Kuqi Future

Shefki Kuqi has declared his desire to stay at Ipswich beyond the end of this season. Paul looks at whether there is a role for him at the club.

Shefki Kuqi has to be one of the most popular players to have played for Ipswich in recent years. Whilst he isnt necessarily the most talented player we have had, he has certainly proved to be one of the most effective, not least during his 04/05 player of the year season.

Nobody begrudged Shefki the opportunity to leave the club and try his luck in the premiership, with moderate success. But he is now 31 and has spent the best part of the last two seasons failing to live up to expectations in the Championship. It would not be unreasonable to think his best years are behind him.

With all that in mind, why would we want him back? Its a question that many fans wondered when we initially re-signed him on loan. But a couple of factors have emerged since that point which have a major bearing on his position.

Firstly, his performances. Whilst he has only had minimal time on the pitch, it was clear from his 20 odd minutes against Norwich that he has a very real role to play in the current Ipswich side. Our style of football did not need to be compromised, yet he was still able to bring his blend of effective, hard working and, in many ways, skilled football to the side.

Secondly, his impact. It is very clear that this football club means quite a lot to Shefki Kuqi. He has spoken on numerous occasions about how special it is, how much it feels like his home, and it seems evident that this is not just soundbites for the press. The fans feel the same about him. His work rate and attitude endear himself enormously. Combine the two and you have a player who has a huge impact on both the team and the crowd; he is visibly lifted to be on the pitch, whilst at the same time the crowd are lifted to see him there, given such effort for the side. The buzz that went around the stadium when he was poised to come on against Charlton Athletic was something that has not been witnessed for any other player this season.

Thirdly, the Alan Lee factor. With Lee rumoured to be on the move at every passing transfer window, and with the form and fitness of the player being routinely called into question in recent months, it suddenly doesnt seem such a bad idea to replace his physical impact with the stability of Shefkis performances. Whilst Kuqi may lack the ability of Alan Lee, his form is of a much more consistent level. Sometimes, a consistent player can be of great value to a manager.

So, my opinion, perhaps like many others, has changed. What was previously nostalgia for a player we once loved, has now been replaced by a belief that the player of old is still there. And still has an impact to make on his favourite club.

Welcome back, Shefki!