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Ward: If We Can Win at Sunderland It Will Be a Huge Statement
Monday, 2nd Nov 2020 12:20

The prize for victory remains the same but defender Stephen Ward believes a win at promotion rivals Sunderland tomorrow evening would represent a huge statement by Town.

Summer signing Ward, who revealed he once had an opportunity to join the Black Cats, is only too aware of the Blues’ main shortcoming last season — the fact that they failed to pick up sufficient points at the expense of their main promotion rivals.

The experienced left-back said: “Sunderland and Ipswich are two massive clubs who are both striving to get back up the leagues. They will have the same focus on this season as we do — wanting to get promotion — so that makes it a massive game.

“For us, logistically, it’s another tough one because after the game against Crewe we’ve had a rest and now it’s time for another long trip up north.

“They’re a big club and I can only see it being a tough game. We’re both in decent positions at the moment so it’s important for both sides, but we’re going up there with a lot of confidence after the weekend and we’ll be looking to bring back the three points.

“Any side looking to win promotion is going to have to win as many games as possible against teams at the bottom, in the middle and definitely those around the top.

“The league is starting to take a bit of shape now and there are a lot of teams in good form, winning back-to-back games and climbing up the table.


“It’s important that we don’t let our standards drop, which means not looking too far ahead and concentrating on the next game.

“But the games against the so-called big teams are going to be massive, of course they are, although the three points we hope to get at Sunderland is the same as what we got for beating Crewe at the weekend, and that’s the way we’ve got to look at it. The prize is always the same at the end of the 90 minutes.”

Recalling how he was close to joining the Black Cats, he added: “It was when I was at Wolves years ago that they came in for me. Martin O’Neill was their manager at the time but the move never materialised and I ended up staying at Wolves.

Ward was asked if victory at the Stadium of Light would give the supporters, as well as the players, added belief and he replied: “There’s already plenty of belief in the squad thanks to the start we’ve had to the season. In the position we’re in I see no reason why there shouldn’t be great belief among the players that we can have a successful season.

“But I understand what you’re saying — they are a big club and if we can go away to them and take all three points it will be a huge statement, and that’s exactly what we will be looking to do.”

Ward has overcome the achilles injury that sidelined him briefly and is enjoying his football. “I’m feeling good and the body’s feeling good thankfully. I’m at an age where I know how to look after myself off the pitch.

“It’s usually a case of finishing one game and getting on with the preparation for the next one, so I’m looking forward to Sunderland tomorrow night.

“As one of the more experienced players in the squad, I like being around the younger lads. I reckon that if you ask older players they will all agree that the more they are around the younger lads the younger they feel themselves.

“I’ve played a lot of football in my career and it’s nice to be in a position where I can pass on advice to the younger players and it’s full credit to the lads here at Ipswich that they are all willing to listen and learn.

“They are really focused on improving and doing well. They all want to play football at the highest level and this season they want to be successful and win promotion, as we all do. When the more senior players talk — it’s not just me, there’s also Luke [Chambers] and Alan Judge — they take it on board.

“I think we have a right good mix of youth and experience in the squad here. Cole [Skuse] is another one but unfortunately he’s injured, but like I say it’s good for us older lads to be around the kids as well because they keep us younger than our birth certificates say we are.”

Town boss Paul Lambert wasted little time in contacting Ward after his release by Stoke and the player added: “The gaffer has been completely true about the style of play he sold to me in the summer when I came in to train before being offered a deal.

“I’ve really enjoyed how we try to play and win games. The main thing is that we have a style and a system that we want to stick to. It’s about being expansive and moving the ball quickly, but we showed against Crewe that we can do the other side of the game by digging in and fighting for every point.

“We have a philosophy here and we want to play the way the manager wants us to play. We enjoy it but we also understand it’s not always going to be plain sailing.

“There are going to be times — Saturday was one of them — where we’re not going to be able to impose our style of play on the opposition. The result gave us a big lift because we knew we weren’t at our best.

“In a lot of games this season we have played really expansive football and been a threat going forward, but on Saturday we had to show a different side and that can be just as pleasing.”


Photo: Matchday Images



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Wallingford_Boy added 12:25 - Nov 2
Just avoid defeat, I'd be happy with that. But I think if we play like we have done in recent weeks, Sunderland will be too good for us. I do hope I am wrong though!
9

tractorboybig added 13:06 - Nov 2
If we win at sunderland it will be a miracle. Lets hope its not a cricket score.
-5

OwainG1992 added 14:25 - Nov 2
If we cab get a point that will be more than enough.
A win would be a terrific surprise.
6

positivity added 14:31 - Nov 2
we're the underdogs for sure, but to say it would be a miracle or a terrific surprise is a bit much.

sunderland didn't beat rochdale or bristol and we've shown we're better than them already this season
5

PortmanTerrorist added 15:03 - Nov 2
We do not beat the better sides. Fact. And it has been for years. So it WILL be a statement. A statement that we can actually pass and run and show some ability when we choose....not coast through games thinking we are better than the opposition as that is not enough, even in League 1.

Heaven knows what it will do to expectation levels if we do win.....but no one is expecting that really....are they ?
2

Nobbysnuts added 15:04 - Nov 2
Don't big Sunderland up they are no better than us.. and remember there is no home advantage at the moment. Its just a game of football on a level playing field.coyb👊👊👊
11

belgablue added 15:05 - Nov 2
I can confidently say now that we won't win, or create a single goal scoring opportunity. However, I expect the performance will be fantastic, unbelievable, first class etc
-6

Europablue added 15:18 - Nov 2
I always find it funny how we as supporters of Ipswich feel like every other team is always winning with ease and we are struggling. I always feel nervous for us, but really we aren't any worse than any other club in the league. Granted we have a worse record against the top sides. We have a great chance to beat Sunderland in their empty stadium and start to put that record right. There is definitely something a bit different to us this year. Lambert has somehow come to the conclusion that we should play our best team at all times and naturally rotate when form dips rather than just chopping and changing. A few long term injured players have come back and some of the younger players have taken their chances to come into the team, and Ward coming in has been a great addition of a calming influence and actually a top footballer at this level. We definitly have a little more steal about us and we do have a more solid defensive unit.
8

ForrestsFingers added 15:21 - Nov 2
Was speaking to a friend who is a Sunderland fan yesterday. He is of the consensus that Sunderland haven't been playing that well and have been getting the rub of the green with a lot of refereeing decisions.
Could be an interesting affair. I'd happily settle for a point, depending on our luck it could be 3
5

timkatieadamitfc added 15:27 - Nov 2
If we play 4 3 3 tomorrow they way we've been playing lately it will be another Doncaster, I'd definitely go 4 4 2 or even 4 5 1 with a stiffer midfield (huws has to play) for this one
5

Bert added 16:06 - Nov 2
Ward has proved to be a good acquisition. He reads the game well, is experienced and one of the reasons why the whole defence is better this season. Chambers should also take some credit. Play with vigour, keep it tight at the back and we may, just may Knick it.
6

therein61 added 16:06 - Nov 2
It's time we started beating the better sides in div1 and what a boost 3 points would be tomorrow night, hope Jackson gets a look in as their defence are uncomfortable with pacy players running at them that in turn will help take the pressure off for what will be a hard game.
7

alfromcol added 16:07 - Nov 2
Hopefully the players are more confident than you bunch on here!!! Grateful none of you will be giving the team talk before the match
4

Pencilpete added 16:16 - Nov 2
I think history says we usually lose 1-0 at Sunderland ... usually to a penalty

so if Toto Nsiala gets recalled it's nailed on !!!!
1

TractorFrog added 16:17 - Nov 2
If we can beat Sunderland tomorrow, and properly win as the better team rather than a lucky win like against Crewe, I will feel far more confident about our promotion chances. Right now I think we will finish 7th-10th; if we beat Sunderland and are clearly the better team, I think we will get playoffs, and potentially win them.
0

BettyBlue added 17:12 - Nov 2
Ipswich haven't made an impressive statement in a football match within living memory.

I'd have hought it would be easier to make a statement against poor opposition at home burt it seems thats not important enough for our players.
0

TimmyH added 17:24 - Nov 2
Lets expel the myth that we can't beat the top teams in this league - go for a win and a better performance please.
4

Suffolkboy added 17:27 - Nov 2
Let's all at least try to put on a happy positive face,and be the truest of supporters .
COYB
1

SheptonMalletBlue added 17:59 - Nov 2
Who are Sunderland? Are they really that good?
3

dukey44 added 18:38 - Nov 2
I live just along from Scumberland and im hearing from fans up here a few of the players have fallen out with the manager so he's not playing a few of their better players in last couple of games... Just what they saying.. You never know we could pull this one off...
1

Saxonblue74 added 18:47 - Nov 2
This is Sunderland, a league one for a few seasons now (Not sure how many tbh!) . We shouldn't be considered (or consider ourselves) underdogs against anyone in this league! These are season defining games if we've real ambition of promotion. There are some very poor sides that we should, and thus far have beaten. The big points are the games that deny rivals, "6 pointers" if you like. I'm quietly confident for tomorrow night, please prove me right boys!
3

Westy added 19:27 - Nov 2
Strangely optimistic about this. If we can start well, not concede early and play with some ambition we can get something.
2

bobble added 19:36 - Nov 2
if we prevent them scoring we will take something
0

Nobbysnuts added 20:13 - Nov 2
The mind boggles why so many people on here seem to think Sunderland are some sought of league one Barcelona ??? For gods sake they are Sunderland!!! A sh#te league one outfit. We are not underdogs. There is no home advantage and I expect us to win. Now get behind the boys for f#cks sake. Coyb💥💥💥
2

bluelodgeblue added 20:18 - Nov 2
Nobbysnuts! I would love us to go and win at Sunderland but you have to look at our form which is poor?
1


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