 | News
Comment | HMRC Behind Winding-Up Order
at 14:52:40
@Raymondovic, HMRC also allowed Barclays to get away with a 1% corporation tax bill, yet rather than make them pay what they rightfully owe, but cleverly don't pay, they pinch every inch from smaller companies. If they concentrated on the big fish, they could leave things that mean a lot to communities alone. |
| Blog
Comment | Mick Not the Man for Town (Part Two)
at 10:41:00
Never mentioned how wolves or Ireland played? I never watched Ireland or wolves unless they were playing us, so can't comment on their style. The comparison between Jewell and Keane were commitment related. I think the team would be more positive and attacking if there were 30k people cheering them on, getting behind town. A perfect recent example would be SWFC, last night. My opinion is that tickets sold vs performance can be correlated to a certain degree. Football more so is correlated to finances. The two are inextricably linked. More fans, more money, better players, better football. I do believe that we should support town irrespective of style or results, if only for that reason. The thing that hasn't been mentioned is a solution. This for me is a far greater conundrum. Let's say we get rid of MM tomorrow, a) who would replace him b) how much time would you give him c) how much would he have to spend (considering we would have to pay out MM's contract to the detriment of ITFC). Remember people were calling for Duncan Ferguson and Iain Holloway before MM. I think Warnock would be the only person currently able to get us out of the league, if it is possible...not sure his style is any better. |
| Blog
Comment | Mick Not the Man for Town (Part Two)
at 14:44:39
Bob7881, I think you have extrapolated what you want to read, rather than taken the comments as a whole. It doesn't once comment on what Mick Mills has done for the club, but it is not in question that he conveys his opinion over the radio. No insult was made, you inferred this incorrectly. By not watching the game, the only opinions you can form is of what you hear, rather than formulating your own opinion without bias by witnessing it first hand. That is a point not difficult to agree with if you adhere logic to the argument. My point taken into context is that an opinion is better formulated if you witness every performance, not say 50% of them. I would suggest that someone who watches every game during the season will have a more VALID opinion, based on his or her's empirical evidence. That's not to say they are right or wrong, but will clearly weight heavier in an intelligent argument. Again, my point in context is that Mick watches not only the matches, but the training, and any off-field interactions to decide on his selection, and has a more valid opinion on who to pick. This is coupled with years of experience in different leagues, and on a national level, something that, we, as fans, clearly lack . I also have not insulted the opinion of the OP, but questioned its motives. This is something you have lacked in response, which in my OPINION invalidates it. My response clearly call for fans to unite to support Ipswich rather than to divide us. This can only have a positive affect on the performance. We have our part to play as well as the management team. There is a wider issue in relation to fans, that I can criticize ITFC on. I don't think it does enough to market occasional supporters nor the community in general. I would love to see greater local engagement, irrespective of manager or performance, but that is off topic. I have even written to the club offering my services for free in order to help increase this. By simply calling the football (or indeed my opinion) dross, provides no backup or grounding. We as supporters need to create a positive atmosphere for our players to play to their potential. That is our duty. Negativity only creates a negative response. |
| Blog
Comment | Mick Not the Man for Town (Part Two)
at 13:03:13
PS This quote from "Part 1" solidifies my point:
"I suggest 14-year-old keyboard warriors ask their dads to explain reference to a time when ITFC were in a much stronger position on and off the pitch."
To which the reply probably came,
"But the players didn't earn as much then Dad. Sky wasn't involved enabling clubs to spend up to £300,000 a week on wages. Dont you think Sky has had a detrimental effect on all the clubs outside of the Prem and to an extent the Top 4? It's a different era in which we live, and we must move with the times. Why are all my ,mates parents buying them ManU and Arsenal shirts, and not contributing to Ipswich Town to make us better. Why don't people support their local clubs anymore, and rather watch the top flight than invest their time and money in a once community sport. It was all so much easier to compete back then...Dad I think football has lost its soul, but there is nothing we can do about it except keep our ST at FPR, and support our local team in unity through thick and thin. It might have moved on since Cobbold, but I think our support should stay the same, as its the only thing we can control to make our beloved club better" |
| Blog
Comment | Mick Not the Man for Town (Part Two)
at 12:34:36
Opinions are fine, but agendas are questionable. To have an opinion is one thing, but to post a blog that will clearly divide support has an underlying agenda to which I object.
An intelligent debate includes objectivity and perspective, which this fails to do. This blog also taunts people who do like Mick as the manager "In Mick we trust brigade". Goading is not part of an intelligent debate.
To compare us with West Ham and Allardyce has no logic. He played direct football, with a good squad from the premier league and the finances to match. He was also promoted, and secured their PL status before the club looked to "progress further". Lets not forget Billic is still in Honeymoon period.
You did not refer to Wolves (kindly Brittaniaman has). I am good friends with a Wolves season ticket holder, who thought it was a huge mistake getting rid of Mick (with 6 games to go). The beauty of this comparison, is that Wolves have never been as good since Mick McCarthy, in fact it is clear that they are (and have been) much worse.
What us as fans need to do is look at a more recent history for comparison. My opinion is that some fans use the late 70's and early 80's as their football benchmark. Us 80's kids use Lyall and Burley. Don't you think Royles head was called for a bit prematurely? He was the last manager to give us a shot at promotion before Mick. This is where intelligent perspectives and sensible comparisons should be drawn. Magiliton was too firey and lost the dressing room, as was Keane, as well as being inept. Jewell was too nice, and signed journeymen who didn't care, and just wanted a paycheck from the club. displaying zero loyalty i.e. Chopra. As a ST holder through all of these era's (since 1990), my favorite were "the Burley days", where we had a 5 year expectation to return to the Prem (from being relegated). Since then we have (with exception of Royle), had poor managers, who have taken us to the depths of almost certain relegation...and had been given money to spend!! Now we want Mick to take us from relegation candidates to promotion contenders with no transfer budget...as highlighted in this blog.
Now lets compare Mick over the last decade, not on his last 8 games. For those of us unfortunate enough to witness the latter part of the Magic era followed by the Dark Lord and Porno Paul, will know it was terrible. It was the lack of commitment that was heartbreaking. I was putting 100% effort into travelling around the country, spending money I couldn't afford, to watch a team that did not want to play for my beloved football club. This is my current benchmark! As a ST holder living 220miles from FPR, On a personal level it's too much of a gamble to even contemplate getting rid of Mick. It has more chance of disaster than success. Take Leeds as an example of a trigger happy club. We really need to be careful about what we wish for before stepping into the unknown!
As for the attendance piece. We have a decent gate, which was no different under Burley, However now we have more entertainment options. The prevalence of Sky is ruining our game, and people would now rather spent £80/month watching the Prem (indirectly financing Norwich) than buying a £35/month season ticket. Football is no longer a community sport. How often were kids knocking about in Man City shirts around Ipswich 15 years ago. To say you were not entertained last season I find questionable. Attendance is geared directly towards results, not playing style. We have introduced two footballing wingers this season, which is what Town fans have been crying out for for years (remember the abuse Tabb got), this has exposed our defense moreso. Now people want to see defensive solidarity. Multiple opinions, and multiple contradictions.
As for team selection. I consider this small picture stuff. We will all look at players for 90 minutes every week and have our own opinions. I would consider somebody who has seen every game this season to have a solid opinion based on watching every performance, rather than a home supporter or worse still a radio listener who regurgitates the opinions of Mick Mills (that reminds me, I must call my Granddad). Mick however spends his working week watching the players, knowing their personalities, and who is going to give him 100%. Barts had a horrific year, and he might not be up for first team football yet, who knows? It's all about league position, and fans expectation of where that should be, which in the modern game should be positioned on a financial basis.
An intelligent opinion should not only discover the problem, but devise a solution. Well Fergie could come out of retirement, but I don't think the Town fans would give him enough time. Mourinho is on dodgy ground, but his Chelsea team look poor this year, and he likes to spend a few quid, so probably not him.
Whilst I would never compare Mick to Sir Bob, We could draw comparisons on Newcastle United if the Board decided to replace Mick. I think this will only happen if the fans turn. He took NUFC from relegation to being a good solid team. Sacked after just 4 games at the start of a PL campaign. It demonstrates perfectly how fickle football can be.
Whilst dividing opinions are fine over a pint. To purposely try to divide fans, or indeed to unite them on one side of the fence has to be questioned. This is one club and we all need to pull in one direction. That is true support!
|
| News
Comment | Quiet Final Day Expected at Town
at 23:29:53
I can't see why anyone would want to sign johnny Williams! He's so injury prone, and we are playing with loads more width this year. I think our flair comes down both left and right. Mcg also looks to be finding form, something we didn't see last year. His work rate and link up play both Saturday and at donny was brilliant, far more productive than johnny Williams would be sitting behind the main striker(s). We were disjointed on sat, but Brighton were the best side I've seen us play this season (and seen every game home and away). I thought they looked really good. Was that a bit constructive? I see people just moan a lot usually!! ;) |
| News
Comment | Two-Year Deal for Malarczyk
at 18:43:06
@wellhungphil van gaal wanted him, but McCarthy snapped him up. He didn't want to sign for a two bit prem side. Rather get promoted with champions! |
| News
Comment | McCarthy: We Deserved to Win
at 00:22:51
Toure was brilliant second half! Loads played through McGoldrick and he was all over the pitch, he looked really good! Great night, bring on Utd! |
| News
Comment | 15,500 Tickets Sold for Home Play-Off Derby
at 23:15:17
If we cant sell out for this one, we don't deserve anything. I think we will. If anyone thinks this is anything less than a grade A game, I'm not quite sure what they expect. We need to cash in on games like this. £34 is a bargain when Sky is £70/month to watch it on the box. Affordability is more down to prioritisation of spending for most. We need everyone behind us Saturday, and now is not the time to bemoan the club. PS ME's wealth is irrespective, he has earn't it, and can invest it how he chooses. I actually am very impressed with the way the club is currently run, and should we get some cash, happy days! |
| News
Comment | McCarthy: Huge Result
at 01:38:30
Nice one bighibbs! It's strange that MM knows more than the keyboard bashers, after having managed Sunderland and wolves to promotion and Ireland to the World Cup finals. |
| News
Comment | McCarthy: Huge Result
at 00:37:26
I think Mick has summed up my thoughts about the moaners that berate this side. "Foxtrot Oscar"! I think it's the minority that just make a lot of noise with little thought. Unfortunately their noise is probably manifested on a keyboard, rather than backing the boys in the terraces on a Saturday! This is the best season in a decade, and I for one am supporting us until the end...COYBs!! |
| News
Comment | Bishop Out and Parr a Doubt
at 21:42:02
Walktheline, I think we are very quick to jump on something when the going gets tough. What people fail to appreciate is that Mick knows the players inside out. He gets a far greater insight, and after all he has done it for real, whereas we occasionally flick on Champ Manager! This is evidenced with the outcry for Paul Taylor to play not so long ago. Mick took pelters on this forum, and it turns out PT was actually an utter ****! My point is Mick probably has his reasons for doing what he does. I also love the fact he completely protects his players in press conferences (like Fergie, Mourinho etc). Is he saying what he thinks, probably not...but at other times his honesty is great to hear. I think at times we can just be a little fickle in modern football, without stepping back, and taking an objective view. Injury, thin squad and tiredness is to blame moreso than Micks management IMO. This will be rectified in future I am sure. I honestly think he can take us up, and if we get close this year, ME might find a way to stick a few quid in. We would get spanked loads anyway if we did, so I'm happy with another fun season like this one next year! |
| News
Comment | Bishop Out and Parr a Doubt
at 21:24:39
wayway - I'd hate to think what you were thinking when we were under McGiven, Magic, Jewel and Keane, no doubt called for Big Fat Joes head too. I think Blackpool is to do with the Owners and unfortunately they do have money, but it's been sucked out of the club. Nothing to do with their management structure. ME pumps £7m a year in to keep the books balanced, and supporters moan about paying £30 to go to a game. If people cancelled their Sky subscription and attributed the saving to a season ticket, it would cover two days out a month. The club would have more resources, and we could buy more creative players. But its always easier just to blame someone else, or expect them to cough up... |
| News
Comment | Bishop Out and Parr a Doubt
at 20:20:05
PJH Well said RE positivity! and well played for getting to boro for a 1215 kick off. I think it tends to be us folks that have been to all home games and the majority of away games over the last decade that appreciate what is happening at the moment...finally something to play for going into the final games...and undoubtedly we enjoy the days out more as a result. Whilst I respect opinions, I only respect logical well thought out ones, and preferably ones with solutions. i.e. Pip50, under what regime would you prefer? I personally cannot think of a manager that will improve us on the budget. I presume timescales are also important, and you have a 2.5 season tolerance level. I personally think a longer term management structure is more befitting of the club, so best stick with Mick, as we have made considerable year on year improvement, which is the foundation of any business/club. Loyalty is very important and IMO he saved us from relegation to League One, then where would we be. |
| Blog
Comment | Pessimistic Portman Road
at 09:09:35
So glad I clicked on this blog! A bit of perspective! My feeling is that the expectations have been cemented following periods of glory. I was fortunate enough to witness promotions under JL and GB, however I assess my expectation based on everything that has happened in the last 15 years. We have come out of it alright. Without MM we would be playing League 1 football, and now we are actually challenging for something! Keep the faith Pal, and I hope very much you get to see us promoted via Wembley...still the best day of my life! |
| News
Comment | McCarthy: Tabby's Fabulous
at 08:50:03
After watching years of players not wanting to play for Town, or work hard, its nice to see effort and pride back at the club. Those who are berating players for giving 100% have very short memories of those who turned up to barely give 75% before MM took charge. Masses of skill and quality cost lots of money, one of those luxuries we don't have. I like Tabb, and am really happy we have a bunch of hard working professionals, and not the payday journeyman that ripped the club to pieces over the last decade or so! |
| | WindsorBlue
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 0 | | Comment Votes: | 115 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 115 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.