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Comment | Ipswich Town 0-4 Arsenal - Match Report
at 16:56:32
Sad to say that in all the years of visiting Portman Road, first match Easter 1960, this was the most one sided professional match I have ever witnessed. We had two shots one in 55th minute one in 93rd minute ,, no corners and no moments where Arsenal we’re in any ways threatened.
Arsenal are an amazing team , their movement , their passing their all round ability superbly masterminded by their captain and their victory secured almost at walking pace.
The fact is they are on the brink of winning the Champions League.
Nothing we could have done today even with eleven men on the pitch , or indeed even more.would have succeeded
I am not criricising our effort, some did as best their talents allowed, the question for next season is can their talents be extended.
We will not have the same players, we obviously need to reinforce , as much as I admired Sam Morsy for trying to drive forward, ,,as much as I enjoyed Hurst battling all alone up front , I do question those that say we will,come back stronger..Not as we are.
The difference between the top of Premier League and where we are is frightening.
I have enjoyed watching “ superstars live “ but similarly missed going home after a victorious afternoon, a shooting , goal-scoring day .a victory.
Yes I will renew my season ticket for the thirty third consecutive year,I will wish Arsenal all the best in the Champions League and more importantly hope to enjoy some more smiley football days from August at Portman Road.
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Comment | Ipswich Town 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Match Report
at 19:15:55
Well hopefully we all support ITFC and wish them well wherever, and of course this is a forum for different viewpoints , opinions. But there have been exchanges that veer towards the untoward on here. Enough of that .
Sadly today for those who even have different viewpoints we should agree that we were not good enough for continuing Premier League Football, and proven by the only team who we might have caught up with. It was disappointing in that we had taken the lead ,the sun was out the crowd was in rampant voice, but whatever happened as the second half commenced.
In a word Nothing…
Had we run out of steam after Bournemouth ?
Was the Wolves manager realising that ?
Certainly so , their players increased their pace ,moved the ball smartly and unsurprisingly like so many before them this season quite easily brushed us aside and deservedly won .
I have no criticisms of the last two seasons , we had excitement we won and won and won again
Enough to make us think we would do well this season …but wow what a difference between top championship and entering the luxury of the Premier League.
We had to try to improve our squad and our owners made cash available. And here in my view is the crux of the situation .Recruitment . Did we buy too many and not necessarily improving ?
And purchased from where ?
Look at ther Premier league clubs where there has been substantial overseas recruitment and not necessarily spending more than the £20 millions we have spent . Speedy ,,athletic , powerful players.
I cannot guess who of this years squad will stay or go , we have not seen their contracts , but to return without too much delay to The Premier League I hope that the “:recruitment team “will have learned from this season that it isn’t easy to be down we go but back we will come without serious changes , and more than anywhere in midfield, to take possession , ownership of the ball and giving forwards the passes that will give the forwards goalscoring chances, which have been so few this season . |
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Comment | Ipswich Town 2-4 Nottingham Forest - Match Report
at 17:45:06
The simple truth is that despite much effort we are not collectively or individually a Premer league Club.
Last May there were few if any voices calling McKenna a failure. Of course he had never been to the Highest league before and when observing players of Championship talent , Clarke , Greaves , Philogene and Delap with the encouragement of Ashton and the kitty did what he did.
But oh my what a difference between the two divisions.
Will McKenna have learned about tactics and recruitment and will he stay.
Only Delap in the first half of the season produced Premier League quality but he has a lot to learn about being a team player .
I am sure he will , but who with ?
Today Forest showed quality through the team without really having to fight for it because of our sloppiness, to put it mildly .
But last May they were a struggling team and now on the doorstep of being Champions League side.
But they have more physically powerful players than we do , have more pace ..these are the attributes lacking this season that have to be corrected.
Few of our team today would feature in many other Premier League squads other then Cajuste who apart from his lovely goal oozed across the field .
But sadly he is not ours . |
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Comment | Crystal Palace 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 18:38:56
We now have Alex Palmer an excellent goalkeeper , having made saves aplenty in a short time, with hopefully good years ahead for us
And a significant reason between the Premier League and below…how many of Ipswich Towns opposition goalkeepers this season have gone home thankful that the onslaught of shots have finished ….?
This season Whatever the possession , whatever the commitment , whatever the nearly ifs and maybes, our dangerous shooting is truly poor….wherever we might be from next August , our “ powers that be “ have to find the formula that truly brings what football is all about …the power of scoring ! |
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Comment | McKenna: We Know It's a Big Challenge to Stay in the Division But I Still Believe
at 20:57:07
There maybe an expectation among some supporters that relegation is a certainty , but the manager Isnt going to say that aloud , irrespective of what his heart and head hold.
He deservedly y earned well respected praises not just from ITFC fans but throughout the land for the last two seasons successes. ,,who would have wanted him to leave last Summer..barely anyone .
But this season has been awkward at least. He is experienced enough to know that the Premier League is a monstrous big fish.
We the supporters know it . He knows it.
We all so wanted this to be something of a replica to the big time as it was in 2000, but football has changed so so much in that time.
Spurs were there to be taken said many, but today not because they were truly 4-1 better then us but because they are experienced and have physicality , speed on the break and a truly super player in Son.
He after 15 minutes realising that our excellent start might create extra pressure on his team demonstrated his talent against our nervous bemused right back. …sympathy for him in a way. He was spared further torture by his yellow card and McKennas sensible substitution.
We had no one who created such danger as did Son in those minutes setting were up goals one and two.
We came way from the ground disappointed , in a way downhearted but I saw very little lack of effort ,there was plenty of that but our penetration our defence splitting passes were absent from our approach play.
Have we come here too soon ?
There is so much money in the bank for McKennas past efforts.
If he went what then ?
The relegation word is almost likely to signal a race for Liam Delaps signature.He has had a wonderful introduction to Premier League Football and suggested in the first 15 minutes today of more success. Sadly that didn’t happen and after the break , when it looked like we may have a chance thanks to Omaris strike, he almost disappeared from view.
He is still learning , he needs to be coaxed not to run out of steam and enthusiasm.
We all have our views on the newcomers to the squad from last summer and this January as I am sure does Kieran , Mark Ashton and the ownership.Lessons learned this season? .
If we go down this squad may prove so much better than Luton of last year but it is unlikely to be a squad able to do better if promoted again without an injection of more accomplished seasoned newcomers.
We may not love the Premier League as we did the Championship , we may not love VAR , we certainly don’t love the better more professional referees but truth is we would really love to be as good in the Premier League as Brighton and Bournemouth and Fulham …teams who historically would have loved to be an Ipswich Town.
Will Kieran and Liam be here for those moments ahead ?
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Comment | Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton - Match Report
at 17:49:40
We are disappointed tonight
Some are naturally angry
( oh dear Wolves have just scored)
But sadly despite feeling it was a winnable fixture look at the statistics particularly second half
Ransdale only had back passes, no saves, Corners We had none.
Physicality again too much for our “ boys” , and some played like that .
Without having a midfield with dynamism ,and dangerous passing ability the front line will get nowhere in The Premier League.
We do not have that.
Delap cannot be the only threat but he has been all season . Who would blame him if he took his power and skill and footballing talent elsewhere next season.
No further words from me about our goalkeeper today
Others have spoken , but some doubt about the recruitment policy , now only of him but certain others.
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Comment | Ipswich Town 0-6 Manchester City - Match Report
at 20:32:10
The realism is that we played Manchester City, talented throughout and underlined by the fact that their nine year contract man barely got involved , and his goal another generous gift.
We have endeavoured and been skilful in matches this season when we should have collected better results.
But not today , despite giving our all in the first 25 minutes.
Delap again showed glimpses of the attributes that so many praise him for but really had little support around him . Our midfield now lacks pace and precision with passes. I dare say had Delap been in City’s team today he would be going home with at least one match ball.
Although losing by six goals we do have some capable defenders , O Shea has been the most pleasing . But the back four of five need midfield protection as much as the front line needs midfield injection. That’s the core of our problem in this League .The midfield .
In that marvellous past of ours Sir Bobby had taken us to a wonderful FA Cup victory but he knew the key to greater success lay in strengthening this midfield and in came Thijsssen and Muhren .
Yes the game has changed much but not the roles of the midfielders.
Some say go out and buy another striker but without the ammunition from that engine room , those “ strikers” will be shooting duds, if they shoot at all.
We all want success, we don’t want to slag off players , those who have made “ this journey “ to here but whether we stay up or go down , and let’s hope it’s McKenna still at the helm . Sentimentality must go ..sadly some of our favourites of the last 24 months will have to waved goodbye.
But as for today we played a team full of individual brilliance and in our heads we knew we couldn’t compete throughout but more days will follow and we will be back .
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Comment | Ipswich Town 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion - Match Report
at 22:07:11
It is the Premier League, Brighton well established there and without really breaking sweat they claimed the points deservedly- although a couple of their team enjoyed writhing on the ground for no good reason.!
A real downbeat evening after last nights results in our favour and in view of the prospect of the next two matches a result tonight for everyone players and supporters would have been immense. |
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Comment | McKenna: No News on Philogene
at 18:52:14
How strange that a manager cannot be more specific about Philogene.
His words though had a disappointment ring.
But disappointed with who?
It does seem that agents and certain journalists have much more importance in the game
I can find no public announcement being made by Philogene himself
But if he passed a medical and agreed terms surely at least Mark Ashton should advise why there is a delay. |
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Comment | Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 22:23:51
First half ITFc starstruck
Second half a semblance of a comeback
Delap had no support from midfield and when he scrapped for it but could not take on Arsenals superb centre backs.
Rarely do I agree with Shearer but his advice of “ shoot” was one to sympathise with.
Although in latter stages both Taylor and Broadhead look to be in serious contention for selection
And if Burgess fithe must be recalled
But seriously this was Arsenal years of skill and experience, however not as rampant as Liverpool
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Comment | Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 22:23:28
First half ITFc starstruck
Second half a semblance of a comeback
Delap had no support from midfield and when he scrapped for it but could not take on Arsenals superb centre backs.
Rarely do I agree with Shearer but his advice of “ shoot” was one to sympathise with.
Although in latter stages both Taylor and Broadhead look to be in serious contention for selection
And if Burgess fithe must be recalled
But seriously this was Arsenal years of skill and experience, however not as rampant as Liverpool
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Comment | Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 22:23:18
First half ITFc starstruck
Second half a semblance of a comeback
Delap had no support from midfield and when he scrapped for it but could not take on Arsenals superb centre backs.
Rarely do I agree with Shearer but his advice of “ shoot” was one to sympathise with.
Although in latter stages both Taylor and Broadhead look to be in serious contention for selection
And if Burgess fithe must be recalled
But seriously this was Arsenal years of skill and experience, however not as rampant as Liverpool
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Comment | Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 22:22:49
First half ITFc starstruck
Second half a semblance of a comeback
Delap had no support from midfield and when he scrapped for it but could not take on Arsenals superb centre backs.
Rarely do I agree with Shearer but his advice of “ shoot” was one to sympathise with.
Although in latter stages both Taylor and Broadhead look to be in serious contention for selection
And if Burgess fithe must be recalled
But seriously this was Arsenal years of skill and experience, however not as rampant as Liverpool
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Comment | Ipswich Town 0-4 Newcastle United - Match Report
at 17:48:31
Disjointed disappointed and in a disarray
I do not fault the players commitment but quite simply today truly signified the difference between Premiership and Championship .
The physicality most notably against Chaplin and Huthinson, Both such talented favourites in the Chanpionship but neither can combat on the half way line against rigorous powerful experienced guys.
Morsy demands the ball and tries to inspire and made a fabulous first half defensive block, but now he goes not drive with supreme confidence from midfield going forward, sometimes his colleagues not in favourable positions but overall the star man is creaking a little
Yes Liam Delaps silliness being booked last week totally decimated our purpose today , coupled with no adequate deputy .
On today’s overall performance we have overstretched our capabilities.
I am sure the coffers will open in January but who will we obtain and from where?
Our recruitment team must have learned that power and pace has to take priority .
Supporters have returned home tonight dejected but no more so than our manager
A huge task now ahead of him particularly given our next two two fixtures. |
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Comment | McKenna: A Devastated Dressing Room
at 19:31:54
Kieron is a very loyal man
He was disappointed , the players were disappointed and yes the fans were disappointed.
He has never made public his concerns about his players performances..the only adverse idea we as supporters have is in his team selections
We have been severely his by Axels long tern defensive absence.
Seven months ago we ( the fans) wanted a statue made of Kieron and “ knighthoods” for the players as illustrated eg by the scenes in Christchurch Park.
Now there are knives out by some …
In viewing the Premier League from afar as we have been for so long , have we as supporters truly identified the real distinction financially , physicality, pace , squad strength, stamina from Championship to Premier League.
We were carried away over two fantastic seasons .
Kieron can’t do everything , he has his staff to delegate to ..all the ins and outs we are not aware of , but who recommends player purchases, is it finally his decision or the money men.
15 games into this season with 12 players having been recruited at the start it is fair to argue that so few have made our team , our squad better.
Delap has of course , but he still needs to be coached and to be better supported on the pitch
But of the others , O Shea in bits and pieces has, Greaves suggested he might but now he won’t , can’t replace Burgess, Johnson is no better than Clarke H and Clarke J very sadly looks sort of place , and Smodzics tries but is a Championship Player and why did we not try more to extend Hdkakys contract than spend £10 million on Muric or realise that Walton deserves an poortunity.
We all want our players to fit in and do well and we are patient , very patient indeed to criticise .
But now even if we are on “ our journey “ , we don’t want that ride to be on a downward escalator.
Sensible folk would not wish to be associated with Kieran’s removal , but sensible folk would hope that he can see that to “ survive” in this League beyond next May ,it will need his ruthless team selection from now and the January window that will test him like no other time in his short management career.
It’s a tougher league than any of us imagined , that was proven today when as we tired Boutenemouths athleticism and staying power over the 90 plus minutes shone through.
We really need those attributes .
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Comment | Ipswich Town 1-2 AFC Bournemouth - Match Report
at 16:48:14
The truth today
Our best player Cameron Burgess
Followed by Conor Chaplin and Jack Taylor
From where League One …to be sorry for all three that behind them was unfortunately a Joke Keeper..
He must be replaced ..simple as that .
Even before his error there is fear in supporters hearts that something fearful is about to happen
The Premier League is fearful
No easy games at all but where there is a chance no good to have a passenger between the sticks
Kieron you must act now . |
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Comment | Ipswich Town 0-1 Crystal Palace - Match Report
at 21:42:14
The disappointment continues
But tonight somewhat different
We had no shots
We had no really decisive moments
We threatened nowhere
And without naming them out of historic respect we had players not good enough for the Premier League |
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Comment | Nottingham Forest 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 18:16:48
As hopeful as we all are to succeed the difference between Championship and Premier League made obvious today , when a not very brilliant Forest knew how to win and we didn’t .
VAR has not been our friend , referees ( with exception surprisingly of Anthony Taylor ) have been poor , many are card happy and want to the centre of attention , but even admitting to that we cannot say they are reasons for own situation .
A third of League season over and only one win and only nine points
Those are scary statistics ..
Yes other teams are struggling too which helps our survival chances , but our squad strength is sadly not of the requirement of the Premiership . We are not physically strong enough .
Jack Clarke was outstanding at Sunderland , Szmodics was a goal machine at Blackburn , neither have made their real mark .Burns and Chaplin have not reproduced their Championship form , Delap and Hutchinson have youthfulness , talent but cannot be relied upon week after week.
And their goalscoring chances are seldom created in number by others .
I understand that Kieron wanted to give as many of the last seasons players Premiership opportunities , he is a loyal manager , that we applaud , but for remainder of season and during the January window such sentiment must come second place .
Support is still supreme , we want to see the best players in England , and no we haven’t been hammered too often , but the next two matches are vitally important to get some momentum as we head toward the Christmas/ New Year programme that has few easy matches, if indeed there any . |
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