The majority of Ipswich fans would lead you to believe we might finish mid-table this year but as you can see from above, nothing is that simple or boring with this club. As an Ipswich supporter I have never seen us reach the last day of the season with nothing left to play for. Still, some are touting this season to be a 'transition year', as we blend the youngsters into the first-team. However, I would like to think that we can still push for the play-offs this year, rather than end up at the wrong end of the table. Preston and Derby reached the play-offs last season and were their starting eleven's stronger than what we've got this season? It's a good question, I don't think we're far off.
The unpredictability of the current squad lies in the fact that it is largely dependent on kids that have yet to be tried at this level before. But there is no doubting the current crop of boys have potential and bags of it. Owen Garvan has creative vision well above his years, Dean McDonald's pace and movement with the ball at his feet will scare defenders. Lewis Price has been outstanding in the friendlies and I'm delighted that he will get his chance ahead of an ageging 'keeper falling into a comfort zone at the end of his career. We all know from the start of last season what Bowditch is capable of and he will be looking to take over from Bent as the new darling of Portman Road. I am yet to see Jamie Peters play but the hype about him must be there for a reason. Then there's plenty others waiting to emerge; Knights with his electric pace, Trotter ready to boss the midfield and much needed defenders, such as Collins and Casement.
In light of these players, it was imperative that Jim Magilton stayed on another year, to pass on his valuable experience. Jim seems to take a lot of criticism from the stands and I do get frustrated that he seems to be too mcuh of a passenger at times when we lose possession but don't underestimate how important he is to our team. Like Claude Makelele at Chelsea, 'Magic' often silently makes our team tick.
Last season we surpassed expectations with a poor defence because we were able to simply score more than we conceeded but this year the defence is almost identical and we've sold over 50 goals of talent. Forster has looked very lively in pre-season and has a lot of pace for his age but I am slightly concerned that he failed to be a top marksman in this league in seasons gone by, maybe that will change. Parkin is a player that has proven he can be a 20+ goal a season striker, but at a lower level. We need to hope he makes the step up and continues in the same vien infront of goal. However, he failed to score in any pre-season games and his performances didn't impress me but we haven't even started playing thge proper stuff yet, so I'll give him time...
If we are to shore up the defence this year, which we surely must, then I feel we must strive to bring in a premiership loan, who has pace, Justin Hoyte of Arsenal would be an excellent signing but Arsenal aren't willing to let him go but that may change as the season gets under way. The midfield also needs to take more responsibility with regards to covering the defence, which was often the problem last season.
With Cardiff on Saturday I won't be able to watch without casting an envious galnce at Jason Koumas, he cost them nothing and will be a class player in The Championship. I am still mystified as to how Leeds, a club reportedly in a lot more financial trouble than ourselves, can seem to sign a new player everyday, often for a fee.
In losing Tommy Miller, we have to hope his goals can be replaced and maybe Westlake can push on this year to regain the scoring touch he found at the end of his first full season. Darren Currie has looked very good in pre-season and pperhaps he can be a source of goals. If I'm to give you a player to watch out for this year, however, it has to be Dean McDonald, the former Arsenal apprentice has an abundance of tricks and will surely give defenders nightmares with his mazy runs, wether playing out wide right, or as a forward.
The squad is shallow this year to say the least and much of our seasons outcome may depend on if and when injuries occur. Joe Royle has stated that we are 10 players down on previous seasons and with the new transfer window coming into force, it has to be a worry. Having said that, Joe is on the lookout for new players and has said he is hoping to capture at least two more before the window shuts. As supporeters we have to believe in our boys, there are far too many pessimistic town fans around at the moment. Maybe those people should look at how Everton lost Rooney last year and where collective belief in their abilities as a unit got them and indeed us, in our first season in the premiership. Being an underdog usually strongly favours this club; never write off Ipswich Town.
Yes it is a very young squad but the positive aspect is that they have no fear and the team spirit and understanding between them will be very good. In 1995 Alan Hansen said that 'you don't win anything with kids', Manchester United made a mockery of that particular quote. I ask you not to expect too much this season but to get behind the young boys at all times and secretly have your fingers crossed...you never know with the youngsters Mr Hansen...with the big kick-off looming I can't wait!
P.S. How awful do the new shorts look? Imitating the white stripe that zig-zags across the shirt, the blue stripe looks awful on the white shorts and seems to be fashion for fashion's sake. Maybe it's a new tactic to distract opposing players?...