Boss Paul Cook admitted the Blues have to be “so much better than that” following their 0-0 draw away against his old club Wigan but insisted he still believes Town can make the play-offs, although is less convinced that the players share that faith.

Asked what he made of the game, Cook reflected: “What did I make of that? What did I make of that? An OK point for us in the end, if we’re being truthful.

“The game lacked quality from both teams, the pitch was difficult I suppose, but you make excuses, don’t you?

“We need to be so much better than that as a team, but we take a point. We move on to the next game. There are 10 games left in our season, the imbalances of the home and away games have been quite strong.

“A big positive is that we drew with Lincoln and we beat Plymouth at home and we go into Bristol Rovers at home now. We need a win quickly, we’ve got to get a win on the board quickly to just give ourselves the belief that we can make those play-offs.”

Was he disappointed that his side didn’t really grab the game by the scruff of the neck? “I’m not so sure we’ve got that in us at the minute, have we? You guys have watched us a lot longer than me.

“We huff and you puff and do what we do, we sort of revert to where we look at times defensively quite OK, but we finished the game very nervily, which I don’t understand.

“We should be controlling games and opening teams up and putting quality balls in the box and it’s just something we’re not doing at the minute.

“We just keep going, get on that training ground and you work harder and harder and you remind the players, and myself, that when you’re managing and you play for a big club there’s an expectancy and that’s a really good expectancy because it’s something you’ve got to step up to and at the minute I’d suggest, myself included, we’ve got a little bit of a way to go to get to that mark.”

Is he still unwavering in his belief that Town can make the play-offs? “Yes. Come on, if I can’t believe [who can?].

“Someone once told me ‘If you can’t believe, how can anyone else?’. I look at it and go to myself, we need a big rub of the green.

“As I’ve just said to them in the dressing room after the game, everyone looks like they’re waiting for someone else to do something. I’ve never seen a team like that.

“We’ve got to have go-to players that step up to the plate and go ‘Have that, cross that onto Norwood’s head’.

“I’m desperate to give Kayden Jackson a run down the centre of the pitch with James Norwood but it’s something I’ve never played and you’ve got to be a very direct team to do that.

“You’ve got to have wingers putting balls in the box, you’ve got to be hitting second strikers but it’s something that I don’t see us being really good at.

“But what I can guarantee to our supporters is that I won’t stick with anything rigid with the 10-game campaign that could see us be successful, that’s for sure.”

Do the players believe the same? “I’d suggest no, if I’m being brutally honest with you. I’d suggest no, I’d suggest that they just look at each other and hope that someone steps up. That’s not how I’ve managed in my career, that’s not how my teams play.

“Home and away we take the game to people, we are off our front foot, we are aggressive. I think Kane Vincent-Young’s substitution at half-time was disappointing because I think there was one situation just before half-time where you saw the qualities that he can bring to the game with a really good overlap and a penetration into the box. That’s what we want to be, that’s a glimpse of it. But it happened certainly nowhere enough.

“Listen, our supporters on iFollow in their thousands, they’ll be as disappointed as anyone tonight. All I can tell them is that there won’t be a stone unturned, we want to go up this year, we are desperate to get in those play-offs. Tonight it doesn’t look good, tomorrow is a different day.”

Is it character and personality he’s talking about? “You know what guys, I think even for you [the media], in my short time as Ipswich manager, I think I’m a very open type of manager, I answer all questions. I think you’ll end up leading me to sort of say one or two things about the team that are lacking.

“I think visually every one of our supporters knows what’s lacking, you guys knows what’s lacking, so we don’t need to keep telling each other.

“What we’ve got to go away and do is find it, find that ingredient to make a nice meal and that’s my job, that’s what I’m paid very well to do.”

Town have 10 games to go, time is running out and players can’t keep pointing to the number of matches which remain to be played.

“I’ll shoulder all that pressure for those players, that’s my job,” Cook continued. “Those players have only got to put a run together to win games.

“In this league, if you win two or three games, you’ll be exactly where you want to be. It’s like starting a marathon, you’ve got to do the first mile.

“At the minute we’re at the starting blocks, we all know the marathon is going to be tough but we can do it.”

Cook confirmed that Vincent-Young was forced off at half-time with an injury: “Hamstring injury, his hamstring, he had to come off. You can’t carry on like that, can you?

“I’m so disappointed for the lad, he’s worked so hard to get back in. But it is what it is and we have to accept it and you’re then putting a centre-half [Luke Woolfenden] in at right-back.

“You know yourselves, I’ve never believed in making excuses as a manager, I never have and I never will. he brutal reality today was that we didn’t have the quality to open them up and that’s heart-breaking, isn’t it. But there you go.”

One positive for the Blues was Armando Dobra’s contribution having come on as a sub in the second half.

“Yes, he showed a couple of good little passages of play by controlling the ball well and retaining possession,” Cook continued. “It’s something that everyone in our team should be doing a helluva lot better.

“As I say, I come out and show a united front to you guys, that’s my job, it really is, I’ve got to make sure that these lads, who probably over a period of time now have struggled with the expectancy on them, [can perform] and it’s their time now.

“There are 10 games running out. We all know with contracts and situations managers can threaten you. My big threat to the players, let’s see what we’re really about in these last 10 games.”

In addition to the club’s play-off ambitions, they have a lot to play for personally with so many contracts up at the end of the season.

“One hundred per cent, and they’ve got to feel that,” Cook said. “Promotions and success in your life, are the best days in your life, they’re what makes you strive to do it again.

“With our lads they’ve got to feel and taste that we’re so close. We beat Bristol Rovers and go up to Rochdale and win, the reality is that we're in the play-offs. Is that asking too much of our players? I don’t think it is. I think I’m demanding it now, if I’m being truthful.”

Asked whether he expected more by this stage having won one, drawn two and lost three of his six games with Town, Cook added: “Of course I did. You come in, you can say what you want. The biggest concern I had when I walked in the building was the lack of goals in the team.

“That was my biggest concern. As I speak to you guys now, I haven’t solved that problem. I love teams that put loads of crosses in, that get in great areas of the pitch, that can do everything.

“At the minute we’re just stuttering away. We’re like an engine that’s just gone a bit wrong and we keep stuttering in the hope that we can find that gear that will take us forward. But I tell you what, we’ll keep working at it, that’s for sure.”

Looking ahead to the week to come, he said: “There’s an U23s game at Charlton on Monday, we’ll be very strong. Myself, [first-team coach] Gary [Roberts], we’ll all be there watching the lads, it’s an opportunity to impress. We’ll get a rest into Chambers, Dozzell, Toto and the rest because they’ve had a lot of games.

“The club will be off Tuesday. We’ll come in on Wednesday and Thursday and we’ll fire into Bristol Rovers in the biggest game of our season on Friday.”

Jon Nolan was with the subs the Town subs but Cook says that doesn’t indicate the midfielder, who suffered a knee injury earlier this month, is closing in on a return.

“No, I’d love to say yes,” Cook said. “Jon won’t play again this season, it was a really tough knock that he got.

“He lives up in Liverpool, it was a chance for him to go and see his family and travel with the players and put a little smile on his face.”

U23s coach Kieron Dyer was on the bench with the staff for the first time. Asked what the thinking was behind that, Cook said: “We’re here to help each other. Kieron’s an exceptionally good coach, he’s a really gifted coach, his career’s there for everyone to see.

“If his experience can help any of our young lads as a role model, why shouldn’t he be in and around our squad and team at the minute?

“Everyone at the club can learn, I’m still learning every day. The reality of football is that we want to help each other to learn so we can get better so we can deliver success for Ipswich Town.”

Asked about a report in one of this morning’s national newspapers which claimed he had angrily sent the players home at lunchtime on Wednesday - when a double session had been planned - and food was as a result donated to a local charity, Cook responded: “We were in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. What we wanted to do on Wednesday was give one of the local charities some of the food that we’re lucky enough to get delivered every day.

“So if you’re looking for stories about fallouts, you’ll have to look somewhere else.

“You’re speaking to the wrong guy. I think the reality for us is, if you’re looking for fallouts, you’d be looking for them every day. I think in the press you can always twist a story to how you want it to be twisted.

“The reality is that our lads are working every so hard to get better so that we can finish the season strongly in the play-offs, that’s the story I’d like you to lead on.”

Wigan boss Leam Richardson felt a 0-0 draw was perhaps inevitable as he came up against his old boss.

“It was destined to be like that wasn't it?" he told Wigan Today. “The game ebbed and flowed and took different directions, but on the balance of the 90 minutes a draw was probably a fair result.

“At the minute we've got to try and take each and every positive, and so we'll class that as a point gained.

“And the biggest credit you can give these lads is that they're still here, competing, giving me everything they've got.

Regarding facing Cook, he added: ”It was obviously a very surreal experience, having worked so closely with him for so long.

“I know how good a manager he is, how he sets his teams up and the energy he brings to every club he's at.

“I heard him say before the game he's been carrying me for years. He got that in first, which I don't mind! But we'll have a beer and have a chat, and have that conversation again.

“In a way it wasn't a nice situation to be in opposition to him today, because we both knew how important the points are to Wigan Athletic at the moment.

“We both know how important it is we stay up and how hard the group's worked to give themselves a chance of doing so.

“At the same time you always like to see your mate doing well, so maybe a 0-0 draw was the right result on the day.”

Photo: Pagepix

blues1 added 20:11 - Mar 27 Pezzer. Yet another fan who doesnt get, that Mcgavin cannot play for the 1st team this season. Hes still classed as being on loan.
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martin587 added 20:20 - Mar 27 An honest version of the way this club stands at the moment.PC will turn this club round but he will need time to access who wants to play for this club and who couldn't give a toss.At the moment he has very few who care.
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Ipswichbusiness added 20:26 - Mar 27 “Everyone looks like they're waiting for someone else to do something.” “... they just look at each other and hope that someone steps up”. Now look at the starting 11; with the possible exception of Dozzell, they were all experienced older players who you would expect to understand concepts such as leadership and responsibility. The Captain should be leading by example.

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DifferentGravy added 20:36 - Mar 27 Dont care what formation he plays and hopefully pre season he can begin to assemble his own team with his own style and formation. But for crying out loud......give us something to cheer......just go for it in these games. Would rather lose 2-1 having had a right old go than 0-0 holding on for a draw with barely a dangerous chance to our name. Even if in the last 5 mins you put Toto up front and bomb it in the box........coz this is just a slow death

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shakytown added 20:44 - Mar 27 What has Huws done wrong?????. No worse than this shower and potentially a lot better.
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heathen66 added 20:47 - Mar 27 The players unfortunately seem to be looking after themselves. Another year in L1, many (especially those influential pros nearing the end of their careers) will see this as a chance to get that contract extension. I hope PC see through this. The whole club needs a change !!!
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heathen66 added 20:53 - Mar 27 Ipswichbusiness you are 100% correct PC needs to find some genuine leaders in the summer. No one currently wants to take that responsibility or lead by example. These are experienced players who have played hundreds of times at a higher level. Some are even international footballers.
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Wishing4arightback added 21:07 - Mar 27 Today typified the club for a long time. Players there for the money, not the club. No passion, no belief. I lost count of how many times Cook would shout the same instruction, I know he has a scouse accent but surely professional footballers who had a good weeks training should at least attempt to do what he is asking. I just really hope he has the balls to get rid of the older players who are not good enough and are not going to change or take us forward. There is a reason certain players have played week in, week out as we have dropped from a decent Championship club..... THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH! All the mangers have had faith in them and all the managers who have done have seen the club spiral downwards and then get the sack. Maybe someone who knows about football might see the link one day. The fans seem to have, but apparently we know nothing......

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gazzer1999 added 21:14 - Mar 27 Can't play 2 up front as you have to play direct and 2 wingers putting crosses in the box? Huh thought I was listening to the crap Lambert used to say. Well Cookie study the Ipswich way in 1981 and tell me Mariner and Brazil were not a 2 up front, oh and where were the wingers in that team? Crikey we don't half get some crap to manage our team these days, Sir Bobby must be turning in his grave. Thankfully Kieron looks like he may be ready to step up to the mark instead of second rate journeymen as coaches.

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herfie added 21:21 - Mar 27 There's clearly a deep-seated, negative, mentality running through the first team. Before getting anywhere what PC wants in footballing terms, his immediate challenge is to purge individuals' inflated opinions of their abilities, change attitudes from too easily accepting the mediocre as ‘normal for us' and making crystal clear the minimum standards required to wear the shirt. It's a challenge not to be under estimated; but until this toxic boil is lanced, we will remain stuck in what seems like a hamster on it's wheel situation. One thing for sure is that PC is going to earn his corn here - something he's probably rapidly beginning to realise!

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Texastom added 21:21 - Mar 27 Great interview from Paul Cook after the game. Players can't cope, no character, no Leadership and no quality to open the opposition up. Can't cope with the expectation or training twice in a row. They are mentally weak and we have obviously have a soft underbelly. God it's like saying they are out of their depth and can't cope with life. At last I have got an understanding now but its embarrassing. My only worry now is Paul Cook will leave if a better offer comes because if I was him I wouldn't want to be there working with people you have no respect for. I include all the back of house staff like O'Neil and Evans. If he's not backed and a clearout doesn't happen in the summer we are seriously in trouble.

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Texastom added 21:26 - Mar 27 Where's are Leader Chambers?
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bluesince76 added 22:02 - Mar 27 Zero improvement so far under cook very underwhelming really not so sure he's going to be the Messiah talks the talk but so far hasn't walked the walk.
2

ArnieM added 22:14 - Mar 27 Notwichbeater: two questions for you . 1) how many rotten apples do you think this current squad has in it ? 2) what makes you think the youngsters that have anything about them will be here next season ? You're problem is you can't identify a “loser”. I can , so can many Town fans and most importantly so can Paul Cook , and the “losers “ are currently rebelling . If you watched iFollow today it was all too evident who the “ losers” were. They need kicking out of our club NOW!

5

istanblue added 22:26 - Mar 27 Cook says all the right things but results and performances have not improved. Fans should NOT be giving PC a 'free hit' this season (remember last time that happened?). Cook needs to find a team that can do a job THIS SEASON and then rebuild in the summer. If that means adopting a different system and dropping certain personnel then so be it.
4

Norwichbeater added 23:02 - Mar 27 ArnieM. Believe it or not I don't think we are singing completely form different hymn sheets. My argument is that the old school players are having a massive effect on the other players yet PC is still playing them. I don't think the answer is to get rid of the whole squad. We need to get a new backbone and some leadership on the pitch to help the less experienced players and then watch them flourish. We do have a lot of homegrown players that would do a lot better under different guidance. Just my opinion.

3

ringwoodblue added 00:35 - Mar 28 Feel for KVY. Another injury probably because he was not properly fit. So many problems for Cookie to sort out - i hope he's up for the challenge.
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eddiespearitt03 added 02:20 - Mar 28 Not sure how ANY manager can survive under Evans. The lack of belief, desire and ability is at rock bottom now. We now have another manager having a go trying to achieve success under Evans. Another manager who will burn himself out trying to figure out this conundrum. We have young players who try their best but find it hard to boss a game. We still have experienced players who are so poor it is ridiculous. Evans remains anonymous as usual and the poor manager has to provide answers once again. What is it that is stopping Evans making the right decisions for this club after 13 years ? Can he not see the obvious weak links letting the team down ? Why is Evans allowing this to happen ?

2

runningout added 03:03 - Mar 28 As been said Paul Cook will be wanted if he is successful or not with us. Top manager in the making!
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Help added 08:35 - Mar 28 Everyone looks like they are waiting for someone ese to do something. I've never seen a team like that. That's not how my teams play. I want to see players step up to the plate, get a quality cross in the box and say ‘go have that'. “The brutal reality is that we didn't have the quality to open them up and score a goal. That's heart breaking, but there you go. Asked if his players believed in themselves, Cook said: “I'd suggest no, if I'm brutally honest with you. I'd suggest that they just look at each other and hope somebody steps up. Looks like some U23's could be joining the current 1st team squad ready for next year in the final 10 games, as they cannot do any worse than the incumbent, what's the word, players?

2

Dissboyitfc added 08:38 - Mar 28 Found this quote from David McGoldrick, He added: “I don't think you realise it until you're in that sort of situation. I maybe got a bit too comfortable at Ipswich, although I loved my time there. "We were mid-table and there were no big expectations to win every game, like there is at Sheffield United at the moment. That was March 2019, 2 years and 3 managers later, nothing has changed! Change is long overdue! I hope Paul Cook instigates this change ASAP.

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grow_our_own added 08:47 - Mar 28 Everyone here is blaming the squad. Agreed it's bloated. But early this season it was running rampant at the top and in late-Febearly-March it beat top-6 teams three games in a row, including away to the club that's currently top. It is possible to select a good team from this squad. Cook isn't here to entertain and make fan-pleasing comments.
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Jonaldo added 08:55 - Mar 28 This game proves we should sell Dozzell and Bishop, both very overated
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johnwarksshorts added 08:59 - Mar 28 I believe PC will eventually succeed with this club but its going to take time. With this current bunch of players I don't think even Pep would do anything. Get rid of the dead wood and let Cook bring in his own players nex season. We need fighters, grafters. This current bunch have a weak underbelly, any teams we play that come and bully us and we don't want to know. Rebuild for next season. Sorry all you peeps who think we are going up through playoffs ain't gonna happen.

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BangaloreBlues added 09:04 - Mar 28 The good thing about Cook is that he identifies the problems and knows what's wrong. With Lambert he couldn't see anything other than his own ego. I think we can all see now the players just don't seem to have it in them to try. For that reason I kind of feel sorry for PL, but he had the time to identify those problems and sort it out and didn't. We all know we can make the play offs, and whether we do or not the entire team needs to be overhauled for next season. We'll be laughed off the park with this lot in the Championship and relegation would be a certainty. Bristol Rovers at home next, who have lost 5 in a row. Already my heart is sinking as the inevitable defeat seems to be on the horizon. I never thought I would say such things but, then again, I have never known a Town side as bad as this.

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