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What's the Stay Away Fans' Excuse Now? An Open Letter to Certain Town Fans
at 08:18:15

I don't want to stay away but what other voice do we have to show our discontent with the existing regime from the Owner down?

I finally gave up on my season ticket at the end of last season, after the diabolical price rise in the face of dreadful football. I informed the club of the conditions required to ensure I returned and they weren't met.

Deceit from the owner regarding investment, expectation that the supporters will pay for the decisions he's made and no desire to change either the style of football or develop an identity with the younger players (something we can all get behind). Where's Mick's contrition for last year? I simply don't want to watch his style of football (despite my love for the club) enough to support it by purchasing a season ticket. Supporters views should be heard across the board even if it doesn't blindly support the regime or club in its current offer. And they've been ignored.

Good luck to you. I'll be back when I see evidence of lasting positive change.
Blog
Comment
Marcus Evans and Mr John
at 20:57:01

Harry - excellent read, and I agree with many of your points.

Nuggets -

I don't agree that comparing these Marcus Evans and John Cobbold is hyperbole - I think there are many similarities with their approach. Marcus has always allowed the manager to do his job, and supported him wherever possible. Both Roy Keane and Paul Jewell were always telling the media that Marcus had been on the phone offering support after a difficult loss.

He also allowed the managers free reign. Roy Keane infamously had an office constructed at the training ground, and were allowed to implement whatever regimes they felt most comfortable in, despite their outcomes. Under Marcus Evans, the manager has always been the most important person at the club.

Roy Keane and Paul Jewell were removed when the situation became untenable. Sacking a manager is part and parcel of the pressurised world football has become, and something that Marcus Evans clearly resents. He has put a lot of investment, both financially and emotionally in ensuring they succeed. The removal of Jim Magilton, with the benefit of hindsight was a mistake, and one I don't doubt that Marcus regrets making.

On the issue of Financial Fair Play, we have a simple choice - to follow it or to the break the rules. We have chosen (rightly or wrongly) to follow it, and hope other teams are tripped up when the sanctions come into force. We have to accept that be taking conformist approach, there will be limited or no funds for players. That is borne out of the financial model under which the club operates. For example, in the current financial situation, with no incoming or outgoing transfers we are making a significant loss each year. The simple reality is that by following the FFP, we need to reduce our expenditure, ie through wages and fees. Running parallel to this, we also need to sell players to follow the model. This has been emphasised by recent sales and the effect that those sales has had on our finances. For example, in the year we sold Connor Wickham, for a large fee, we basically broke even. Since this, big money players have been moved on and cheaper players have taken their place. We are unlikely to be able to sell a Connor Wickham every year, so we need to raise revenue from smaller sales (probably raising £2-3million per season). This is without spending any money on fees for players. That will probably allow us to follow FFP (still losing money, but significantly smaller sums). That is the reality of following FFP within a league of disproportional resources and income.

So Marcus can't therefore, as you suggest, back Mick with proper transfer funds - they are just not there.

You'll also know that youth spending is not calculated within FFP and this is where the bulk of Marcus's continued investment seems to be directed. Obtaining and sustaining a Category 1 Academy will require millions each year (even with the hefty grant that comes with that status).

So I don't agree that Marcus is putting less money in (only visibly less resources in). It's clear that he won't make any money from Ipswich (even if we get promoted within the next 5 years). He's clearly become so engrossed by ITFC (to our benefit, I think) since the removal of Simon Clegg. This is demonstrated by his negotiating at the weekend re McGoldrick, and to a lesser extent Mings. I don't see the evidence to suggest that he has become "lackadaisical" recently.

I'm not trying to suggest that ME hasn't made mistakes - its clear to all that he has. It's also clear that he has a passion for the club, enduring huge losses year on year to run it. Just look at what is out there, and then look at Marcus Evans. He's the best we could hope for, frankly.
News
Comment
Town Topic: Get Well Soon
at 16:04:03

Get well soon and come back fighting next season. You can be a really good player for us!
News
Comment
Jewell Says Goodbyes
at 15:12:57

If anyone has a subscription to Player, you need to see the interview. Proper heartfelt. I'm gutted for him that it didn't work out. Said some absolutely great things about the club and the supporters. Morons who insulted him personally should be ashamed.

The interview reminded me why we are a excellent club and why I'm proud to support it
Blog
Comment
Evans Knows We're Miserable Now
at 13:49:36

Absolutely superb blog. Despite the fact Jewell went after you posted this blog, it is all still painfully relevent.
News
Comment
Town Renew Klug Interest
at 15:27:24

The clown that was in charge before should never have got rid before. Seemed a strange decision. Although most of that man's decisions were strange
News
Comment
Leadbitter's Boro Move Confirmed
at 17:57:09

I don't wish him good luck at all. He was a disgrace for 2 and half years. Spent the 3 years waiting for his massive contract to run down, before deciding "the grass is greener". Never got close to repaying his huge fee, with 2 and half years of abject performances.

I hope you come back next year to PR, battling relegation and receive a fairly hostile atmosphere. I've got no respect for him
News
Comment
Target Ward Undergoes Surgery
at 16:14:14

RIP Triggs
News
Comment
Town Confirm Holland Pre-Season Trip
at 14:46:17

Yep, I'm hopefully going to go! Hopefully flights are cheap, and the friendlies are announced against half decent opposition!
News
Comment
Leadbitter Turns Down Town Offer
at 16:54:20

If he feels he can go somewhere better then be my guest. Good riddance. Yeh, he's got ability, but 10 good games in 3 seasons, doesn't cut it.

I have to say, I got the impression he hasn't wanted to be here for sometime. I won't forget his shockers for us. His performance at P'boro, can't even be described as a performance. I hope this decision comes back to haunt him, much like David Norris.
News
Comment
Town Topic: What Could Improve Matchdays at Portman Road?
at 11:12:50

Move the away supporters. Pure and simple.
News
Comment
Sonko Released But Still No Decision From Leadbitter
at 14:07:00

Bowyer has been more or less a dreadful signing. He's on an awful lot of money I'd guess, and quite honestly he hasn't delivered. Age is catching up with him - he's second to most balls, surprisingly subdued in the tackle, all summed up, by his complete inability to pass a football to a team mate.

Quite how he earned an England cap, and stayed in the PL virtually his whole career is beyond me.

At a critical point where sensible wages are paramount. Even on reduced terms its too much. He should be playing for free after his disgusting performance at Burnley. Never recovered

Please let him go
News
Comment
Sonko Released But Still No Decision From Leadbitter
at 15:15:30

Superb blog. Too often, after his great performances of late, have his countless previous disasters in midfield been recognised. Has he turned the corner? He still hasn't paid back his fee, and if he wanders off in the hope of emulating that fanciful contract we gave him before (much in the same way as Norris did), then good riddance. Time for a bit of loyalty
News
Comment
Bowyer Frustrated to Be On the Bench
at 14:40:44

I find his inability to pass the ball to a member of the same team remarkable, considering he has spent virtually all of his career in the PL. Not for me
News
Comment
Ticket Promotions at Burnley and Barnsley Games
at 15:51:18

jas0999 - You started by saying it "Sounds good". But then at the end you decide - "I fear the club are seriously shooting themselves in the foot". Which is it?
News
Comment
Town Eyeing Norwich Striker
at 19:56:13

Purely on this basis. If he is even a target. Paul Jewell should be relieved of his duties. Unbelieavble
News
Comment
Town Eyeing Norwich Striker
at 19:42:26

I don't often comment, but this is a superb and considered blog. I've said before, you cannot judge the future success of a manager after twelve months in the job. Sacking managers every 5 minutes maybe the flavour of the month for much of 92 FL clubs but we don't need to be one of them.

Look things are not ideal, we all accept that. we may have to accept that some supporters of our club demand instant success and throw their toys out of their pram when that doesn't quite occur - and thus some season ticket holders will be lost - but they will be lost for other reasons as well - Disillusionment and excessive pricing.

That said, it is irritating for everybody when we take one step forward and then two steps back
News
Comment
Scotland Wants to Extend Town Stay
at 11:06:47

I'd be surprised if he accepted a reduced deal. He's a quality player at this level, a real threat as well. Definitely give him another 12months. His heart is in it, unlike some others (bedwetter).

Keep up the good work lad.
News
Comment
Town Draw Hull City Away
at 17:43:42

boring Jewell out comments.

Jas0999 wants managers out every 5 minutes. They moan and groan, but do nout to support the team. I swear they enjoy it
News
Comment
Sonko Returns as Town Look to End Run of Defeats and Watford Hoodoo
at 14:52:30

PJ_Needs_Duncan is just a moron.

I hope there are enough inside PR tomorrow, to actually get behind the lads and the manager, rather than just sit there moaning/flailing arms, in hidden enjoyment when a pass goes astray, or a goal conceded.

"I support ITFC, but not PJ". No evidence of your support of the team, just your bumbling rants about how PJ needs to leave.

No interest in seeing the team succeed, they would rather see it fail, and then the 'devil' relieved of his duties, just to say in a couple of months time, "I told you so".

How about getting behind the team tomorrow, making some noise, and hopefully driving us on to victory?
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