| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates 00:12 - Oct 28 with 2705 views | BondiBlue |
“I thought Tuesday night was really just a special night really for the supporters because however long we’re in this business and however long you support your club, there are only so many games where you’re going to go and watch an 18-year-old make his full league debut and score a cracking goal and set-up the winner."
He gets it. Phew. There have been a few moments over the past year that i was really worried that he didn't. |  |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 05:41 - Oct 28 with 2555 views | homer_123 |
Huh? What's he done to give an impression he doesn't get it?
What an odd post. |  |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 08:24 - Oct 28 with 2331 views | gtsb1966 |
What moments would that be then because I haven't got a clue what you are talking about. |  | | |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:05 - Oct 28 with 2216 views | IpswichKnight |
I guess when we didn’t immediately play all our youths to placate statman! | | | |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:40 - Oct 28 with 2144 views | HighgateBlue |
I'm not sure whether the "it" you're referring to is the joy of supporting a team in general, or whether it's a specific comment on bringing youngsters through. I'll assume the latter given the heading of the post.
There have been arguable reasons to criticise the club in this area over the last few years on this front:
- losing players in unfortunate circumstances e.g. Downes, Simpson, arguably Dozzell
- over use of loans in previous years, to the detriment of playing our own youngsters
- sending our own youngsters out on loan as a result
However, as far as I can see, none of that is McKenna's fault. Since he's been here, he's said the right things, and seemingly done the right things to bring players through. This is a tough league to blood youngsters in, especially youngsters who want to play proper football. This is a tough and physical league as we found out too often to our cost last year.
We were disappointed not to get Cat. 1 academy status, but the noises from the club at present are that that doesn't really matter. I genuinely don't know, but with the current club management I am inclined to take their word for it.
We've got Humphreys coming through, Woolfie has been fully integrated and we play to his strengths - he is an example of when it works.
OK, so we have TJJ as a loanee up front, and the jury may be out on him. I was really disappointed to lose Simpson, but the impression I get is that it was the club who was playing hardball with negotiations rather than KMac. I didn't like the way that was handled, but I don't see any evidence it was KMac's fault. He's always said the right things, and his actions have never given us reason to think that he's not being honest in what he says. He may lack ostensible passion, but that means that more of his brain is devoted to thinking about how to win. And how not to get sent to the stands like far too many superstar managers in the Prem seem to these days. |  | | |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 11:35 - Oct 28 with 1999 views | Basuco |
KMc seems to get the fact that players of any age have to be good enough to get in the team, not just come through the academy and automatically get in the first team. Not sure of your point really, I have no problem with any player young or old having to earn the right get first team minutes on the pitch. |  | | |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 05:56 - Oct 29 with 1790 views | BondiBlue |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:40 - Oct 28 by HighgateBlue |
I'm not sure whether the "it" you're referring to is the joy of supporting a team in general, or whether it's a specific comment on bringing youngsters through. I'll assume the latter given the heading of the post.
There have been arguable reasons to criticise the club in this area over the last few years on this front:
- losing players in unfortunate circumstances e.g. Downes, Simpson, arguably Dozzell
- over use of loans in previous years, to the detriment of playing our own youngsters
- sending our own youngsters out on loan as a result
However, as far as I can see, none of that is McKenna's fault. Since he's been here, he's said the right things, and seemingly done the right things to bring players through. This is a tough league to blood youngsters in, especially youngsters who want to play proper football. This is a tough and physical league as we found out too often to our cost last year.
We were disappointed not to get Cat. 1 academy status, but the noises from the club at present are that that doesn't really matter. I genuinely don't know, but with the current club management I am inclined to take their word for it.
We've got Humphreys coming through, Woolfie has been fully integrated and we play to his strengths - he is an example of when it works.
OK, so we have TJJ as a loanee up front, and the jury may be out on him. I was really disappointed to lose Simpson, but the impression I get is that it was the club who was playing hardball with negotiations rather than KMac. I didn't like the way that was handled, but I don't see any evidence it was KMac's fault. He's always said the right things, and his actions have never given us reason to think that he's not being honest in what he says. He may lack ostensible passion, but that means that more of his brain is devoted to thinking about how to win. And how not to get sent to the stands like far too many superstar managers in the Prem seem to these days. |
The simpson and gibbs things were nothing to do with him, that's true, but El mizouni should have been given more of a go for me. In hindsight, i can see he brought in bakinson because he likes a sitter who has a range of passing. But el mizouni played well whenever he was on the pitch. When i watched him repeatedly not picked and bakinson play like a plank, i started to worry that mckenna was getting sucked into the 'promotion at all costs' zone. I thought el mizouni could contribute to promotion last season, and i think humphreys can now. | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 08:42 - Oct 29 with 1691 views | ElephantintheRoom |
Indeed. But as the comments will no doubt show - and Kieron Dyer discovered the new owners have a different view and model - and a generation of supporters have ‘grown up’ not giving a hoot about Ipswich players playing for Ipswich.
In truth he doesn’t really mean it either or he wouldn’t have loaned out a highly promising defender to Gillingham, nor signed a contract rebel in this lad’s position on the last day of the transfer window. | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:02 - Oct 29 with 1655 views | Churchman |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 08:42 - Oct 29 by ElephantintheRoom |
Indeed. But as the comments will no doubt show - and Kieron Dyer discovered the new owners have a different view and model - and a generation of supporters have ‘grown up’ not giving a hoot about Ipswich players playing for Ipswich.
In truth he doesn’t really mean it either or he wouldn’t have loaned out a highly promising defender to Gillingham, nor signed a contract rebel in this lad’s position on the last day of the transfer window. |
Kieron Dyer also said in an interview in 2021 that the Academy was not fit for purpose. Lee the same along with some of the reasons why. So yes, the owners have a different view and model and there certainly needs to be. I don’t agree with not aiming for Cat 1, but that’s more gut instinct, possibly sentiment, than evidence based.
KM does mean it. He appears to be the kind of person that chooses words carefully and says what he means. As for Baggott, he is playing week in week out competitive football and getting all the stronger because of it. He would be shining his rear end on the bench at best here as there is no competitive reserve league. It’s a good move for him and for ITFC.
Your ‘evidence’ he ‘doesn’t really mean it’ is no evidence at all. Just a negative spin as usual. Norwich eh? Still seventh so not too bad. Yet. |  | | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:08 - Oct 29 with 1624 views | SheffordBlue |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:02 - Oct 29 by Churchman |
Kieron Dyer also said in an interview in 2021 that the Academy was not fit for purpose. Lee the same along with some of the reasons why. So yes, the owners have a different view and model and there certainly needs to be. I don’t agree with not aiming for Cat 1, but that’s more gut instinct, possibly sentiment, than evidence based.
KM does mean it. He appears to be the kind of person that chooses words carefully and says what he means. As for Baggott, he is playing week in week out competitive football and getting all the stronger because of it. He would be shining his rear end on the bench at best here as there is no competitive reserve league. It’s a good move for him and for ITFC.
Your ‘evidence’ he ‘doesn’t really mean it’ is no evidence at all. Just a negative spin as usual. Norwich eh? Still seventh so not too bad. Yet. |
On the Cat 1 issue Ashton has said before that the main reason for not going for it is that the current Cat system is likely to change and that they could spend a fortune trying to meet certain criteria that then become irrelevant.
In the meantime they are contiuing to recruit for academy roles both coaching and 'backroom' staff such as a Head of Acaddemy recruitment. It would appear that Dean Wright has been in long enough to develop his own 'business plan' for the Academy which is now being put into action. | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:18 - Oct 29 with 1592 views | Dyland |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 08:42 - Oct 29 by ElephantintheRoom |
Indeed. But as the comments will no doubt show - and Kieron Dyer discovered the new owners have a different view and model - and a generation of supporters have ‘grown up’ not giving a hoot about Ipswich players playing for Ipswich.
In truth he doesn’t really mean it either or he wouldn’t have loaned out a highly promising defender to Gillingham, nor signed a contract rebel in this lad’s position on the last day of the transfer window. |
The Baggott loan, hmmmmm. Is that all you've got? Unusually poor effort, even desperate. Mentioning Simpson may have been a better bet, but even then.
As you know of course, this is the way football is these days. Promotion is the be all and end all for owners spunking money, sorry I mean investing. There are no caveats about getting promoted with your academy products.
I'm misty eyed as well but that ship sailed literally decades ago.
P.S. Of course, the system has operated against us re cat 1, so throw some of your (not unfair) irritation at the FA and Prem as well as ITFC. |  |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:19 - Oct 29 with 1584 views | Dyland |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:08 - Oct 29 by SheffordBlue |
On the Cat 1 issue Ashton has said before that the main reason for not going for it is that the current Cat system is likely to change and that they could spend a fortune trying to meet certain criteria that then become irrelevant.
In the meantime they are contiuing to recruit for academy roles both coaching and 'backroom' staff such as a Head of Acaddemy recruitment. It would appear that Dean Wright has been in long enough to develop his own 'business plan' for the Academy which is now being put into action. |
The slightly fishy way clubs down the tier are refused cat 1 is often overlooked by Nerders who would rather criticise ITFC and ITFC only on here. | |
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| Top post (n/t) on 09:24 - Oct 29 with 1549 views | Dyland |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:40 - Oct 28 by HighgateBlue |
I'm not sure whether the "it" you're referring to is the joy of supporting a team in general, or whether it's a specific comment on bringing youngsters through. I'll assume the latter given the heading of the post.
There have been arguable reasons to criticise the club in this area over the last few years on this front:
- losing players in unfortunate circumstances e.g. Downes, Simpson, arguably Dozzell
- over use of loans in previous years, to the detriment of playing our own youngsters
- sending our own youngsters out on loan as a result
However, as far as I can see, none of that is McKenna's fault. Since he's been here, he's said the right things, and seemingly done the right things to bring players through. This is a tough league to blood youngsters in, especially youngsters who want to play proper football. This is a tough and physical league as we found out too often to our cost last year.
We were disappointed not to get Cat. 1 academy status, but the noises from the club at present are that that doesn't really matter. I genuinely don't know, but with the current club management I am inclined to take their word for it.
We've got Humphreys coming through, Woolfie has been fully integrated and we play to his strengths - he is an example of when it works.
OK, so we have TJJ as a loanee up front, and the jury may be out on him. I was really disappointed to lose Simpson, but the impression I get is that it was the club who was playing hardball with negotiations rather than KMac. I didn't like the way that was handled, but I don't see any evidence it was KMac's fault. He's always said the right things, and his actions have never given us reason to think that he's not being honest in what he says. He may lack ostensible passion, but that means that more of his brain is devoted to thinking about how to win. And how not to get sent to the stands like far too many superstar managers in the Prem seem to these days. |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:25 - Oct 29 with 1550 views | Vic |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:02 - Oct 29 by Churchman |
Kieron Dyer also said in an interview in 2021 that the Academy was not fit for purpose. Lee the same along with some of the reasons why. So yes, the owners have a different view and model and there certainly needs to be. I don’t agree with not aiming for Cat 1, but that’s more gut instinct, possibly sentiment, than evidence based.
KM does mean it. He appears to be the kind of person that chooses words carefully and says what he means. As for Baggott, he is playing week in week out competitive football and getting all the stronger because of it. He would be shining his rear end on the bench at best here as there is no competitive reserve league. It’s a good move for him and for ITFC.
Your ‘evidence’ he ‘doesn’t really mean it’ is no evidence at all. Just a negative spin as usual. Norwich eh? Still seventh so not too bad. Yet. |
There’s no one ‘right way’ for players to develop is there. The criticism of sending players out on loan is not really valid as just about every team above us does it extensively. One the other hand there are players who develop better in house - and Humph seems to be one of those. Woolf is on the other hand really grew up during his year at Swindon (even though I personally thought he was plenty good enough to play and learn in the team here!)
Talk that KM ‘gets it’ is wide of the mark! He’s just being a very good man manager. In fact right now he seems to be very good at just about everything he does 🙂 |  |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:28 - Oct 29 with 1529 views | Dyland |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:25 - Oct 29 by Vic |
There’s no one ‘right way’ for players to develop is there. The criticism of sending players out on loan is not really valid as just about every team above us does it extensively. One the other hand there are players who develop better in house - and Humph seems to be one of those. Woolf is on the other hand really grew up during his year at Swindon (even though I personally thought he was plenty good enough to play and learn in the team here!)
Talk that KM ‘gets it’ is wide of the mark! He’s just being a very good man manager. In fact right now he seems to be very good at just about everything he does 🙂 |
Indeed. Gets what? This is how we do things at Ipswich? Not sure of the relevance. As you say, he's just a really very good manager for one so young and long may it continue. He's not achieved anything yet but the signs look good for him (and hopefully us). | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:31 - Oct 29 with 1520 views | nodge_blue |
Its a balance. We've introduced many youngsters to first team football over the last 20 years and ultimately the team hasn't got one single promotion.
If they're good enough then they will play.
But Ive no problem with first and foremost putting out a side that's packed with experience if it means we get promotion. |  |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:54 - Oct 29 with 1489 views | BondiBlue |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:28 - Oct 29 by Dyland |
Indeed. Gets what? This is how we do things at Ipswich? Not sure of the relevance. As you say, he's just a really very good manager for one so young and long may it continue. He's not achieved anything yet but the signs look good for him (and hopefully us). |
Gets that we enjoy watching our team win and enjoy watching good football, but we also really enjoy watching a young kid do well. He understands that it's something we value. We as in all football supporters, not just ipswich fans. Sounds pretty obvious but i think it gets lost at some clubs and i'd hate it to get lost here. | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 10:02 - Oct 29 with 1471 views | Dyland |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 09:54 - Oct 29 by BondiBlue |
Gets that we enjoy watching our team win and enjoy watching good football, but we also really enjoy watching a young kid do well. He understands that it's something we value. We as in all football supporters, not just ipswich fans. Sounds pretty obvious but i think it gets lost at some clubs and i'd hate it to get lost here. |
Gotcha. Though it's arguable all or most footy fans give a hoot about "one of our own"... which is an interesting topic in itself (sort of) :) | |
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| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 11:00 - Oct 29 with 1398 views | TrumptonBlue |
Even if he does get it, it's still going to be difficult for young players to get their chance. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Humphreys only got his opportunity on Tuesday due to the unavailability of three senior players in his position. On the evidence of his performance, he looks perfectly capable at League 1 level, but these were his first league minutes of the season.
And that's how it's going to be, surely. The pension fund can afford to keep the squad stocked with two or more senior players in each position. Barring an unusual amount of unavailability - such as Tuesday's - any young player given a game will be getting it at the expense of a senior player, and it feels highly unlikely that is a choice that the manager will make. Would any of us? Even those of us who love to see the young players coming through and are excited by Humphreys expect to see him back on the bench today.
None of this is a criticism of McKenna. His primary job is to build the best squad possible and to put out the best team possible. A young player may turn out to be so good that he has to be included in that best team, but there will always be a lot of traffic in their way. That's just the way it is now. McKenna may get it, but it will be difficult for him to accommodate it. |  | | |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 11:34 - Oct 29 with 1323 views | Vic |
| Mckenna's comments on humphreys/academy graduates on 11:00 - Oct 29 by TrumptonBlue |
Even if he does get it, it's still going to be difficult for young players to get their chance. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Humphreys only got his opportunity on Tuesday due to the unavailability of three senior players in his position. On the evidence of his performance, he looks perfectly capable at League 1 level, but these were his first league minutes of the season.
And that's how it's going to be, surely. The pension fund can afford to keep the squad stocked with two or more senior players in each position. Barring an unusual amount of unavailability - such as Tuesday's - any young player given a game will be getting it at the expense of a senior player, and it feels highly unlikely that is a choice that the manager will make. Would any of us? Even those of us who love to see the young players coming through and are excited by Humphreys expect to see him back on the bench today.
None of this is a criticism of McKenna. His primary job is to build the best squad possible and to put out the best team possible. A young player may turn out to be so good that he has to be included in that best team, but there will always be a lot of traffic in their way. That's just the way it is now. McKenna may get it, but it will be difficult for him to accommodate it. |
Totally get where you’re coming from, but tan important part of our strategy is identifying young players, developing them and selling them on. Those young players may be in our system or may be elsewhere. So there’s a sense of if they are good enough they’ll get the breaks.
So hopefully in the not too distant future we won’t have to buy so many players in. | |
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