remember variety is the spice of life. I think we have a great chance this time.
Another factor is that there are multiple clubs that are vulnerable to a bad season. Both NE clubs look weak and Sunderland's european tour will make it tough. Fulham look short of goals and quality(assuming we nab Lukic). Forest will find europe tough and fellow promoted sides look average and we doubled them last term. Palace with all the changes could struggle and possibly everton too.
Lots of teams we could finish above this time out [Post edited 8 Aug 7:25]
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:28 - Aug 8 with 1753 views | muccletonjoe |
Have we actually signed Lukic ? |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:28 - Aug 8 with 1765 views | Churchman |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 06:41 - Aug 8 by RIPbobby |
I think the kind of players we have bought this time is exactly what is required for this level. We are positioning ourselves nicely to have a fighting chance of staying up. We now have the resources to keep above the dreaded relegation line. Anyone else we get in before the windows closes will enhance our chances.
Last time at this level Jens and Kalvin were not good enough to out battle modern CMs. We had spells, but were not sustainable over 90 minutes. Our tactics/playing style was far too rigid and team selection had no variation. This manager will play horses for courses. Remember variety is the spice of life. I think we have a great chance this time.
Another factor is that there are multiple clubs that are vulnerable to a bad season. Both NE clubs look weak and Sunderland's european tour will make it tough. Fulham look short of goals and quality(assuming we nab Lukic). Forest will find europe tough and fellow promoted sides look average and we doubled them last term. Palace with all the changes could struggle and possibly everton too.
Lots of teams we could finish above this time out [Post edited 8 Aug 7:25]
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Last time, we at best lasted 20 mins before the ‘midfield’ collapsed onto the defence. Phillips and Cajuste were not up to it. Morsy battled well until age and fitness caught up and anyone else filling in did their best but all in all we were well short.
In fact, we were short in most areas and it never felt like we could compete after the first few games. Everyone knew it, including the players and manager. We were ambushed and had basically out-promoted ourselves as a team and a club. In many ways, it makes last season’s promotion all the more praiseworthy. We could easily have faded Sheffield United style, but didn’t.
This time? It feels different. In every way the club is closer to what’s required, including knowing what’s required. They are clearly trying to bring in better players to compete. Given the existing personnel are better than their predecessors as individuals too, I am hoping they can form into a proper team sooner rather than later.
This time, it feels like we have a chance, even if that’s purely pre-season madness optimism. Regardless, the club is growing in all aspects. As long as it does that sustainably and sensibly, I can live with whatever happens this season.
After years of Evans and mediocrity at best, the last five years have been anything but dull and I suspect the next five won’t be either. |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:42 - Aug 8 with 1664 views | MK1 |
We have so far signed exactly the type of players I think we needed. An experienced CF would be very nice. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:50 - Aug 8 with 1628 views | Edmundo |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:28 - Aug 8 by Churchman |
Last time, we at best lasted 20 mins before the ‘midfield’ collapsed onto the defence. Phillips and Cajuste were not up to it. Morsy battled well until age and fitness caught up and anyone else filling in did their best but all in all we were well short.
In fact, we were short in most areas and it never felt like we could compete after the first few games. Everyone knew it, including the players and manager. We were ambushed and had basically out-promoted ourselves as a team and a club. In many ways, it makes last season’s promotion all the more praiseworthy. We could easily have faded Sheffield United style, but didn’t.
This time? It feels different. In every way the club is closer to what’s required, including knowing what’s required. They are clearly trying to bring in better players to compete. Given the existing personnel are better than their predecessors as individuals too, I am hoping they can form into a proper team sooner rather than later.
This time, it feels like we have a chance, even if that’s purely pre-season madness optimism. Regardless, the club is growing in all aspects. As long as it does that sustainably and sensibly, I can live with whatever happens this season.
After years of Evans and mediocrity at best, the last five years have been anything but dull and I suspect the next five won’t be either. |
This is a new chapter in the Gamechanger era. It might not begin smoothly, but the journey will be worth it.
European contenders by 2030. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 07:51 - Aug 8 with 1619 views | dirtyboy |
I still think we’re a little off.
Assuming Lukic is sorted, Enciso would be a massive boost to an area we’re no that well equipped in.
Also need some experience up top. |  | | |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:05 - Aug 8 with 1547 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
The other slight worry is are we going too far the other way with getting in foreign players?
The criticism before was that we weren't looking too far (and wanted English speakers). Now, unless I've missed someone, we've exclusively signed foreigners. Might sound daft, and I'm sure we'll all grow to love them, but it doesn't feel very 'Ipswich' at the moment. There's no-one home grown anymore, apart from Humphreys, who I presume will go on loan/won't feature. No-one even English coming in. Are we in danger of turning into a bunch of foreign (admittedly, good) mercenaries who care more about being in the Prem than being at Ipswich? |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:16 - Aug 8 with 1409 views | Edmundo |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:05 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
The other slight worry is are we going too far the other way with getting in foreign players?
The criticism before was that we weren't looking too far (and wanted English speakers). Now, unless I've missed someone, we've exclusively signed foreigners. Might sound daft, and I'm sure we'll all grow to love them, but it doesn't feel very 'Ipswich' at the moment. There's no-one home grown anymore, apart from Humphreys, who I presume will go on loan/won't feature. No-one even English coming in. Are we in danger of turning into a bunch of foreign (admittedly, good) mercenaries who care more about being in the Prem than being at Ipswich? |
I agree, but the market is bonkers for good British players (the top 3 Premier League fees are for British players). We have to cut our cloth still, and wait for the new Cat 1 Academy to bear fruit in the long term. | |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:20 - Aug 8 with 1375 views | MattinLondon |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:05 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
The other slight worry is are we going too far the other way with getting in foreign players?
The criticism before was that we weren't looking too far (and wanted English speakers). Now, unless I've missed someone, we've exclusively signed foreigners. Might sound daft, and I'm sure we'll all grow to love them, but it doesn't feel very 'Ipswich' at the moment. There's no-one home grown anymore, apart from Humphreys, who I presume will go on loan/won't feature. No-one even English coming in. Are we in danger of turning into a bunch of foreign (admittedly, good) mercenaries who care more about being in the Prem than being at Ipswich? |
The term ‘foreign mercenaries’ is such a backward phrase to use - I was actually surprised that you used it. But why would players care more about being at Ipswich rather than the PL?
In some cases players do form a bond with the club that they are at but in most cases we’re just an employer. Take away the badge kissing etc and most will be off if a bigger club comes in for them regardless of nationality. |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:25 - Aug 8 with 1340 views | Vic |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:05 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
The other slight worry is are we going too far the other way with getting in foreign players?
The criticism before was that we weren't looking too far (and wanted English speakers). Now, unless I've missed someone, we've exclusively signed foreigners. Might sound daft, and I'm sure we'll all grow to love them, but it doesn't feel very 'Ipswich' at the moment. There's no-one home grown anymore, apart from Humphreys, who I presume will go on loan/won't feature. No-one even English coming in. Are we in danger of turning into a bunch of foreign (admittedly, good) mercenaries who care more about being in the Prem than being at Ipswich? |
Probably - but that seems to be the way it has to be in the prem - every club is like it. We failed miserably trying a different model last time; Im so glad and encouraged that we leant that lesson. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:32 - Aug 8 with 1263 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:20 - Aug 8 by MattinLondon |
The term ‘foreign mercenaries’ is such a backward phrase to use - I was actually surprised that you used it. But why would players care more about being at Ipswich rather than the PL?
In some cases players do form a bond with the club that they are at but in most cases we’re just an employer. Take away the badge kissing etc and most will be off if a bigger club comes in for them regardless of nationality. |
Not sure what you mean by backward phrase? Just old fashioned? I guess it is a bit. I appreciate all players want to better themselves, I just think foreigners are less likely to know anything about us, our history, and the club itself will be less of a pull. | |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:47 - Aug 8 with 1153 views | Guthrum |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:05 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
The other slight worry is are we going too far the other way with getting in foreign players?
The criticism before was that we weren't looking too far (and wanted English speakers). Now, unless I've missed someone, we've exclusively signed foreigners. Might sound daft, and I'm sure we'll all grow to love them, but it doesn't feel very 'Ipswich' at the moment. There's no-one home grown anymore, apart from Humphreys, who I presume will go on loan/won't feature. No-one even English coming in. Are we in danger of turning into a bunch of foreign (admittedly, good) mercenaries who care more about being in the Prem than being at Ipswich? |
The last few seasons, it has been familiar to a longtime Town fan, like the Robson and Burley teams of old. A tight-knit, largely domestically-recruited group with a sprinkling of foreign talent and a lot of continuity.
However, romantic as that model is to us Blues, it is equally in tha past in relation to the modern Prem. To get the required numbers at the right level of talent - and for the right money - it is necessary to look abroad. Other clubs are harvesting the cream of world football (not in an Infantino sense) and we have to do the same to compete.
In any case, the aim is to make falling in love with Ipswich synonymous with playing at the highest level as an attracting factor. Which is the same as it was in Robson's time. | |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:00 - Aug 8 with 1047 views | Axeldalai_lama |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:32 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Not sure what you mean by backward phrase? Just old fashioned? I guess it is a bit. I appreciate all players want to better themselves, I just think foreigners are less likely to know anything about us, our history, and the club itself will be less of a pull. |
I think that might actually be backwards. Young British players won't really know anything about out history, or care, and we could be anyone. Whereas taking a chance and bringing a player across the world to play for us in the best league in the world is more likely to cement a bond with the club.
Either way I don't think there's enough of a factor either way. Have Delap or Hutch formed a massive bond with us? It's pretty equal, foreign or not, I'd say. |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:03 - Aug 8 with 1018 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:47 - Aug 8 by Guthrum |
The last few seasons, it has been familiar to a longtime Town fan, like the Robson and Burley teams of old. A tight-knit, largely domestically-recruited group with a sprinkling of foreign talent and a lot of continuity.
However, romantic as that model is to us Blues, it is equally in tha past in relation to the modern Prem. To get the required numbers at the right level of talent - and for the right money - it is necessary to look abroad. Other clubs are harvesting the cream of world football (not in an Infantino sense) and we have to do the same to compete.
In any case, the aim is to make falling in love with Ipswich synonymous with playing at the highest level as an attracting factor. Which is the same as it was in Robson's time. |
Yeah fair points. I've no problem with looking abroad per se, it's just that they're all foreigners so far, a couple can barely even speak English. I just don't feel like there's anything I connect with yet (and there is of course the issue, for GO'N, of gelling them all into a coherent team).
God I'm sounding like an old (far right) git, but you know what I mean? Like I say, all this will change in time. Just right now I just don't feel much connection to anything. Even downloading my ST to my Google Wallet feels weird! | |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:09 - Aug 8 with 985 views | ITFC_Forever |
Assuming Linux signs, I think we’re getting there.
Although I’m worried about where the goals will come from…. Encisco will help if / when he signs, but for me, we need a decent striker. Emersonn is unproven, Maeda isn’t really a striker and Hirst looks to be on his way out. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:09 - Aug 8 with 982 views | Guthrum |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:03 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Yeah fair points. I've no problem with looking abroad per se, it's just that they're all foreigners so far, a couple can barely even speak English. I just don't feel like there's anything I connect with yet (and there is of course the issue, for GO'N, of gelling them all into a coherent team).
God I'm sounding like an old (far right) git, but you know what I mean? Like I say, all this will change in time. Just right now I just don't feel much connection to anything. Even downloading my ST to my Google Wallet feels weird! |
Think it also doesn't help that we haven't seen "the team" play yet, just a few individual flashes during mix-and-match preseason games. Let alone in a competitive fixture with something really riding on it.
If we can start putting points on the board and good performances in against top teams, then this squad will pretty soon become lovable. Look how quickly Nunez endeared himself to Town fans last season, lack of fluent English notwithstanding. Or Matusiwa with his battling performances. [Post edited 8 Aug 9:11]
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:25 - Aug 8 with 890 views | NthQldITFC |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:09 - Aug 8 by ITFC_Forever |
Assuming Linux signs, I think we’re getting there.
Although I’m worried about where the goals will come from…. Encisco will help if / when he signs, but for me, we need a decent striker. Emersonn is unproven, Maeda isn’t really a striker and Hirst looks to be on his way out. |
Our recruitment department have been open with their sources and are operating systems which network effectively internationally, apparently. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:34 - Aug 8 with 813 views | caluma10 |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:03 - Aug 8 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Yeah fair points. I've no problem with looking abroad per se, it's just that they're all foreigners so far, a couple can barely even speak English. I just don't feel like there's anything I connect with yet (and there is of course the issue, for GO'N, of gelling them all into a coherent team).
God I'm sounding like an old (far right) git, but you know what I mean? Like I say, all this will change in time. Just right now I just don't feel much connection to anything. Even downloading my ST to my Google Wallet feels weird! |
Why does nationality matter? Why would a player from London, Manchester, Birmingham etc care more about Ipswich and our history?
The premier league (and football in general tbh) has been an international league for a long time, the amount of superstars who have come to league and had poor English at the start, you can’t really complain about someone’s English if they haven’t lived/played in the UK before give them a chance!
If we had it your way we’d be buying exclusively from the championship again and look how that turned out last time. [Post edited 8 Aug 9:35]
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:37 - Aug 8 with 796 views | MattinLondon |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:00 - Aug 8 by Axeldalai_lama |
I think that might actually be backwards. Young British players won't really know anything about out history, or care, and we could be anyone. Whereas taking a chance and bringing a player across the world to play for us in the best league in the world is more likely to cement a bond with the club.
Either way I don't think there's enough of a factor either way. Have Delap or Hutch formed a massive bond with us? It's pretty equal, foreign or not, I'd say. |
Players regardless of nationality do not care about the clubs history - all they care about is the ambition of a club, whether they will play regularly and money.
The prime reason behind fans and players ‘bonding’ is due to on-pitch success. If the double promotion winning team finished mid-table in L1 then there would be no talk or posts at all about connection.
Primarily, most fans and players only truly care about on-pitch success. | | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:45 - Aug 8 with 757 views | ringwoodblue |
We’ve made some good sensible signings so far but nothing really outstanding.
There’s been so much change in so many PL clubs this summer, new managers, player churn that no-one knows what to expect from any team. This is why the early part of the season is so crucial and when we need to pick up valuable points which will be the difference between survival and relegation come May.
That’s means GON has to somehow get this bunch of strangers playing together as a team and fast and if he doesn’t, I fear the worst. In recent years, we’ve had slow starts and much talk of ‘need time to gel’ but in the PL, a slow start often ends badly.
Fingers crossed GON can work some magic and we can get early points on the board. |  |
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| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:47 - Aug 8 with 737 views | bsw72 |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:25 - Aug 8 by NthQldITFC |
Our recruitment department have been open with their sources and are operating systems which network effectively internationally, apparently. |
Maybe not a red letter day signing, more of a red hat? |  | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 09:47 - Aug 8 with 736 views | Churchman |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 08:47 - Aug 8 by Guthrum |
The last few seasons, it has been familiar to a longtime Town fan, like the Robson and Burley teams of old. A tight-knit, largely domestically-recruited group with a sprinkling of foreign talent and a lot of continuity.
However, romantic as that model is to us Blues, it is equally in tha past in relation to the modern Prem. To get the required numbers at the right level of talent - and for the right money - it is necessary to look abroad. Other clubs are harvesting the cream of world football (not in an Infantino sense) and we have to do the same to compete.
In any case, the aim is to make falling in love with Ipswich synonymous with playing at the highest level as an attracting factor. Which is the same as it was in Robson's time. |
I think you summarise it well, Guthrum. The Robson, Burley, Lyall method of putting teams together was of its time. I enjoyed that time, just as I enjoyed watching McKenna’s two teams in the Championship and lower.
But that isn’t going to work in 2026 in the Premier League which for want of a better description, is a world league. Do I like it? Not much but overriding this is my desire for the club to be the best it can be.
When I watched Broadhead, Chaplin, Burgess and the rest of the band in the Championship, I thought they’d be ok in the PL. All excellent players and great characters, but sadly not. They just weren’t at that level and were at times brushed aside. Even Davis, who was always the most likely to transition to that level, struggled.
Two seasons ago was basically the measure. The club has tried to recruit players closer to that standard and in some cases will succeed. Others, not. Back to Davis, with better players next to him and knowing what he’s up against, i think he will have a better season, along with a number of others.
In terms of foreign players coming in, we will see. If they have the character of say Matusiwa, it’ll be fine but a lot will depend on how well they are managed and buy in to what the club is. Time will tell.
It’s exciting and I hope the supporters hang in there and get behind them, even if the start is poor. | | | |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 10:43 - Aug 8 with 567 views | Nutkins_Return |
| We're getting together a quite exciting squad on 02:43 - Aug 8 by burnbudgiesburn |
It's exciting and at the same time, nervous wondering what the following season would look like if we go down - less champ ready i'd suspect with less players willing to stay/ easier prey for promoted sides.
But, F it... you don't get that many chances to begin establishing yourself in the top flight. So we have to take a chance sometime.
I'll be happier if we can get Enciso in, as we do look a little short up top at the moment but that can all change in the next 2 weeks. |
I'm not actually sure about that.
Keeper - could potentially keep all or sell Sherpen and play the younger lad who has the higher ceiling.
Defence - think we would keep all together potentially. Even maybe Diop as getting older.
Midfield - Could keep Azor, Lukic (Taylor if he stays), Nunez and maybe Florentino
Wide - no reason we couldn't keep Maeda, Clarke, Fatawu, McAteer etc
Strikers. - we have no idea on Emersonn but the other so far would probably stay.
Harder ones to keep would be players like Enciso (which looks like a loan). If Fatawu has the season he looks like he could then we would probably sell for £40 mil. | |
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