 | Forum
Reply | Leaders in the squad
at 12:14 2 Sep 2025
As others have pointed out, there are enough 'leaders' in the group (i.e. those that have captained at previous clubs etc), however, by nature of the turnover, there is no clear and obvious Mr. Ipswich.
From the current squad, Hirst, Clarke and Burns are closest to being that connection from the fans to the team, and the culture and values of the club to the pitch. It will take time for that culture to be instilled, visits to Foundation and community projects etc. Those experiences have to be lived.
For those reasons, along with the football reasons, I think we have turned over too many, too quickly. The business rationale for not offering Mass, Morsey, Burge an additional year is clear, but the cost of not bridging this cultural divide we have created might be greater, and prove significantly more costly this season.
The work required in training and on the pitch is fairly obvious and is without doubt the biggest test of KmC's managerial career to date. Vital that Ashton and the senior leadership are visible and accelerate this cultural integration with the new players over the coming weeks and months.
For what it's worth I have faith we will get to where we need to be this season. |
| Forum
Reply | As we stand...
at 10:50 26 Aug 2025
I feel like we've all debated long and hard about signings - roll on September!
I agree with your point about accumulating bodies, but we shouldn't go into the season with JC, AM, JT and CH as the centre mid's, so will need one more there. We will also need a CF. So there's the 2 (for me), and then any additional signings might be to cover potential outgoings AAH, Wolfy etc.
This international break is probably going to be the most important two weeks of the season. Drilling in that instinct of knowing where each other are going to be in any given moment or situation of a football match. |
| Forum
Thread | As we stand...
at 09:35 26 Aug 2025
We all know we need at least 2 signings this week, arguably 4.
We won't be at our best again Saturday - but hopefully we will be good enough to get us to 5 points. Not an ideal start, but enough points to stay in touch, and also get a boost into the intl break.
Things will look a lot better with 3 points and 3 good signings. Lose, and make poor signings (or none!) and there is a real possibility that we don't get going in September and play-offs become our best shot.
With the homegrown rule - if we sell Wolfy my understanding is that we will then need to keep Cam H as he will be our only homegrown player? Is that correct? Regardless - I think we all agree that selling Wolfy would be a bad move for us in this window.
My final point is on Lee Grant. Did we bring in a replacement? His departure is not the only reason we are struggling, but with how poor the front five have been so far it would be foolish to think it hasn't had a negative impact.
I am optimistic we will look back on August as a tough period where we stuck at it and ground out points and finally managed to get the right balance of the squad.
This feels like its been a steep learning curve for MA, and KM. They have shown previously that they can both roll their sleeves up and get us where we need to be. I have my fingers crossed.
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| Forum
Thread | As we stand...
at 09:32 26 Aug 2025
We all know we need at least 2 signings this week, arguably 4.
We won't be at our best again Saturday - but hopefully we will be good enough to get us to 5 points. Not an ideal start, but enough points to stay in touch, and also get a boost into the intl break.
Things will look a lot better with 3 points and 3 good signings. Lose, and make poor signings (or none!) and there is a real possibility that we don't get going in September and play-offs become our best shot.
With the homegrown rule - if we sell Wolfy my understanding is that we will then need to keep Cam H as he will be our only homegrown player? Is that correct? Regardless - I think we all agree that selling Wolfy would be a bad move for us in this window.
My final point is on Lee Grant. Did we bring in a replacement? His departure is not the only reason we are struggling, but with how poor the front five have been so far it would be foolish to think it hasn't had a negative impact.
I am optimistic we will look back on August as a tough period where we stuck at it and ground out points and finally managed to get the right balance of the squad.
This feels like its been a steep learning curve for MA, and KM. They have shown previously that they can both roll their sleeves up and get us where we need to be. I have my fingers crossed.
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| Forum
Thread | Good points total for August
at 14:13 12 Aug 2025
To hit the magic 2 points per game for automatic promotion we would need 8 points from the August fixtures.
If we were to hit that number, before the window 'slams shut', and in time for the international break, which should suit us perfectly, then that will be good going.
As it stands we can hit 10 points in this period if we beat Southampton, Preston then Derby. 6 points wouldn't feel great at that stage, but would still put us in a reasonable position going in to our next block of fixtures which I think will be the catalyst for our season and will hopefully see us go on (or continue) an unbeaten run:
Sheff Utd (H); Blackburn (A); Pompy (H); Bristol City (A); Norwich (H).
By 2pm on 5th October we should know if we're in the mix for the title/autos, or destined for a big ol' scrap to try and make the playoffs.
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| Forum
Thread | Are we playing games with signing announcements?
at 12:24 7 Aug 2025
IF Cajuste and Akpom have indeed signed and either or both play any part in the game tomorrow (Cajuste assist for Akpom 90th minute winner anyone?) then you'd have to say well played to all involved.
More likely, they will be announced tomorrow and not be available to play until next week.
If Davis is fit then I can see us winning 3-1. |
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