The Ipswich Town team seemed to take a while to come out of the dressing room on Saturday evening: what do you think Paul Jewell was saying?
If you were him, what on earth would you have said?
Having not made it to Portman Road yet, this weekend was the first chance I've had to see the rapidly self-destructing side for myself. It's a totally different team from what I witnessed in Bristol, and for 48 hours I have been lost for words.
At first, it all looked hopeful. The players enjoyed a fun warm up: Arran Lee Barrett put some lovely shots past David Stockdale (which he's not really supposed to do!), Micheal Chopra squirted Josh Carson with his water bottle when he wasn't looking, while Mark Kennedy placed his hand on Aaron Cresswell's shoulder - clearly offering him advice and confidence.
This calm side then moved on to the pitch and for the first fifteen minutes we were doing things the Ipswich way: easing in to the game, gaining control and taking shots whenever we could.
Then Andrews scored... and it was down hill from that point on.
It's so upsetting to see the side that filled us with so much hope just a fortnight ago descending into absolute chaos. Every time Peterborough got the ball they scored, and there was seemingly nothing our shaken defence or non-existent midfield could do about it.
The worst thing to watch, though, was the way the players turned on each other, and at some points even the supporters. Chants from frustrated Blues fans of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' were greeted with unpublishable swear words from Damien Delaney (who I suspect was actually more frustrated with himself than us). I will never condone booing at a match, not even at 7-1 down, but I did approve of this particular chant, this particular weekend - it's a sentiment that's repeatedly being expressed by PJ too.
So I ask again: if you were him, what would you say? How would you set about turning this team around
The obvious answer is to demand Marcus Evans gets his American Express out, but I am a firm believer that throwing money at a problem will not solve it.
We have plenty of perfectly good players in that side, what they need is improved training, better team spirit and a miracle confidence boost.
Two excellent blogs on TWTD have covered this topic very well: 'Is this club rotten from top to bottom?' (which, by the way, it is not), and 'Why the club is not in crisis from top to bottom'.
The former suggests, if a little dramatically, that the club overall is lacking a management strategy - i.e. a structured plan to decide where it is going and how it plans to get there. And the latter highlights the danger of focusing too much on buying in new players and not enough on the team we already have.
The side we have could be good enough - they just need working on. So PJ, I'm asking you: please don't forget that aspect of your job. Because whilst you are insisting on looking for new players the confidence level of our current players is getting lower and lower. They clearly feel they cannot do the job expected of them. In fact I wonder if some might actually be hoping you will buy someone to replace them - to get them out of this hole the easy way.
The sad reality is, there may well be no miracle signing waiting for PJ to snap them up. There may well be no transfer Superman to swoop in to Portman Road and save the day. The buck stops at the players currently taking up residence there, they have to realise they're the miracle we're looking for.
There is no Matty Holland any more, no Marcus Stewart or Finidi George. No Matteo Sereni, or Tony Mowbray, or Johnny Wark. And the chants regarding these Ipswich legends should not be taken as a dig at the poor quality of the current side, but as a direction that the players should be aiming for, the former glory years they should be aspiring to reach.
You know what I would like to see? Some of these former stars coming out and voicing their support for the Blues. Jamie Scowcroft's done so already, simultaneously backing the Blues and speaking the thoughts of many an Ipswich fan on Twitter:
'After yesterday's debacle still fancy Ipswich to do well this season'
Comments like this serve to distract and defuse the negative attention being placed on the club, whilst also giving the fans a boost and some form of reward for sticking with their team. Thanks Jamie!
Incidentally, one Ipswich affiliate I do not want to see go public is Marcus Evans. The entire media world have been waiting for that moment and if he were to make an appearance the attention on the club would be monumental. With the team already failing to live up to becoming the Championship's 'underdogs', I fear they would crumble beyond repair under the pressure that would bring.
When it comes down to it though it really doesn't matter what I say, nor what the former players say, nor Marcus Evans, or even Paul Jewell. When it comes down to it, all that really matters is what the players say and do next.
It's their turn to start giving us answers.
On the pitch.
I'm pleased to see my thoughts echoed by Mark Kennedy today. The defender, who surely ought to be captain next weekend, has been urging players to take a long hard look at themselves:
'We have to take repsonsibility. Any manager can only do so much. The training was good in the week and it is a disappointing situation when we players get on the pitch and don't do what we were told. It boils down to the players.'
While my Man of the Match Stockdale has also been speaking about the need for a new approach from Town players:
'Back from training. Lads are keen to improve and a new outlook. Let's go!!!'
Here, thank god, are two voices of reason from the only side of the story that really matters - the players. Only they can turn things around, so it is fascinating to see what is going through their minds at the moment. I only hope the whole squad are following in Stocko and Kennedy's determined lead.
So, with that we can try to look forward to a new week and hopefully a new chapter in the Ipswich Town history. All this frustration and pain will be worth it when (not if) the boys turn things around. Saturday sees the visit of Leeds, the team all Town fans love to hate - wouldn't it be nice to begin the story of our recovery against them???
In my previous blogs you'll find my call to action for the fans (who, by the way, ended Saturday evening in proud form - many, including me, staying until the very end to clap the players).
Consider this blog a call to action for the players: This is your time.
Promotion will not happen this season, I think the most sensible of Town fans understand that. But it will happen soon and you can be the ones to make sure of it.
The Ipswich fans are willing to give you everything they've got, follow you around the country and sing out and support you, come what may.
Now's the time for you to match that investment and show us everything you've got by putting it into this club too.
I'll leave you with another of Stocko's inspiring Tweets, try and remember it this week to erase the memory of those seven goals from your mind:
'Alot of great fans here at ITFC, so enough of feeling down! Got a game to work for on Sat and back to winning ways!'
Sunday 21 August 2011
Thursday 18 August 2011
Why we are Town's Barmy Army: Through thick and thin, and heavy home defeats
So, how much stock are you taking from the statistic 'Ipswich Town have lost two out of three games'?
At the risk of stating the obvious, it's not a great start! And if you include the fact that Town have already been dumped out of the Mickey Mouse Cup, it looks even worse.
But there's still 43 games to go. So, how much should this slow start really be worrying us?
To put it into perspective I wanted to know how our start compares to the teams who were promoted last year:
QPR - Won all three of their first games.
Narwich - Lost the first game of the season, but went on to win the next two.
But, Swansea - Like us, won one, and lost two.
(Thanks to @godeangogogo and @ohwhenthehull for confirming those for me!)
I don't think any of the Town fans are expecting the boys to reach the dizzy heights of Automic Promotion this season. But, there is a glimmer of hope that PJ's new look side may make it to the Play Offs instead. And, if you want to base your hopes and predictions on statistics, then the early form of Play Off Champions Swansea should give you something to smile about.
But, in reality, can a league like the Championship really be explained by statistics. Can you really ever hope to predict the outcome of any game in a competition where any side could win any game on any given day?
The only thing that's predictable about the Championship is that it's so unpredicatble.
I paraphrase the tagline used for my 'other' favourite sport British Superbikes here, because I believe it to be the best way to explain why we love being Town fans so much.
My two favourite sports in the world, the two most fascinating and exciting competitions in the world - Championship football and British Superbikes. The fact that you just never know what lies at the final whistle or finish line is what keeps me going back, again and again.
Let me explain further: for twenty minutes on Tuesday night I was ecstatic. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, I was bouncing on the sofa, and I could not take my eyes away from Sky Sports News. I know you know which twenty minutes I'm talking about!
That feeling of almost coming back from being 3:0 down is what I will treasure most from this second week of the 2011/2012 season. I want to hold on to it so tightly because it is the reason I am a Town fan. Yes, it's a shame it didn't last longer. Yes, it's a shame it didn't devleop into the delirium of a third goal and equaliser. But it all contributed to making my Tuesday night experience even more intense.
So, although I am obviously not impressed with the start Town have made to this season, I'm not panicking just yet. There's still so long to go and so many ups and downs to experience yet.
I want to also take the chance to applaud the fans who've been showing that level of support and optimism. PJ has commented that he too was impressed with the support:
"3-0 down at half time and at home, at some places you probably wouldn't even get to the tunnel . But the supporters were terrific... I said to the players 'You see the response when we're up at them and on the front foot'."
Meanwhile, several of the #itfc regulars have pledged to only Tweet their most positive feelings about the Boys in Blue. The optimism is definetly catching.
At this stage of the season I'd like to think that this is the feeling of the majority of the Town fans and from what I can tell the mood is generally positive (with the exception of certain Supporter's Clubs statements, obviously).
If you're feeling down about the Town I urge you to jump on the #twitfc bandwagon: this season's going to be so much more fun if we enjoy backing the boys through thick and thin... together.
Starting with Peterborough where I will be experiencing watching a game from the terraces for the first time as a Town fan (though I have had the 'privilege' of doing so as a neutral at many Cambridge United games). Should be fun!
Come On You Blues!
At the risk of stating the obvious, it's not a great start! And if you include the fact that Town have already been dumped out of the Mickey Mouse Cup, it looks even worse.
But there's still 43 games to go. So, how much should this slow start really be worrying us?
To put it into perspective I wanted to know how our start compares to the teams who were promoted last year:
QPR - Won all three of their first games.
Narwich - Lost the first game of the season, but went on to win the next two.
But, Swansea - Like us, won one, and lost two.
(Thanks to @godeangogogo and @ohwhenthehull for confirming those for me!)
I don't think any of the Town fans are expecting the boys to reach the dizzy heights of Automic Promotion this season. But, there is a glimmer of hope that PJ's new look side may make it to the Play Offs instead. And, if you want to base your hopes and predictions on statistics, then the early form of Play Off Champions Swansea should give you something to smile about.
But, in reality, can a league like the Championship really be explained by statistics. Can you really ever hope to predict the outcome of any game in a competition where any side could win any game on any given day?
The only thing that's predictable about the Championship is that it's so unpredicatble.
I paraphrase the tagline used for my 'other' favourite sport British Superbikes here, because I believe it to be the best way to explain why we love being Town fans so much.
My two favourite sports in the world, the two most fascinating and exciting competitions in the world - Championship football and British Superbikes. The fact that you just never know what lies at the final whistle or finish line is what keeps me going back, again and again.
Let me explain further: for twenty minutes on Tuesday night I was ecstatic. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, I was bouncing on the sofa, and I could not take my eyes away from Sky Sports News. I know you know which twenty minutes I'm talking about!
That feeling of almost coming back from being 3:0 down is what I will treasure most from this second week of the 2011/2012 season. I want to hold on to it so tightly because it is the reason I am a Town fan. Yes, it's a shame it didn't last longer. Yes, it's a shame it didn't devleop into the delirium of a third goal and equaliser. But it all contributed to making my Tuesday night experience even more intense.
So, although I am obviously not impressed with the start Town have made to this season, I'm not panicking just yet. There's still so long to go and so many ups and downs to experience yet.
I want to also take the chance to applaud the fans who've been showing that level of support and optimism. PJ has commented that he too was impressed with the support:
"3-0 down at half time and at home, at some places you probably wouldn't even get to the tunnel . But the supporters were terrific... I said to the players 'You see the response when we're up at them and on the front foot'."
Meanwhile, several of the #itfc regulars have pledged to only Tweet their most positive feelings about the Boys in Blue. The optimism is definetly catching.
At this stage of the season I'd like to think that this is the feeling of the majority of the Town fans and from what I can tell the mood is generally positive (with the exception of certain Supporter's Clubs statements, obviously).
If you're feeling down about the Town I urge you to jump on the #twitfc bandwagon: this season's going to be so much more fun if we enjoy backing the boys through thick and thin... together.
Starting with Peterborough where I will be experiencing watching a game from the terraces for the first time as a Town fan (though I have had the 'privilege' of doing so as a neutral at many Cambridge United games). Should be fun!
Come On You Blues!
Monday 15 August 2011
Are Town aiming too low? Or are the fans aiming too high?
Being a Yorkshire Blue nowadays I rely almost entirely on the coverage provided by t'interweb and I don't mind telling you it made for dismal reading this weekend.
The trouble with not being able to make it to the games is that you have to rely on the opinions and moods of others, which - in the aftermath of Saturday's match against Hull - was rather gloomy.
Understandably, the Town Tweeps were disappointed with the result. There was some direct criticism of manager and players alike - with JET getting the worst of the hits (what a difference four days makes, eh?!).
So, as I couldn't make it to the first home game, I turned to the media for an objective report.
The first problem with this situation is that there is so little of that around, media coverage of the boys I mean. Trusty EADT Sports writer Dave Gooderham looks set to be my rock for this year's reports on Town. But other than that there are little or no places to turn.
The national newspapers lost my confidence the day they started the witchhunt against Roy Keane (which was quickly picked up by our former local journalists I would like to add) and I grow tired of their opinion that games outside the Premier League can be covered significantly in one paragraph and from one point of view.
Sky Sports News are also guilty of this, with more than a large proportion of their coverage this weekend focusing on the top flite. Constantly hearing the phrase 'the first weekend of the season' when you are already two games in (three if you count the Mickey Nouse Cup) grows tiresome and frustrating, but such is life in the world of commercial media.
But more than anything it was the BBC's The Football League Show that disapppointed me. For the second week running we have been relegated to less than a few minutes of their time, this despite the fact that we were Top of the League, still sporting fabulous new signings and playing against a fellow promotion favourite. They must do better this year or else my Sky+ series link will be quickly cancelled and I'll opt for imagining the game in my head... at least I'll see more of it.
But back to the matter in hand, for the second problem I encountered in the media this weekend is what was actually said: namely, Paul Jewell's comments about 'playing for a draw'. If you missed it in the post match press conference here's what he said to the EADT:
'We have got to get used to drawing games, it's either win or lose with us'.
And to the club website:
'I said at half time, if we can't win don't get beat'
I'm no football manager and maybe I'm just a little naive but is that really how a manager thinks? I'm gobsmacked.
Throughout the whole of the last season the frustration always came from the fact that the poor results had come from the boys just not trying hard enough. If we tried our best to win and lost then we wouldn't mind, in fact we applauded our boys for doing so.
Of course, I can see where PJ is coming from: sometimes you have to make a considered decision on how to play against a team that seems to have got your number. But surely you change the tactics a bit? Bring on some super subs, put someone else up front, find out what's going wrong and sort it (I refer here directly to comments that Chopra didn't get enough support). Don't just say, 'well lets aim for a draw' because then you get beat by a sloppy goal (See Saturday's game for perfect example of this).
I cannot see how this kind of play is going to get us anywhere and, had it been further into the season, I fear we would've looked on this result as the one that cost us the play offs.
But, as it is, we still have plenty of time to fix things, something else PJ said:
'I'm not getting carried away with the defeat, just like I didn't get carried away with the win at Bristol last week.'
Just as I would never expect anyone without an MA in Journalism and three years work experience to tell me how to write an article for the news, I would never expect to be able to tell a man with PJ's CV how to do his job.
I continue to chant the mantra 'In Jewell We Trust' as I still believe he will be the one to take us to the promised land. I just need to keep reminding myself that may not be this year.
PJ failed to turn the team around in time for the difficult first home game, and I'm reminded of comments among the Town Tweeps that it will take some time for this new side to gel. Perhaps tonight's game against Southampton will bring the big revolution we're all waiting for... after all, we have a habit of winning the games we're not expected to don't we?
As long as we don't play for the draw....
The trouble with not being able to make it to the games is that you have to rely on the opinions and moods of others, which - in the aftermath of Saturday's match against Hull - was rather gloomy.
Understandably, the Town Tweeps were disappointed with the result. There was some direct criticism of manager and players alike - with JET getting the worst of the hits (what a difference four days makes, eh?!).
So, as I couldn't make it to the first home game, I turned to the media for an objective report.
The first problem with this situation is that there is so little of that around, media coverage of the boys I mean. Trusty EADT Sports writer Dave Gooderham looks set to be my rock for this year's reports on Town. But other than that there are little or no places to turn.
The national newspapers lost my confidence the day they started the witchhunt against Roy Keane (which was quickly picked up by our former local journalists I would like to add) and I grow tired of their opinion that games outside the Premier League can be covered significantly in one paragraph and from one point of view.
Sky Sports News are also guilty of this, with more than a large proportion of their coverage this weekend focusing on the top flite. Constantly hearing the phrase 'the first weekend of the season' when you are already two games in (three if you count the Mickey Nouse Cup) grows tiresome and frustrating, but such is life in the world of commercial media.
But more than anything it was the BBC's The Football League Show that disapppointed me. For the second week running we have been relegated to less than a few minutes of their time, this despite the fact that we were Top of the League, still sporting fabulous new signings and playing against a fellow promotion favourite. They must do better this year or else my Sky+ series link will be quickly cancelled and I'll opt for imagining the game in my head... at least I'll see more of it.
But back to the matter in hand, for the second problem I encountered in the media this weekend is what was actually said: namely, Paul Jewell's comments about 'playing for a draw'. If you missed it in the post match press conference here's what he said to the EADT:
'We have got to get used to drawing games, it's either win or lose with us'.
And to the club website:
'I said at half time, if we can't win don't get beat'
I'm no football manager and maybe I'm just a little naive but is that really how a manager thinks? I'm gobsmacked.
Throughout the whole of the last season the frustration always came from the fact that the poor results had come from the boys just not trying hard enough. If we tried our best to win and lost then we wouldn't mind, in fact we applauded our boys for doing so.
Of course, I can see where PJ is coming from: sometimes you have to make a considered decision on how to play against a team that seems to have got your number. But surely you change the tactics a bit? Bring on some super subs, put someone else up front, find out what's going wrong and sort it (I refer here directly to comments that Chopra didn't get enough support). Don't just say, 'well lets aim for a draw' because then you get beat by a sloppy goal (See Saturday's game for perfect example of this).
I cannot see how this kind of play is going to get us anywhere and, had it been further into the season, I fear we would've looked on this result as the one that cost us the play offs.
But, as it is, we still have plenty of time to fix things, something else PJ said:
'I'm not getting carried away with the defeat, just like I didn't get carried away with the win at Bristol last week.'
Just as I would never expect anyone without an MA in Journalism and three years work experience to tell me how to write an article for the news, I would never expect to be able to tell a man with PJ's CV how to do his job.
I continue to chant the mantra 'In Jewell We Trust' as I still believe he will be the one to take us to the promised land. I just need to keep reminding myself that may not be this year.
PJ failed to turn the team around in time for the difficult first home game, and I'm reminded of comments among the Town Tweeps that it will take some time for this new side to gel. Perhaps tonight's game against Southampton will bring the big revolution we're all waiting for... after all, we have a habit of winning the games we're not expected to don't we?
As long as we don't play for the draw....
Wednesday 10 August 2011
A Week of Two Halves: Ipswich Town vs Northampton Town (Carling Cup)
Its seems that Town's Barmy Army is once again divided.
One half are angry that Paul Jewell played a second choice team last night, effectively dumping us out of the one ray of joy we had last year - the Carling Cup.
The other are relieved, if bothered at all, that we don't have to worry about losing players to injury and exhaustion in 'The Mickey Mouse Cup'.
So which side of the fence are you sitting on?
Was PJ right to make NINE changes from the side that made such a good first impression at Ashton Gate?
In the immediate moments after the game on Tuesday night, it seemed that fans were angry. Presumably, as they were walking down the Narwich Road, the first reaction of many was to ridicule the team for being rubbish. 'Premier League, you're having a laugh', said one.
Understandably, they were angry: they'd made the effort to attend this low profile game to see their new look Ipswich side, but they weren't even graced with the prescence of Chopra or Bowyer. Others argued that PJ should have played the strongest side to help them gel for the Championship. As my new favourite Town Tweep @rockchickbrooke argued, 'It's only the second game of the season - they can't be tired yet'.
I can, of course, see their point. Nothing angered me more during the reign of Roy Keane than the swapping and changing of players in the first team. The lack of continuity on the pitch reflected directly the lack of continuity on the team sheet. Has PJ made the same mistake?
But how important is the Carling Cup to us as a Championship side? Barnsley, Coventry, Derby, Hull and Portsmouth were all knocked out in the first round too - and you wonder how many fans will be relieved about that. A club cannot survive in this league forever, every single one is aiming to prosper in the Premier League. It is not possible to go on year after year as a mediocre mid table club. So you have to make a choice sometimes. PJ has clearly chosen the league.
And think of it this way: 8,000 fans attended on Tuesday night. Not even a third full. If the game didn't mean enough for people to come out, why should PJ rate it highly enough to risk our first team players?
I'm not criticising, it would be hypocritical of me to do so seeing as I couldn't make it either. Nor am I belittling the competition itself, I loved the great run we had in the cup last year and truly belive it is a great tournament for clubs outside the top flite.
But, if you'd have said to me last year: Good cup run or top six in the league? I'd have said top six before you even got to the end of your sentence. We need Premierhip football, we are starting to look like we may even deserve it and risking our growing side in the cup is not going to get us there. What would be the point in them 'gelling' if PJ ended up having to chose between me, my nan and my goldfish to play against Hull?
So, I'm firmly on the PJ side of the fence this week and I look forward to seeing how he moves the team on this weekend.
What I would repeat though are the words of my ever wise Dad and all knowing Town Tweep @Seanie_S: 'The game showed that the fringe players are not good enough'.
'Fringe' is a word that I've not really come across at Ipswich for a while. Perhaps because we're used to having such a small squad that every player is vital to the side. But it is a valid point - if and when we get to the point of injuries and bookings we are going to need something more to fall back on.
But panic not because this is clearly what Jewell is thinking too - he's made it quite clear that his shopping trolley isn't full yet and I doubt it will be until the transfer window tills are shut down and locked up.
I continue to wait with eagerness to find out what this year brings for the Super Blues and me, I got a feeling it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
*Quck note to everyone to please stay safe over the coming days. Was so pleased to see the riots didn't make it to Suffolk, but if they are affecting you we'll all be thinking of you.
One half are angry that Paul Jewell played a second choice team last night, effectively dumping us out of the one ray of joy we had last year - the Carling Cup.
The other are relieved, if bothered at all, that we don't have to worry about losing players to injury and exhaustion in 'The Mickey Mouse Cup'.
So which side of the fence are you sitting on?
Was PJ right to make NINE changes from the side that made such a good first impression at Ashton Gate?
In the immediate moments after the game on Tuesday night, it seemed that fans were angry. Presumably, as they were walking down the Narwich Road, the first reaction of many was to ridicule the team for being rubbish. 'Premier League, you're having a laugh', said one.
Understandably, they were angry: they'd made the effort to attend this low profile game to see their new look Ipswich side, but they weren't even graced with the prescence of Chopra or Bowyer. Others argued that PJ should have played the strongest side to help them gel for the Championship. As my new favourite Town Tweep @rockchickbrooke argued, 'It's only the second game of the season - they can't be tired yet'.
I can, of course, see their point. Nothing angered me more during the reign of Roy Keane than the swapping and changing of players in the first team. The lack of continuity on the pitch reflected directly the lack of continuity on the team sheet. Has PJ made the same mistake?
But how important is the Carling Cup to us as a Championship side? Barnsley, Coventry, Derby, Hull and Portsmouth were all knocked out in the first round too - and you wonder how many fans will be relieved about that. A club cannot survive in this league forever, every single one is aiming to prosper in the Premier League. It is not possible to go on year after year as a mediocre mid table club. So you have to make a choice sometimes. PJ has clearly chosen the league.
And think of it this way: 8,000 fans attended on Tuesday night. Not even a third full. If the game didn't mean enough for people to come out, why should PJ rate it highly enough to risk our first team players?
I'm not criticising, it would be hypocritical of me to do so seeing as I couldn't make it either. Nor am I belittling the competition itself, I loved the great run we had in the cup last year and truly belive it is a great tournament for clubs outside the top flite.
But, if you'd have said to me last year: Good cup run or top six in the league? I'd have said top six before you even got to the end of your sentence. We need Premierhip football, we are starting to look like we may even deserve it and risking our growing side in the cup is not going to get us there. What would be the point in them 'gelling' if PJ ended up having to chose between me, my nan and my goldfish to play against Hull?
So, I'm firmly on the PJ side of the fence this week and I look forward to seeing how he moves the team on this weekend.
What I would repeat though are the words of my ever wise Dad and all knowing Town Tweep @Seanie_S: 'The game showed that the fringe players are not good enough'.
'Fringe' is a word that I've not really come across at Ipswich for a while. Perhaps because we're used to having such a small squad that every player is vital to the side. But it is a valid point - if and when we get to the point of injuries and bookings we are going to need something more to fall back on.
But panic not because this is clearly what Jewell is thinking too - he's made it quite clear that his shopping trolley isn't full yet and I doubt it will be until the transfer window tills are shut down and locked up.
I continue to wait with eagerness to find out what this year brings for the Super Blues and me, I got a feeling it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
*Quck note to everyone to please stay safe over the coming days. Was so pleased to see the riots didn't make it to Suffolk, but if they are affecting you we'll all be thinking of you.
Sunday 7 August 2011
Dare to Dream: Is the Bristol result a sign of things to come?
Word has it that on Football Focus this weekend Ipswich Town were tipped to be this season's 'dark horse'. I wonder if they're thinking a little differently now?
As The Football League Show's Steve Claridge said on Saturday night following a disappointingly short review of our match:
'Dark horse? I think they'll be a bright light in the Championship'
Paul Jewell's new look side did the 1,700 travelling Town fans (including myself) very proud in this first game of the season: and not just with the fantastic scoreline.
What we saw this weekend was an excellent display of football, especially when you consider what we were watching last year. No, it wasn't perfect and, yes, we have things to learn. But it wasn't a bad starting point was it?!
The main thing I noticed was how interesting the game was. Last year I got to the point where I felt I was watching the Blues out of loyalty rather than the possibility of actually enjoying it. Some of the games last year were tedious, to say the least, but I'm now starting to think that will no longer be the case.
Personally, I felt there was some good football on show. We pushed forward constantly and took our chances on goal. Whilst at the other end the defence seemed fairly well in control, especially with such a solid keeper in Stockdale.
The BBC's coverage of the game failed to show any of this, particularly the three spectacular saves from the young keeper, so if you have the chance I would definetly try to catch the review on the Ipswich Player this week.
Man of the Match should probably be Chopra: for an absolutely beautiful first goal (his 13th minute shot was the first of the 3pm kick offs, by the way). And a rather more lucky - but no less satisfying - third goal, which wrapped up the game for Town and ultimately secured the win.
Chops looks set to be a Town legend already, with every single Town fan singing his name for almost the full ninety minutes. He was active up front and looked a real threat for us every time we moved forward.
However, my Man of the Match was Mark Kennedy. I didn't see much of the defender last season, and what I did see really didn't impress me. But yesterday I thought he was solid and instrumental to a lot of Town's best moves - that stunning opening goal was a result of his well timed pass. He looked sterdy at the back and I'll be keeping my eye on him this year.
It's suprising to me that in a team starring so many exciting new players it's a player from last years terrible side that caught me eye. Perhaps it's my natural apathy for defenders (being one myself, when I do get to play), or maybe I just have an exceptional eye for talent, ahem...!
Also making his mark , in my opinion, was young defender Aaron Cresswell - he's definetly the one to watch this year. He was very quick up the left hand side and reminded me a lot of Jaime Peters - mainly due to his height, he's tiny!
Meanwhile, I shocked myself when I found I was singing 'Lee, Lee, Lee Bowyer'. It's no secret that I'm not his biggest fan, but Town fans told me he would bring leadership and knowledge to the team... and they weren't wrong!
The midfield looked like a force to be reckoned with, unlike last year where you'd have been forgiven for thinking it didn't exsist. I'm hoping him and Leadbitter will be the ones to lead us to the Play Offs - or beyond - this season... and when he does I'll definetly be eating a slice of that humble pie.
At the other end of the pitch it was nice to see John Stead get such a great reception from the Town fans. He's a popular player among the Portman Road faithful and so I was pleased to see him receive a standing ovation from our end of the ground when he was substituted.
'Bekah's funny moment' was the chant from the Blues fans: 'Is there a fire drill'. Amusingly thought up to goad the Bristol City fans following the third goal, as the ground appeared to empty in a few seconds.
But, of course, the Highlight of the Day as a Whole has got to be getting home and turning on the Teletext:
With West Ham losing yesterday, the terraces can continue to sing 'We Are Top of the League' well into next weekend's first home game against Hull. Fow now, we can bask in the glory, no doubt it will be one of the highlights of this year. I just pray it isn't the only one.
Because whilst my post-match feeling was one of pure happiness, there was an undeniable feeling of wanting to keep a lid on it for the time being.
As my Daddy said: 'It's only one game'. An opinion that is reflected by boss Paul Jewell. I was interested to read on the Green 'Un website that he wasn't unreservedly happy with the performance:
“We are keeping our feet firmly on the ground... It is the start of a very long and arduous season and we have got off to a good start.”
All we can do, as loyal supporters, is keep up the excellent support that we showed this weekend and hope this is a sign of things to come.
Less than 48 hours after the game, the footballing world has already moved on. Stockdale has been called up to play for his country and Marton Fulop has left the club - leaving us with serious worries about having enough talent between the sticks. Rumour has it Tamas Priskin will follow Fulop, which has disappointed the Town Tweeps - but one wonders how much he would have featued in a side that's pinning all it's hopes on Chopra? While there's also hopes of signing Everton defender Duffy to increase our choices at the back.
Savouring the moment didn't last too long did it?!
We cannot and will not expect 3:0 wins every time the boys walk on to the pitch, it's going to take time and effort for them to become a team worthy of promotion - let alone one that will survive in the promised land that is the Premiership. It is nice to daydream, though, that one day we will look back on this game as the start of ' The Glory years' for this generation of the Boys in Blue.
Dare we Dream?
In the meantime though - I'm more than happy to bask in the glory... shall we just see that picture one more time...?!
By the way: my top Town Tweeps this weekend have to be @Hacaman for bringing me my brand new replica shirt over from Ipswich! And fellow blogger @gavinbarber whose lad did us proud as the Ipswich mascot!
If you're not following him, do so... and of course find me on Twitter @tractorgirlamy
I'd love to hear what you thought of this weekend's game, who your Man of the Match was and how many times in the last 24 hours you've punched the air in delight as you relive those three beautiful goals!!!
As The Football League Show's Steve Claridge said on Saturday night following a disappointingly short review of our match:
'Dark horse? I think they'll be a bright light in the Championship'
Paul Jewell's new look side did the 1,700 travelling Town fans (including myself) very proud in this first game of the season: and not just with the fantastic scoreline.
What we saw this weekend was an excellent display of football, especially when you consider what we were watching last year. No, it wasn't perfect and, yes, we have things to learn. But it wasn't a bad starting point was it?!
The main thing I noticed was how interesting the game was. Last year I got to the point where I felt I was watching the Blues out of loyalty rather than the possibility of actually enjoying it. Some of the games last year were tedious, to say the least, but I'm now starting to think that will no longer be the case.
Personally, I felt there was some good football on show. We pushed forward constantly and took our chances on goal. Whilst at the other end the defence seemed fairly well in control, especially with such a solid keeper in Stockdale.
The BBC's coverage of the game failed to show any of this, particularly the three spectacular saves from the young keeper, so if you have the chance I would definetly try to catch the review on the Ipswich Player this week.
Man of the Match should probably be Chopra: for an absolutely beautiful first goal (his 13th minute shot was the first of the 3pm kick offs, by the way). And a rather more lucky - but no less satisfying - third goal, which wrapped up the game for Town and ultimately secured the win.
Chops looks set to be a Town legend already, with every single Town fan singing his name for almost the full ninety minutes. He was active up front and looked a real threat for us every time we moved forward.
However, my Man of the Match was Mark Kennedy. I didn't see much of the defender last season, and what I did see really didn't impress me. But yesterday I thought he was solid and instrumental to a lot of Town's best moves - that stunning opening goal was a result of his well timed pass. He looked sterdy at the back and I'll be keeping my eye on him this year.
It's suprising to me that in a team starring so many exciting new players it's a player from last years terrible side that caught me eye. Perhaps it's my natural apathy for defenders (being one myself, when I do get to play), or maybe I just have an exceptional eye for talent, ahem...!
Also making his mark , in my opinion, was young defender Aaron Cresswell - he's definetly the one to watch this year. He was very quick up the left hand side and reminded me a lot of Jaime Peters - mainly due to his height, he's tiny!
Meanwhile, I shocked myself when I found I was singing 'Lee, Lee, Lee Bowyer'. It's no secret that I'm not his biggest fan, but Town fans told me he would bring leadership and knowledge to the team... and they weren't wrong!
The midfield looked like a force to be reckoned with, unlike last year where you'd have been forgiven for thinking it didn't exsist. I'm hoping him and Leadbitter will be the ones to lead us to the Play Offs - or beyond - this season... and when he does I'll definetly be eating a slice of that humble pie.
At the other end of the pitch it was nice to see John Stead get such a great reception from the Town fans. He's a popular player among the Portman Road faithful and so I was pleased to see him receive a standing ovation from our end of the ground when he was substituted.
'Bekah's funny moment' was the chant from the Blues fans: 'Is there a fire drill'. Amusingly thought up to goad the Bristol City fans following the third goal, as the ground appeared to empty in a few seconds.
But, of course, the Highlight of the Day as a Whole has got to be getting home and turning on the Teletext:
With West Ham losing yesterday, the terraces can continue to sing 'We Are Top of the League' well into next weekend's first home game against Hull. Fow now, we can bask in the glory, no doubt it will be one of the highlights of this year. I just pray it isn't the only one.
Because whilst my post-match feeling was one of pure happiness, there was an undeniable feeling of wanting to keep a lid on it for the time being.
As my Daddy said: 'It's only one game'. An opinion that is reflected by boss Paul Jewell. I was interested to read on the Green 'Un website that he wasn't unreservedly happy with the performance:
“We are keeping our feet firmly on the ground... It is the start of a very long and arduous season and we have got off to a good start.”
All we can do, as loyal supporters, is keep up the excellent support that we showed this weekend and hope this is a sign of things to come.
Less than 48 hours after the game, the footballing world has already moved on. Stockdale has been called up to play for his country and Marton Fulop has left the club - leaving us with serious worries about having enough talent between the sticks. Rumour has it Tamas Priskin will follow Fulop, which has disappointed the Town Tweeps - but one wonders how much he would have featued in a side that's pinning all it's hopes on Chopra? While there's also hopes of signing Everton defender Duffy to increase our choices at the back.
Savouring the moment didn't last too long did it?!
We cannot and will not expect 3:0 wins every time the boys walk on to the pitch, it's going to take time and effort for them to become a team worthy of promotion - let alone one that will survive in the promised land that is the Premiership. It is nice to daydream, though, that one day we will look back on this game as the start of ' The Glory years' for this generation of the Boys in Blue.
Dare we Dream?
In the meantime though - I'm more than happy to bask in the glory... shall we just see that picture one more time...?!
By the way: my top Town Tweeps this weekend have to be @Hacaman for bringing me my brand new replica shirt over from Ipswich! And fellow blogger @gavinbarber whose lad did us proud as the Ipswich mascot!
If you're not following him, do so... and of course find me on Twitter @tractorgirlamy
I'd love to hear what you thought of this weekend's game, who your Man of the Match was and how many times in the last 24 hours you've punched the air in delight as you relive those three beautiful goals!!!
Monday 1 August 2011
Football in a library: not at Portman Road!
What's the most important part of being a Town fan? What is it that sends you home with a smile on your face: win, lose, or draw? What made Leicester away so much fun despite the dismal score line?
The banter with the Town fans, that's what I believe, and it's time we send every other Championship fan home thinking the same.
Sadly, the collective Tractor Boy mood wasn't particularly upbeat last season. So I was pleased today to find a Facebook group trying to change that in the run up to the next season:
'The Tractor Boy's Goal Celebration' http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/pages/The-Tractor-Boys-Goal-Celebration/246395952057284 have pledged to start a new trend on the terraces of Town's home and away games - and they're aiming to make it an internet hit.
TOWN SCORES, All fans leap up and celebrate, then turn 90 degrees to their left, don a flat cap or baseball cap (put it on your head in other words), grab a large imaginary tractor wheel in front of you and randomly bump up and down as if you are driving over a ploughed field singing " Lets all drive our Tractor, Lets all drive our Tractor la la la la "
The idea's getting a very mixed reception on the social media sites. But, love it or hate it, I think you have to respect the idea behind it.
There has been a lack of comraderie among the Town fans in recent years: as a result of being bogged down by the boredom of mid-table mediocrity year after year (with the occassional concern about possible relegation, of course). It's sad to see the once vibrant 'Fortress Portman Road' turned so quiet, with chants of 'football in a library' being sung by sections of it's own crowd. I've long held the belief that more can be done to change this, and I've also felt that the club themselves could be making more of an effort.
Over the years I've seen some amazing and amusing half-time entertainment - performances and games that enthrall the crowd far more than a group of teenage cheerleaders bending in different directions in time to the latest dance tracks.
The one that sticks in my mind most: QPR away, many many many years ago. Selected fans were invited onto the pitch for a penalty shoot out, but before they each took their turn in front of the spot they had to press their heads down onto a stick (which was pushed into the ground) and run round it ten times. The unsuspecting - or just plain stupid - competitors would then zig zag and stumble dizzily, making their way towards the ball, before slicing it high or just plain missing it altogether. It was the funniest thing I have seen at a football match and yet it was so, so simple.
Where are these half time games at Portman Road? In recent years we've had 'The Bootiful Game', 'The Boatiful Game' and 'Blues Cruise' - all a simple challenge of chipping the ball into the boot of a cardboard car/cruise ship to win a car/holiday. Simple idea and often somewhat amusing (remember during the 2008 Olympics when one competitor started clapping above his head in the manner of a long jumper, only to have the whole crowd happily join in?!). Yet even this regular game was missing last season.
It disappoints me that the PR team at PR (geddit?!) have not put more effort into the pre-match and half-time entertainment. They seemed to make some effort at the doomed Narwich game in April with the fantastic Samba band, but even that seemed a little half hearted. The music system was left playing as the band entered the pitch, ruining the build up to their climatic finale. Such a shame. Perhaps the club need more ideas?
I would love to get together any ideas that you have and send them to the club. That way we can do our bit towards making the 2011/12 season a success for Town. After all it's commonly considered that the noise and support of a team's fans is what makes the difference to the scoreline. Wouldn't you love to play a part in their promotion this year? Wouldn't it be nice to be known as the best fans in the league? And to rid our memories of last year's boo boys?
Because the single most important influence on the atmosphere at the games is US. Hence the reason I wholeheartedly put every effort I can into ideas like the Tractor Boy's Goal Celebration.
How nice to have Town fans saying, 'Do you know what? We love watching our boys play and we want to show that to everyone?' Will you do the same?
Before I leave I'll get the ball rolling with the idea that I had for pre-match entertainment to warm-up the crowd: Give the 'megaphone guy' a real microphone and let him do a few laps inside the stadium this year! He could be our 'Canary Fairy'.
Got a better idea? I genuinely hope to get a few together and send them off to Camilla Haycock at the Press Office.
So get in touch by commenting on this post, sending me a message or Tweeting me @tractorgirlamy . If we get enough ideas we can turn it into a full blown petition!
Let's get this party started!
The banter with the Town fans, that's what I believe, and it's time we send every other Championship fan home thinking the same.
Sadly, the collective Tractor Boy mood wasn't particularly upbeat last season. So I was pleased today to find a Facebook group trying to change that in the run up to the next season:
'The Tractor Boy's Goal Celebration' http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/pages/The-Tractor-Boys-Goal-Celebration/246395952057284 have pledged to start a new trend on the terraces of Town's home and away games - and they're aiming to make it an internet hit.
TOWN SCORES, All fans leap up and celebrate, then turn 90 degrees to their left, don a flat cap or baseball cap (put it on your head in other words), grab a large imaginary tractor wheel in front of you and randomly bump up and down as if you are driving over a ploughed field singing " Lets all drive our Tractor, Lets all drive our Tractor la la la la "
The idea's getting a very mixed reception on the social media sites. But, love it or hate it, I think you have to respect the idea behind it.
There has been a lack of comraderie among the Town fans in recent years: as a result of being bogged down by the boredom of mid-table mediocrity year after year (with the occassional concern about possible relegation, of course). It's sad to see the once vibrant 'Fortress Portman Road' turned so quiet, with chants of 'football in a library' being sung by sections of it's own crowd. I've long held the belief that more can be done to change this, and I've also felt that the club themselves could be making more of an effort.
Over the years I've seen some amazing and amusing half-time entertainment - performances and games that enthrall the crowd far more than a group of teenage cheerleaders bending in different directions in time to the latest dance tracks.
The one that sticks in my mind most: QPR away, many many many years ago. Selected fans were invited onto the pitch for a penalty shoot out, but before they each took their turn in front of the spot they had to press their heads down onto a stick (which was pushed into the ground) and run round it ten times. The unsuspecting - or just plain stupid - competitors would then zig zag and stumble dizzily, making their way towards the ball, before slicing it high or just plain missing it altogether. It was the funniest thing I have seen at a football match and yet it was so, so simple.
Where are these half time games at Portman Road? In recent years we've had 'The Bootiful Game', 'The Boatiful Game' and 'Blues Cruise' - all a simple challenge of chipping the ball into the boot of a cardboard car/cruise ship to win a car/holiday. Simple idea and often somewhat amusing (remember during the 2008 Olympics when one competitor started clapping above his head in the manner of a long jumper, only to have the whole crowd happily join in?!). Yet even this regular game was missing last season.
It disappoints me that the PR team at PR (geddit?!) have not put more effort into the pre-match and half-time entertainment. They seemed to make some effort at the doomed Narwich game in April with the fantastic Samba band, but even that seemed a little half hearted. The music system was left playing as the band entered the pitch, ruining the build up to their climatic finale. Such a shame. Perhaps the club need more ideas?
I would love to get together any ideas that you have and send them to the club. That way we can do our bit towards making the 2011/12 season a success for Town. After all it's commonly considered that the noise and support of a team's fans is what makes the difference to the scoreline. Wouldn't you love to play a part in their promotion this year? Wouldn't it be nice to be known as the best fans in the league? And to rid our memories of last year's boo boys?
Because the single most important influence on the atmosphere at the games is US. Hence the reason I wholeheartedly put every effort I can into ideas like the Tractor Boy's Goal Celebration.
How nice to have Town fans saying, 'Do you know what? We love watching our boys play and we want to show that to everyone?' Will you do the same?
Before I leave I'll get the ball rolling with the idea that I had for pre-match entertainment to warm-up the crowd: Give the 'megaphone guy' a real microphone and let him do a few laps inside the stadium this year! He could be our 'Canary Fairy'.
Got a better idea? I genuinely hope to get a few together and send them off to Camilla Haycock at the Press Office.
So get in touch by commenting on this post, sending me a message or Tweeting me @tractorgirlamy . If we get enough ideas we can turn it into a full blown petition!
Let's get this party started!
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