Blues boss Kieran McKenna was pleased with both the three points and aspects of the performance as Town beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 at Portman Road in his first game as manager.

Asked what he made of his side’s display, he said: “Really pleased. Obviously the three points is the main thing at this stage of the season and the position that the team is in and the results as they’ve been lately.

“But aspects of the performance we’re really happy with. We knew it wasn’t going to be a pretty game, we knew it was going to be at times the game that Wycombe wanted it to be with them putting pressure on us and trying to play direct and put balls in our box.

“I thought our organisation, our attitude and our resilience to defend those moments was really, really good.

“I thought we had a goal threat all night. In the first half with some good play and in the second half with a big threat on the counter-attack and we looked like we could get the second goal.

“Lots of good things, but lots to improve upon. There are things that we absolutely have to do better and we’ll look at the game back, we’ll show the players what they can improve and we’ll look to improve on that in the next few games.”

The 35-year-old said he saw things in the performance that he and assistant Martyn Pert had been working on at Playford Road in the fortnight since they came to the club.

“In the first 25 minutes, I thought some of our build-up shape was good,” he said. “We managed to find the spare man and step out from the back with an extra defender and get through the pitch in quite a constructive way.

“That was pleasing. We’ve spoken quite a lot about the backline and staying out of our box and squeezing high and trying to keep the ball away from our goal when other teams are playing long balls. We managed to do that well.

“Our organisation on set plays was really good, which we knew we’d have to work on before this game because Wycombe are such a threat.

“There were bits of the game that were pleasing, spells in which different aspects of the game went well.

“We weren’t able to maintain it throughout the game but we know that if we show the same attitude and the same work as we have over the last week in training, that we showed tonight, then we’ll get back to the training pitch and we’ll improve.”

Regarding the reception he received from fans as he made his way from the tunnel to the dugout, he added: “It was fantastic, a big thank-you to everyone who came here tonight and supported us so well and who has received us to the club.

“It’s an amazing club, for sure. To have a turn-out like this in the Christmas period with the pandemic, with everything that’s going on, is just a credit to the fanbase.

“It wasn’t just the case that they were here, they were really here with the team, especially in the second half in the difficult moments when the boys were tired and they needed that little extra boost, the fans were a big, big part of helping us get it over the line, helping us get the clean sheet and helping us get the three points.

“In the end it’s not just a win the for the players, it’s a win for the fans, it’s a win for the whole club and that’s how we want to move forward and build the club.”

McKenna stuck with the outfield players who started the previous game, the 1-1 draw with Sunderland a fortnight ago under caretaker John McGreal.

Quizzed on whether that was a simple decision to make, he said: “It wasn’t easy because there have been other players who have really stepped up in training and put themselves up for selection.

“But in the end I thought the first half against Sunderland showed the base ingredients that we require from the team - it was aggressive, it was front foot, the team worked together as a team, especially off the ball and the players who played in that game have also trained well.

“In the end we said it wasn’t right to leave any of them out. We tweaked a few things positionally, we tweaked a few things tactically within the same personnel for the game and ways in which we could hurt Wycombe and also defend against Wycombe, and those things worked out well.

“The XI who played, credit to them, but there’s a strong squad here, there are other players fighting and champing to play and that’s what we want.

“We have good competition for places, we want the players that are lucky enough and privileged enough to play for the club to have to know that they have to give everything they’ve got for the shirt and if they don’t then there’s a hungry and capable player willing and ready to take the shirt.”

The man who dropped out was keeper Christian Walton, who McKenna confirmed has been suffering with Covid.

“Cameron Burgess is also off with illness at the moment,” he continued. “We’ve had a few cases, as everyone has in the country and thankfully nothing too serious and no major outbreak yet.

“It’ll be good to have those boys well and hopefully we can keep the cases low and everyone can stay as safe as possible over the next few weeks.”

McKenna’s centre-halves bringing the ball forward was an aspect of the performance which he was happy with.

“Definitely. I was pleased with the three of them tonight,” he said. “Obviously Janoi [Donacien]’s playing right centre-back/right-back and his role is a little bit different to George’s on the other side.

“But yes, we want to build attacks from the back better. We think that’s going to help us control games more, but also penetrate more.

“With the three boys that played tonight, with JD, with Woolfy [Luke Woolfenden], with George [Edmundson] as well, they’re all capable on the ball.

“We want to improve it, we have to make it better, but it’s important for us as a team that we build from the back, that when teams come and press us we can take the ball and play through that pressure and hopefully attack quickly in the big spaces.”

Regarding Saturday’s game against Lincoln, which is in doubt due to Covid cases at Sincil Bank, McKenna says the Blues are treating it as if the match is going ahead.

“Yes, 100 per cent,” he said. “Obviously we want to play the game. Lincoln have been in touch and they want to play the game as well. They’re saying that they’re keen to get it on, so we’ll prepare the game, we’ll be ready but at the moment with the way the world is everything’s one day at a time.

“We have to prepare the game as if it’s going to go ahead and hopefully it does. That’s what we’ll be ready for.”

Reflecting further on the win, the Northern Irishman feels it was important to help get some momentum after a spell in which the Blues had gone six games without a win in all competitions.

“I don’t know how many games it is, but it’s a while since the boys have had that feeling so it’s nice for them tonight to enjoy that feeling,” he said.

“We want them to enjoy it tonight with the crowd and the atmosphere. For sure they have all enjoyed it, it’s a good night for them.

“But the next game is going to come around quickly, it’ll be back to the training ground tomorrow, look at what we have to do better, feet on the floor.

“We’re not going to have too much time to train before Lincoln, so we have to recover well, be clever with how we can show the players things to improve and make sure that mentally, physically and tactically we’re ready to go on Saturday.”

Photo: TWTD

KiwiBlue2 added 23:17 - Dec 29 A good result and 5-1 on aggregate .That is noting to be sneezed at (from a safe distance in these Covid times). Hopefully we can now pick up some momentum, so hopefully the Lincoln game can safely go ahead and we can pick up another 3 points.
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itfchorry added 23:19 - Dec 29 Welcome words at last 🚜
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Linkboy13 added 23:27 - Dec 29 After watching the team tonight it's obvious he's a very good coach. People are moaning because it was only one nil. But its not always about goals it's also about being organised and disciplined. We actually had players on the pitch who new what their roles were and carried them out very well. Ok it wasn't six nil but the game was still hugely enjoyable and not scrappy as some numpties are saying. To get the team playing together like that in such a short space of time is highly commendable. Yes we definitely gelled tonight a great TEAM display COYB.

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Suffolkboy added 23:30 - Dec 29 This new man is the real deal ! Very much like his open uncomplicated and articulate style , positive and analytical in assessments and avoiding no weaknesses ! Boy it must be really good to work on the game with him and know you've a boss who is a very good coach but an equally good human being ! Happiness and increasing confidence beckon ! COYB
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Bert added 23:42 - Dec 29 What a contrast to Paul Cook. Clear, concise, astute and intelligent post match remarks. Yes, it's a lot easier after a win but supporters have had enough of post match bluff and bluster from those in the hot seat. My only complaint is that K McK needs to work on his smile !
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TimmyH added 23:42 - Dec 29 Pleased he's got off to a winning start - Donacien, Edmundson and Wolf (2nd half) were all solid which is a positive as we need to stop leaking silly goals that has been a problem so far this season. Need to get Bonne fired up again to consistently start going in the right direction coupled with a sound defence.
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Sospiri added 23:44 - Dec 29 Totally different sort of interview than with previous managers. He clearly knows a great deal about how to win football matches from a technical perspective, and always seems very calm and reassuring. Ipswich first football-nerd Manager, and all the better for it.
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eddiespearitt03 added 00:52 - Dec 30 Poor defending has previously been our downfall and i think the new manager will toughen up our defence. Well done to the new boss and a good result for the team.
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BurleysGloryDays added 00:56 - Dec 30 We were great for many reasons playing against a pretty grim Wycombe team (that reminded me of the dire McCarthy days. Banging the ball forward and playing the numbers on errors). They could've had one, but we could've had four. Aluko. Morsy, Wolf and Bonne all deserve special mention. Bonne does a lot even if he's not scoring, great having such a strong forward - we're very lucky to have him. Norwood worked very hard. Evans did a job too but everyone deserves credit, good performance. Well done Kieron! And we should respect Cook for bringing in talent, as Kieron has said. Very, very interesting Jan coming. Praying for Walters and Bonne on perms.

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BlueChelmsford added 01:09 - Dec 30 Finally an eloquent manager. I enjoyed listening to his post match interview (I haven't said that about an Ipswich manager for a long time). The players and the team can only improve under him. A shrewd appointment in my opinion and a much needed 3 points. COYB!
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jayceee added 03:19 - Dec 30 Last manager to win his 1st match with town was MM... It's a great start and it really is good to have someone that, despite his youth, seems to be intent on earning respect rather than demanding it. Glad that we probably won't hear the phrases "It is what it is...", "That's football..." or "I'm not one to blame my players, but...". Also good to hear him say "At the moment" and not "At the minute". Apologies to those that use that expression, but it always tears away a tiny layer of my soul when used... My initial impressions of any of the Pauls was never really good - I'd back them, but always was left with a feeling that they lacked genuine self confidence (which players would be quick to absorb). I do get a different feeling from KMcK - Hopefully we've found the manager that will make everyone proud again and that he'll still be with us in 5 or more years..

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brendenward35 added 06:37 - Dec 30 I really like McKenna and also his assistance manager great partnership and very clever coaches. I think when Marcus got PC we shopped at Poundland and only got half the contents in the box. Ashton went shopping in M&S for McKenna and got buy one get one half price in getting these two. What a bargain and clever work by Ashton knew exactly what he wanted and went out and got us a bargain. I said a long time ago when PC came the backroom staff worried me and I was right, I've said I like the setup of McKenna and his backroom staff and I'm sure they will produce something special. Every player on that pitch tonight knew their job and got on with it never seen Wolfenden play so good solid and very clever in his movements lovely to see. Norwood hungry and worked his socks off and deserves the goal. Great game to watch and I really glad we got the result for McKenna as he well and truly has grabbed these player and started something special here, Like he said great fans, great club isn't it good to be great again? Have a great New Year everyone

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spanishblue added 07:06 - Dec 30 makes a change to see us defend well rode our luck couple of times they rode theres far more ,sleep easy tonight with a smile and a teamwell organised in a couple of days.Bodes well for the future Wolfies best game by a country mile in the shirt,maybe hes going to shine now
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LegendofthePhoenix added 07:52 - Dec 30 Bert, maybe he has picked up the deadpan look from Mourinho?
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warwickblue added 08:13 - Dec 30 Three points and a manager who speaks in sentences! Happy days!
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:15 - Dec 30 forgot to add, good to have kept a clean sheet in the absence of Walton .
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SickParrot added 08:23 - Dec 30 Very impressed by everything KM has said and the way he communicates it. He has also already had a positive affect on the playets. In KM we trust.
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Woodbridgian added 08:25 - Dec 30 I like McKenna he seems to say little but tells you a lot unlike Cook who said loads but told you nothing!
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Bazza8564 added 08:28 - Dec 30 Great to see such positivity above. We shouldn't expect pretty football against WW, we did what we've failed to do at home against sides like this all season, played good football whenever possible but showed incredible resilience when it wasn't. Impressed with the tactical acumen, how Cook could have done with that from his back room team New era and a new love affair, i suspect people will quickly realize what an astute appointment this is. A win saturday and then the fixtures in Jan and Feb don't look so daunting. Someone will have a daft run of results…. just saying

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pennblue added 08:32 - Dec 30 Great to see Woolfie bring the ball out. Bit more confidence and he could run right up to oppo penalty box. If he studies Titus Bramble's time at Ipswich, he won't go far wrong.
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johnwarksshorts added 08:36 - Dec 30 You can see McKennas coaching style all through this team. Everyone knows what their job is, whereas before under Cook we looked disjointed at times. I know its one game but if we continue to adapt as a team to his coaching methods we'll be 👍 ok and hopefully go on a run and climb the league.
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markchips added 09:12 - Dec 30 Good start. Needs Bonne to start scoring otherwise Pigott must be given a run of games.
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backwaywhen added 09:48 - Dec 30 Great post Brendenward35 ….. sunned up the whole evening, COYBs
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Linkboy13 added 13:21 - Dec 30 Bonne isn't scoring at the moment but is still contributing too the team. The fact that Norwood is being selected in front of Pigott sums things up. Players just don't get given runs of games they have to earn the right buy showing the right attitude. Pigott for me for a big man has not shown enough aggression or desire to deserve a place.
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blues1 added 10:15 - Dec 31 Linkboy13. Piggott simply hasn't been given enough time to show what he can do. Coming on for 10-15 minutes, isn't even enough time to get-up to the pace of the game. Should have been given longer some time ago now, then maybe we'd get to see the player that scored 20 goals in a struggling wimbledon team last season. Fact is, while bonne has contributed, as u say, the past couple of games, prior to that he was offering nothing during this barren run of non scoring. And really needs to be taught the offside law. Never seen a striker caught offside as many times as he is. Hopefully he'll start scoring again down tho, or piggott has to be given his chance.

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