With fans starved of real football coverage over the summer, assuming that the confederations cup doesnt count, attempts are made to try and focus on next season. Nothing helps this process more than the release of the fixture list for the forthcoming season. But does it really offer anything at all?
For as long as Ipswich are stuck in the Championship, the most likely source of interest in the fixture list has been the confirmation of when we are going to beat Norwich again.
Of course, whilst the delight at Norwichs relegation was reflected around the stadium after the final home game of the season, its result is that it is one fixture which is not present in this season listings.
With that, attention presumably fixates upon when embarrassed Newcastle United will find themselves at Portman Road and how long Town fans have to wait before a weekend trip to Newcastle.
Beyond that, there isnt much else.
In previous years, Ive gone through the process of looking at the fixtures for the first month or so, followed by the fixtures for the last month or so, with a view to trying to assess whether we will have the important start and finish to the season that any successful club ultimately requires.
However, as with last year, it simply highlights the point that the Championship is a very competitive and very unpredictable league. As much as Ipswich fans can have genuine optimism that last seasons distinctly average performance can be replaced with a promotion winning one, so too can many other teams.
Similarly, teams who might have previously had one eye on automatic promotion can now look around at the shells of once established clubs who didnt manage to achieve what they expected and found life much harder than anticipated.
All of this means that looking at the fixture list reveals very very little. Our last six games of the season give a perfect example. It would be very easy to presume that Newcastle, Reading and Sheffield United will all be strong teams next season. However, there is a very good chance that the latter two will be extremely weakened as a result of wage cutting exercises following failure to win promotion. Similarly, Newcastle can look at the examples of Leeds, Southampton and Charlton and feel suitably wary. By contrast, whilst Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Derby would appear to be weaker fixtures on paper, Doncasters performances last season would suggest there is no reason they cannot follow Burnleys blueprint for promotion. The other two have spent years being financially mismanaged, but have both steadied the ship under new management and, given the size of both clubs, its inconceivable to presume they wont become strong contenders again.
This kind of two-way assesment can be made across the league. Who would have thought Swansea would achieve promotion and be so strong the following season? Yet, who would predict that they can maintain it? Having been written off once, the temptation is there not to make the same mistake twice, but then the example of Bristol City demonstrates that a slide is possible, particularly under new management. What of Leicester? Given the manner of their promotion, they could reasonably expect to push up the table next season, in similar fashion to the aforementioned two teams. Yet, it would be quite realistic to predict a Nottingham Forest style steady and hesitant return to the Championship.
The fixture list inevitably draws much interest and excitement. But using it to try and predict fault points in the season is almost impossible these days, rendering it largely irrelevant until the season itself is actually underway.
Showing posts with label Rivals- Alistair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rivals- Alistair. Show all posts
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Monday, 8 June 2009
Could it be Magic Now?
The news that exiting Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton has been awarded the vacant managers job at Queens Park Rangers has left many Ipswich fans wondering if there is something that we have missed.
On paper, the aspirations of Queens Park Rangers football club appear to be very closely aligned with those of Ipswich Town.
Both clubs have seen their financial circumstances completely revitalised by takeovers by wealthy businessmen. In both cases, the new investment has been principally made with the intention of expediting the return of the clubs to the premiership, whereupon a return on the investment can be achieved.
It is on this latter point where the appointment of Jim Magilton as manager of Queens Park Rangers raises questions. Not least, because the very same manager had spent the previous 18 months failing to achieve the exact same goal at Ipswich Town. Had the margin of failure not been quite as severe, then he might well have still been in employment. As it was, the Ipswich Town board saw no indication that an upturn in fortunes was forthcoming.
So, what is it that the Queens Park Rangers board have recognised that went undetected by Marcus Evans? After all, the finance available at Loftus Road these days suggest that they can aim even higher than the likes of Roy Keane, should they wish.
It cannot be ignored that one of the best performances of Jim Magiltons Ipswich Town reign came at the home of QPR last season, where a thumping 3-1 victory, beamed live for all to see, served as something of a blueprint for what a Magilton side was capable of. However, any due dilligence would demonstrate that the performance was somewhat in isolation, particularly compared to the home form in the same season.
Having given Magilton 18 months to preside over his team, Marcus Evans clearly felt his patience did not extend to allowing a further year. Yet, the QPR board have been shown to have dramatically shorter patience. Whilst Evans has just employed his 2nd manager, Magilton represents QPRs 5th manager in a similar space of time.
So, a manager who failed to show progress when given significant funds by a relatively patient owner, manages to gain employment at a team with even more significant funds and a significantly shorter attention span?
There seem two plausible possibilities, when assessing the background to this decision. The first is that several of the recent managers at QPR have quit amid accusations that decisions regarding signings and, more importantly, the team itself, were being taken out of their hands. Whilst on the face of it, a man of Jim Magiltons personality would ordinarily baulk at working under such conditions, it would seem Magilton would consider himself fortunate to be offered such a high profile role so soon after ultimately failing to achieve at Portman Road. Equally, despite the funds available to attract a high profile manager, it would seem unlikely that the QPR board would find such a manager willing to accept the extent of their input on the playing side of the club. It may just be that this represents the best fit for both parties at this moment in time, given their circumstances.
The other possibility is simply that, as with his interviews at Ipswich Town, Jim Magiltons passion, drive and general enthusiasm for football and how it should be played stood out so much as to make him the best candidate. The self same statements are being made by QPR as were made by the Ipswich board at the time of Magiltons employment; it seems that the impact Magiltons makes on a board of directors is impressive. And yet, one cannot help but be reminded that the nagging feeling when Magilton was appointed at Ipswich was that, despite being hailed as the best candidate for the job, it also was as much about fitting the circumstances that existed at the club at the time.
With patience and support, Jim Magilton may well go on to become the manager he looked like he might become eighteen months into his Ipswich career. What is certain is that he is a very determined individual and if all goes to plan, he might well become an opponent to Ipswichs Towns future success.
Best of luck, Jim.
On paper, the aspirations of Queens Park Rangers football club appear to be very closely aligned with those of Ipswich Town.
Both clubs have seen their financial circumstances completely revitalised by takeovers by wealthy businessmen. In both cases, the new investment has been principally made with the intention of expediting the return of the clubs to the premiership, whereupon a return on the investment can be achieved.
It is on this latter point where the appointment of Jim Magilton as manager of Queens Park Rangers raises questions. Not least, because the very same manager had spent the previous 18 months failing to achieve the exact same goal at Ipswich Town. Had the margin of failure not been quite as severe, then he might well have still been in employment. As it was, the Ipswich Town board saw no indication that an upturn in fortunes was forthcoming.
So, what is it that the Queens Park Rangers board have recognised that went undetected by Marcus Evans? After all, the finance available at Loftus Road these days suggest that they can aim even higher than the likes of Roy Keane, should they wish.
It cannot be ignored that one of the best performances of Jim Magiltons Ipswich Town reign came at the home of QPR last season, where a thumping 3-1 victory, beamed live for all to see, served as something of a blueprint for what a Magilton side was capable of. However, any due dilligence would demonstrate that the performance was somewhat in isolation, particularly compared to the home form in the same season.
Having given Magilton 18 months to preside over his team, Marcus Evans clearly felt his patience did not extend to allowing a further year. Yet, the QPR board have been shown to have dramatically shorter patience. Whilst Evans has just employed his 2nd manager, Magilton represents QPRs 5th manager in a similar space of time.
So, a manager who failed to show progress when given significant funds by a relatively patient owner, manages to gain employment at a team with even more significant funds and a significantly shorter attention span?
There seem two plausible possibilities, when assessing the background to this decision. The first is that several of the recent managers at QPR have quit amid accusations that decisions regarding signings and, more importantly, the team itself, were being taken out of their hands. Whilst on the face of it, a man of Jim Magiltons personality would ordinarily baulk at working under such conditions, it would seem Magilton would consider himself fortunate to be offered such a high profile role so soon after ultimately failing to achieve at Portman Road. Equally, despite the funds available to attract a high profile manager, it would seem unlikely that the QPR board would find such a manager willing to accept the extent of their input on the playing side of the club. It may just be that this represents the best fit for both parties at this moment in time, given their circumstances.
The other possibility is simply that, as with his interviews at Ipswich Town, Jim Magiltons passion, drive and general enthusiasm for football and how it should be played stood out so much as to make him the best candidate. The self same statements are being made by QPR as were made by the Ipswich board at the time of Magiltons employment; it seems that the impact Magiltons makes on a board of directors is impressive. And yet, one cannot help but be reminded that the nagging feeling when Magilton was appointed at Ipswich was that, despite being hailed as the best candidate for the job, it also was as much about fitting the circumstances that existed at the club at the time.
With patience and support, Jim Magilton may well go on to become the manager he looked like he might become eighteen months into his Ipswich career. What is certain is that he is a very determined individual and if all goes to plan, he might well become an opponent to Ipswichs Towns future success.
Best of luck, Jim.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Chairmans Notes
Having spent the last eighteen months in an unfamiliar less-public role, the act of stepping down as Chairman has given David Sheepshanks his voice again. His reflection on his time as Chairman has led to reflection amongst fans aswell.
David Sheepshanks will probably remain as a personality who splits the supporter base of Ipswich Town.
Whilst all fans remember the ultimately successful five-year plan, resulting not only in promotion to the premiership but the entirely unexpected bonus of European football, many fans find it hard not to overlook the dark years that followed this success which threatened the very existance of the club.
Whilst the issues themselves are complex and involve many differing characters and circumstances, what has always been certain, and has been neatly reiterated by his recent comments, is that David Sheepshanks is as much an Ipswich Town fan as any one of us.
Whilst the words "administration" and "David Sheepshanks" will unfortunately forever be inextricably linked, history also demonstrates a litany of Chairman who not only failed their clubs, but did so knowingly for their own gains. Similarly, recent history holds up the examples of Southampton, Leeds and Nottingham Forest as examples of where it could have ended.
David Sheepshanks ultimately had nothing but the future success of Ipswich Town as his goal. And still does. With the club that much more readied for success under the stewardship of Marcus Evans, Sheepshanks can also take credit for steering the club back onto that path. And will be cheering as loudly as the rest of us when it happens.
David Sheepshanks will probably remain as a personality who splits the supporter base of Ipswich Town.
Whilst all fans remember the ultimately successful five-year plan, resulting not only in promotion to the premiership but the entirely unexpected bonus of European football, many fans find it hard not to overlook the dark years that followed this success which threatened the very existance of the club.
Whilst the issues themselves are complex and involve many differing characters and circumstances, what has always been certain, and has been neatly reiterated by his recent comments, is that David Sheepshanks is as much an Ipswich Town fan as any one of us.
Whilst the words "administration" and "David Sheepshanks" will unfortunately forever be inextricably linked, history also demonstrates a litany of Chairman who not only failed their clubs, but did so knowingly for their own gains. Similarly, recent history holds up the examples of Southampton, Leeds and Nottingham Forest as examples of where it could have ended.
David Sheepshanks ultimately had nothing but the future success of Ipswich Town as his goal. And still does. With the club that much more readied for success under the stewardship of Marcus Evans, Sheepshanks can also take credit for steering the club back onto that path. And will be cheering as loudly as the rest of us when it happens.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Natural Born Leaders
With no activity on the pitch, press attention is firmly focussed on whats going on off it. Roy Keane has already expressed his intention to bring in new signings, with speculation being largely centred around the type of players he is likely to be interested in. And perhaps the player he is most interested in is another Roy Keane.
Perhaps Sir Alex Fergusons greatest Manchester United team was epitomised by the captain he installed in the centre of the pitch. In Roy Keane, Ferguson had a player he knew and trusted, a player who had the same desire and willingness that he himself had.
Keane represented the embodiment of Ferguson, on the pitch. In short, the perfect Captain.
In Keanes first programme notes, for the match with Coventry, he spoke of how "Ipswich have been described as a "nice" team in the past", of the need for the players to "do the ugly side of the game" and for them to "keep going to the end".
All of the above could comfortably describe Keane in his playing days. But even more pertinently was Keanes assertion that he needed "to get some characters into the place".
One look at the Ipswich squad reveals a list of names which arent entirely synonymous with that side of the game. Whilst players like David Norris, Gareth McAuley and David Wright are all players who lead by example on the pitch, they are not necessarily natural leaders.
It has often been mentioned that the current Ipswich side have not been one which has been capable of producing late goals, when a match appears to have slipped from their grasp. As Keane rightly notes, its another trait which marks out the sides which generally perform better over the course of the season, and perhaps has more to do with the character of the team than just good fortune.
Already, Keane has openly acknowledged his preference for signing players he is familiar with, and links with Sunderlands Dean Whitehead and Celtics Paul Hartley appear well directed.
It would be no surprise if Keanes first signing as manager is a player cut from the same cloth as Keane himself.
Perhaps Sir Alex Fergusons greatest Manchester United team was epitomised by the captain he installed in the centre of the pitch. In Roy Keane, Ferguson had a player he knew and trusted, a player who had the same desire and willingness that he himself had.
Keane represented the embodiment of Ferguson, on the pitch. In short, the perfect Captain.
In Keanes first programme notes, for the match with Coventry, he spoke of how "Ipswich have been described as a "nice" team in the past", of the need for the players to "do the ugly side of the game" and for them to "keep going to the end".
All of the above could comfortably describe Keane in his playing days. But even more pertinently was Keanes assertion that he needed "to get some characters into the place".
One look at the Ipswich squad reveals a list of names which arent entirely synonymous with that side of the game. Whilst players like David Norris, Gareth McAuley and David Wright are all players who lead by example on the pitch, they are not necessarily natural leaders.
It has often been mentioned that the current Ipswich side have not been one which has been capable of producing late goals, when a match appears to have slipped from their grasp. As Keane rightly notes, its another trait which marks out the sides which generally perform better over the course of the season, and perhaps has more to do with the character of the team than just good fortune.
Already, Keane has openly acknowledged his preference for signing players he is familiar with, and links with Sunderlands Dean Whitehead and Celtics Paul Hartley appear well directed.
It would be no surprise if Keanes first signing as manager is a player cut from the same cloth as Keane himself.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Victim of Circumstances
As Tommy Miller finds himself making his way out of the Portman Road exit door for the third time in his career, he might be entitled to look back wistfully and wonder if he has been dealt an unfortunate hand.
On the face of things, the appointment of Roy Keane as Ipswich manager was always likely to spell the end of Tommy Millers Ipswich career. Deemed surplus to requirements by the same manager at Sunderland, it would not have surprised many if the same fate befell him again.
However, whilst then Millers release as his contract expires is not a surprise, it is perhaps more intriguing to learn that Jim Magilton had intended for the same outcome, had he remained as manager.
Two of the biggest complaints about Magiltons time as manager, and perhaps factors in his eventual dismissal, were his perseverence with what appeared to be an experimental squad rotation system and the surplus of central midfielders he surrounded himself with. It could be argued that the former became necessary as a result of the latter.
At the end of the season, having continually alternated midfield partnerships hopeful that one of them would gel, the number of appearances made by each of them make curious reading.
David Norris leads the way with 35 appearances, most of which having been achieved at right midfield, followed by Alan Quinn on 28 appearances, most of which having been achieved at left midfield. After this, it makes revealing reading as just two behind is Tommy Miller on 26 appearances. He finishes ahead of Garvan (22), Shumulikoski (22) and Campo (14).
It was a season where no single player managed to truly hold down a position in central midfield, yet of all the players who could claim it was their primary position this season, Miller managed to appear more than anybody else.
On this basis, it suggests that Miller was the player in which Magilton showed most trust. Miller must therefore feel quite hard done by to find himself the first one out of the door come the end of the season.
It may simply be the case that he has found his contract expiring at just the wrong time in comparison to several other teammates who could just as conceivably have also found themselves leaving. Its questionable whether Miller would have found a role in the Keane-era anyway, but with such a surplus of midfielders, the decision on who goes first was made simple for the new manager by the expiry of a contract.
On the face of things, the appointment of Roy Keane as Ipswich manager was always likely to spell the end of Tommy Millers Ipswich career. Deemed surplus to requirements by the same manager at Sunderland, it would not have surprised many if the same fate befell him again.
However, whilst then Millers release as his contract expires is not a surprise, it is perhaps more intriguing to learn that Jim Magilton had intended for the same outcome, had he remained as manager.
Two of the biggest complaints about Magiltons time as manager, and perhaps factors in his eventual dismissal, were his perseverence with what appeared to be an experimental squad rotation system and the surplus of central midfielders he surrounded himself with. It could be argued that the former became necessary as a result of the latter.
At the end of the season, having continually alternated midfield partnerships hopeful that one of them would gel, the number of appearances made by each of them make curious reading.
David Norris leads the way with 35 appearances, most of which having been achieved at right midfield, followed by Alan Quinn on 28 appearances, most of which having been achieved at left midfield. After this, it makes revealing reading as just two behind is Tommy Miller on 26 appearances. He finishes ahead of Garvan (22), Shumulikoski (22) and Campo (14).
It was a season where no single player managed to truly hold down a position in central midfield, yet of all the players who could claim it was their primary position this season, Miller managed to appear more than anybody else.
On this basis, it suggests that Miller was the player in which Magilton showed most trust. Miller must therefore feel quite hard done by to find himself the first one out of the door come the end of the season.
It may simply be the case that he has found his contract expiring at just the wrong time in comparison to several other teammates who could just as conceivably have also found themselves leaving. Its questionable whether Miller would have found a role in the Keane-era anyway, but with such a surplus of midfielders, the decision on who goes first was made simple for the new manager by the expiry of a contract.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
A Quick Fix
On the face of it, yesterday marked the end of one of the more underachieving seasons in Ipswich Towns recent history. Yet, a day which promised to be particularly unfulfilling just weeks previously, actually turned into a day of enormous positivity, enthusiasm and enjoyment for Ipswich fans. And Roy Keane was only a part of the reason....
On Saturday 11th April 2009, Ipswich were beaten 3-1 by Doncaster. The boos that rang out for Jim Magilton at the end of the game were loud and the manager himself seemed to echo the thoughts of the fans- this season was a lost cause. From that moment on, apart from a skirmish with Norwich, the season was over and it was going to be a gradual wind down towards its end. At which point, everybody could go their separate ways and try to forget any of it had happened.
The Norwich match, and the win that accompanied it, provided what was seen as a welcome respite.
However, nobody could have predicted the complete and utter turnaround in the feeling around the ground the next time they came to visit.
Yesterdays match was preceded by an enormous wave of optimism throughout the club, heralded by the startling changes to personnel at the management end of things. Suddenly, season tickets were being snapped up, a meaningless end-of-season match was requiring the ticket office to look excitedly towards their "sold out" sign and the national media couldnt get enough of what Roy Keane was going to do to his new club.
Even the club themselves got caught up in all the excitement- Portman Road found itself bedecked in blue, white and red flags hanging across the street, whilst a Jazz band sauntered through football favourites just outside the away end.
Portman Road became busy in the way it only really does for a big game, with queues of people stretching across the streets waiting to get through the turnstiles. The club shop lined people up outside as the new home shirt became an item everyone wanted to be associated with, presumably with "KEANO" spelt across the back. A small group of kids walked past pointing excitedly at the picture on the front of the programme- "thats keano!".
Inside the ground it was no different, as not only was there the introduction of Roy Keane to the crowd, but some early goals to entertain and make the game safe as early as anyone cared to remember.
But then Roy Keane stood to the side, because his part in all this had been completed. The rest of the afternoons highlights were provided care of Norwich City Football Club, who once again managed to spectacularly collapse when attempting to avoid relegation. Rarely have mexican waves started round the ground so early in the afternoon. The final scores, confirming their fate, lifted spirits even further.
The turnaround was complete. Fans left Portman Road for the last time in 08/09, excitedly looking forward to what was to come over the summer and in the following season. Given the disappointment of the season just finished, and given the mood in the stadium just three weeks previously, the change in atmosphere was astonishing. A breath of fresh air, indeed, and one that will last well into next season.
The managerial changes may not only be good appointments, but they seem to have been particularly astutely timed in changing the mood around the club.
Not to mention Norwich Citys fine efforts in all this too....
On Saturday 11th April 2009, Ipswich were beaten 3-1 by Doncaster. The boos that rang out for Jim Magilton at the end of the game were loud and the manager himself seemed to echo the thoughts of the fans- this season was a lost cause. From that moment on, apart from a skirmish with Norwich, the season was over and it was going to be a gradual wind down towards its end. At which point, everybody could go their separate ways and try to forget any of it had happened.
The Norwich match, and the win that accompanied it, provided what was seen as a welcome respite.
However, nobody could have predicted the complete and utter turnaround in the feeling around the ground the next time they came to visit.
Yesterdays match was preceded by an enormous wave of optimism throughout the club, heralded by the startling changes to personnel at the management end of things. Suddenly, season tickets were being snapped up, a meaningless end-of-season match was requiring the ticket office to look excitedly towards their "sold out" sign and the national media couldnt get enough of what Roy Keane was going to do to his new club.
Even the club themselves got caught up in all the excitement- Portman Road found itself bedecked in blue, white and red flags hanging across the street, whilst a Jazz band sauntered through football favourites just outside the away end.
Portman Road became busy in the way it only really does for a big game, with queues of people stretching across the streets waiting to get through the turnstiles. The club shop lined people up outside as the new home shirt became an item everyone wanted to be associated with, presumably with "KEANO" spelt across the back. A small group of kids walked past pointing excitedly at the picture on the front of the programme- "thats keano!".
Inside the ground it was no different, as not only was there the introduction of Roy Keane to the crowd, but some early goals to entertain and make the game safe as early as anyone cared to remember.
But then Roy Keane stood to the side, because his part in all this had been completed. The rest of the afternoons highlights were provided care of Norwich City Football Club, who once again managed to spectacularly collapse when attempting to avoid relegation. Rarely have mexican waves started round the ground so early in the afternoon. The final scores, confirming their fate, lifted spirits even further.
The turnaround was complete. Fans left Portman Road for the last time in 08/09, excitedly looking forward to what was to come over the summer and in the following season. Given the disappointment of the season just finished, and given the mood in the stadium just three weeks previously, the change in atmosphere was astonishing. A breath of fresh air, indeed, and one that will last well into next season.
The managerial changes may not only be good appointments, but they seem to have been particularly astutely timed in changing the mood around the club.
Not to mention Norwich Citys fine efforts in all this too....
Friday, 1 May 2009
Paying Your Way
Just a week into the "Roy Keane Era" and already the positive financial impact of his appointment is starting to be felt by the club. Could it be that Keane has paid for himself within a week, just simply by being here!?
With the announcement of Roy Keanes appointment and the media frenzy that followed, the rush for season tickets was such that the club extended their season ticket renewal deadline.
Already, the club have revealed that 750 season tickets have been sold in this last week, with many more still expected. Then came the news that Sundays final home game with Coventry City is expected to be something approaching a sell-out.
These circumstances have been solely driven by the interest that Roy Keane generates. Even at this stage, it would not be in any way unreasonable to suggest that he has attracted an additional 1000 season ticket sales, whilst it appears he has swelled the attendance for an inconsequential last day of the season game by at least 8000 above our average attendance.
When translating just those two figures into money, the amounts are astonishing. Assuming a Season Ticket price of £400 and a Matchday Ticket Price of £25, Keanes appointment has raised £600,000 to date. It is not unreasonable to conclude that Keane has probably generated enough money in this last week alone to not only pay his salary for a year, but also to significantly donate to Jim Magiltons severance pay- and all of that without even beginning to take into account merchandise sales.
The appointment of Roy Keane as manager could hopefully turn out to be an inspired move by Marcus Evans on the pitch. But its already apparent that it is a very inspired move off it.
With the announcement of Roy Keanes appointment and the media frenzy that followed, the rush for season tickets was such that the club extended their season ticket renewal deadline.
Already, the club have revealed that 750 season tickets have been sold in this last week, with many more still expected. Then came the news that Sundays final home game with Coventry City is expected to be something approaching a sell-out.
These circumstances have been solely driven by the interest that Roy Keane generates. Even at this stage, it would not be in any way unreasonable to suggest that he has attracted an additional 1000 season ticket sales, whilst it appears he has swelled the attendance for an inconsequential last day of the season game by at least 8000 above our average attendance.
When translating just those two figures into money, the amounts are astonishing. Assuming a Season Ticket price of £400 and a Matchday Ticket Price of £25, Keanes appointment has raised £600,000 to date. It is not unreasonable to conclude that Keane has probably generated enough money in this last week alone to not only pay his salary for a year, but also to significantly donate to Jim Magiltons severance pay- and all of that without even beginning to take into account merchandise sales.
The appointment of Roy Keane as manager could hopefully turn out to be an inspired move by Marcus Evans on the pitch. But its already apparent that it is a very inspired move off it.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Magilton v. Keane
Having finally been rewarded with the new manager many craved, Town fans will be watching expectantly to see if Roy Keane can deliver the required improvement in the side. But in what areas is Roy Keane better equipped than Jim Magilton?
A young, inexperienced manager, highly respected as a player and with enormous desire to be a winner.
A sentence that befits Roy Keane entirely. But it is also a sentence that befitted Jim Magilton when he became Ipswich manager.
Whilst Keane has been welcomed as a potential saviour of the club, the bold facts suggest that there is not so much to choose between either manager.
Although Keane boasts an enormously succesful career at the top level, commanding the respect which his achievements deserved, it cannot be argued that Jim Magilton did not equally earn the respect of many in the game after a long and distinguished career for both club and country. As an enormously succesful former Ipswich player, and captain, he was able to draw upon a particularly high level of support from those in and around the football club.
Both players have had relatively short managerial careers. In Keanes case, he is several months behind Magilton in terms of managerial experience, despite having managed in the Premiership. Keane has clearly achieved more in his brief reign at Sunderland, having steered the club to promotion, but significant investment helped in this process. This is particularly relative when you consider the extent of improvement Jim Magilton brought about in his first 18 months in charge on a significantly reduced budget.
Both players are clearly winners. Keanes press interview when being announced as manager was laden with statements of intent, of expectations of desire and commitment from the playing squad, of the need to achieve. It bore strikingly resemblances to the statements made by Jim Magilton when appointed manager and reiterated on almost a weekly basis. Both managers have historically demonstrated a short fuse which can be exposed when those standards are not being met, both on and off the pitch.
So what is likely to stand them apart?
Keanes aura. He has built such a fearsome reputation as a leader, that the respect and attention he requires is felt by all. It was evident in the huge press reaction to his appointment. It was evident in the reaction of the fans to his presence on the touchline at Cardiff.
And it will be evident to every one of the players. There is very little chance that any of Keanes squad will not feel that desire to achieve. Early player interviews have already demonstrated an understanding and respect for the new leadership they find themselves under.
Whatever Jim Magilton has to offer as a player, a manager, or an individual, that is something which he, and many others in the game, are unlikely to be able to match. It could provide the vital confidence that all succesful sides need. Heres hoping.
A young, inexperienced manager, highly respected as a player and with enormous desire to be a winner.
A sentence that befits Roy Keane entirely. But it is also a sentence that befitted Jim Magilton when he became Ipswich manager.
Whilst Keane has been welcomed as a potential saviour of the club, the bold facts suggest that there is not so much to choose between either manager.
Although Keane boasts an enormously succesful career at the top level, commanding the respect which his achievements deserved, it cannot be argued that Jim Magilton did not equally earn the respect of many in the game after a long and distinguished career for both club and country. As an enormously succesful former Ipswich player, and captain, he was able to draw upon a particularly high level of support from those in and around the football club.
Both players have had relatively short managerial careers. In Keanes case, he is several months behind Magilton in terms of managerial experience, despite having managed in the Premiership. Keane has clearly achieved more in his brief reign at Sunderland, having steered the club to promotion, but significant investment helped in this process. This is particularly relative when you consider the extent of improvement Jim Magilton brought about in his first 18 months in charge on a significantly reduced budget.
Both players are clearly winners. Keanes press interview when being announced as manager was laden with statements of intent, of expectations of desire and commitment from the playing squad, of the need to achieve. It bore strikingly resemblances to the statements made by Jim Magilton when appointed manager and reiterated on almost a weekly basis. Both managers have historically demonstrated a short fuse which can be exposed when those standards are not being met, both on and off the pitch.
So what is likely to stand them apart?
Keanes aura. He has built such a fearsome reputation as a leader, that the respect and attention he requires is felt by all. It was evident in the huge press reaction to his appointment. It was evident in the reaction of the fans to his presence on the touchline at Cardiff.
And it will be evident to every one of the players. There is very little chance that any of Keanes squad will not feel that desire to achieve. Early player interviews have already demonstrated an understanding and respect for the new leadership they find themselves under.
Whatever Jim Magilton has to offer as a player, a manager, or an individual, that is something which he, and many others in the game, are unlikely to be able to match. It could provide the vital confidence that all succesful sides need. Heres hoping.
The Keane Factor
One Game. One Win. Three Scored. None Conceded. If Towns first performance under Roy Keanes leadership is anything to go by, then put all your money on an Ipswich Town Championship winning team next season. Just how much impact did he have?
There were several changes made to the Town line-up at Cardiff from the previous weeks long-awaited victory over Norwich City. However, given the extent of Towns current injury ravaged squad, defensively in particular, some of them may not have been as sweeping as might have been expected.
After his bright introduction at left-back against Norwich, Jamie Peters made his first start for Town in almost two years and continued in revelatory style with a performance of pace and style, coupled with some defensive discipline. Whilst much of the groundwork to this new position has been made over the course of the season away from the eyes of supporters, he has put himself in line to be a major beneficiary of the new regime.
After an even longer period away from the squad, it was even more of a surprise to see Matt Richards return and play a controlled part in a relatively sound defensive display for the team. Richards has unquestionably been one of the losers from the Jim Magilton reign, seemingly consigned permanently to Brighton. Yet, with such a dearth of left-sided talent, it remained something of a mystery that he had been excluded for so long. Given the extent of full-back options available, it is quite possible that whoever was manager on Saturday would have been left with little alternative. However, Richards performed well enough to suggest his recall was not without some merit and he seems likely to get a final chance next Sunday against Coventry. Whether it is enough to prolong his Ipswich career remains to be seen, but it has more life than it did a week ago.
Kevin Lisbie has had a much-maligned season at Town. Bought as a goalscorer, he has failed to deliver in that respect. However, his performances away from home have been as good as any player. On Saturday, he was used in an unusual left midfield role for much of the game, where he provided a threat throughout the game, constantly a willing runner into the channels and providing a suitable outlet from defence. With the dearth of left-sided players at the club, particularly in attacking roles, he appeared as well suited to the role as anybody.
The player thankfully vacating that left midfield role was David Norris. After a tortous few matches trying to come to terms with an unfamiliar position, Norris was reinstated to a central midfield position and the impact of such a change was enormous. Norris performed exceptionally across the midfield, working tirelessly to help out defensively, whilst getting forward on numerous occasions, not least with his well taken goal. His performance was of the high calibre that Norris has all too infrequently demonstrated he is capable of.
For Jon Stead, a player who found himself completely ostracised by Keane when at Sunderland, the new managerial appointment must have been daunting after finishing what has been a good season on a personal level. Yet called into action from the bench, Stead was possibly the teams outstanding performer. Great control and link-up play was accompanied by good aerial strength and his usual willingness running. His impact on all three goals is a fitting testament to his level of performance.
With the side winning so comfortably, it becomes difficult to assess whether good individual performances are a result of a good overall team performance, or that the good overall team performance were a result of improvements in playing positions. However, its unquestionable that certain players clearly benefitted from being given the opportunity to play, and to play in positions they are comfortable with.
Something which has been often lacking previously in this dissapointing season.
The Keane factor already? Lets hope so.
There were several changes made to the Town line-up at Cardiff from the previous weeks long-awaited victory over Norwich City. However, given the extent of Towns current injury ravaged squad, defensively in particular, some of them may not have been as sweeping as might have been expected.
After his bright introduction at left-back against Norwich, Jamie Peters made his first start for Town in almost two years and continued in revelatory style with a performance of pace and style, coupled with some defensive discipline. Whilst much of the groundwork to this new position has been made over the course of the season away from the eyes of supporters, he has put himself in line to be a major beneficiary of the new regime.
After an even longer period away from the squad, it was even more of a surprise to see Matt Richards return and play a controlled part in a relatively sound defensive display for the team. Richards has unquestionably been one of the losers from the Jim Magilton reign, seemingly consigned permanently to Brighton. Yet, with such a dearth of left-sided talent, it remained something of a mystery that he had been excluded for so long. Given the extent of full-back options available, it is quite possible that whoever was manager on Saturday would have been left with little alternative. However, Richards performed well enough to suggest his recall was not without some merit and he seems likely to get a final chance next Sunday against Coventry. Whether it is enough to prolong his Ipswich career remains to be seen, but it has more life than it did a week ago.
Kevin Lisbie has had a much-maligned season at Town. Bought as a goalscorer, he has failed to deliver in that respect. However, his performances away from home have been as good as any player. On Saturday, he was used in an unusual left midfield role for much of the game, where he provided a threat throughout the game, constantly a willing runner into the channels and providing a suitable outlet from defence. With the dearth of left-sided players at the club, particularly in attacking roles, he appeared as well suited to the role as anybody.
The player thankfully vacating that left midfield role was David Norris. After a tortous few matches trying to come to terms with an unfamiliar position, Norris was reinstated to a central midfield position and the impact of such a change was enormous. Norris performed exceptionally across the midfield, working tirelessly to help out defensively, whilst getting forward on numerous occasions, not least with his well taken goal. His performance was of the high calibre that Norris has all too infrequently demonstrated he is capable of.
For Jon Stead, a player who found himself completely ostracised by Keane when at Sunderland, the new managerial appointment must have been daunting after finishing what has been a good season on a personal level. Yet called into action from the bench, Stead was possibly the teams outstanding performer. Great control and link-up play was accompanied by good aerial strength and his usual willingness running. His impact on all three goals is a fitting testament to his level of performance.
With the side winning so comfortably, it becomes difficult to assess whether good individual performances are a result of a good overall team performance, or that the good overall team performance were a result of improvements in playing positions. However, its unquestionable that certain players clearly benefitted from being given the opportunity to play, and to play in positions they are comfortable with.
Something which has been often lacking previously in this dissapointing season.
The Keane factor already? Lets hope so.
Monday, 27 April 2009
The Dream Ticket
A whirlwind couple of days for Ipswich Town Football Club, as we have been thrust back into the limelight with the biggest off-field changes in many years. New owner, Marcus Evans, has shown clear intent of the company he wishes his Football Club to keep.
April 22nd 2009. The day Marcus Evans began to flex his muscles as Ipswich Town owner.
Since Evans takeover, the club has witnessed a steady streamlining off the pitch, with the finance provided to enable the same on the pitch. Yet, with the season at a relative dead-end, progress was suddenly hastened.
Firstly, the announcement of Simon Clegg, the brains behind Great Britains hugely succesful 2008 Olympic campaign, joining the club to replace the outgoing Derek Bowden. In terms of high-profile sporting chief executives, it was hard for Town to aim higher.
Secondly, came the sacking of Jim Magilton, a move not entirely unexpected in the context of a season that clearly failed to meet expectations, not least for the clubs owner.
And following swiftly was the highest profile appointment of them all. Roy Keanes disappearance from the football world following his departure from Sunderland was widely expected to be permanent. So, encouraging him back again was even more impressive.
After 18 months assessing the club and taking advice from a wide variety of sources, Evans eventually determined that it was time to do it his way.
Ipswich Town Football Club has never known such a level of attention to its off-field activities. And this is only the beginning.
April 22nd 2009. The day Marcus Evans began to flex his muscles as Ipswich Town owner.
Since Evans takeover, the club has witnessed a steady streamlining off the pitch, with the finance provided to enable the same on the pitch. Yet, with the season at a relative dead-end, progress was suddenly hastened.
Firstly, the announcement of Simon Clegg, the brains behind Great Britains hugely succesful 2008 Olympic campaign, joining the club to replace the outgoing Derek Bowden. In terms of high-profile sporting chief executives, it was hard for Town to aim higher.
Secondly, came the sacking of Jim Magilton, a move not entirely unexpected in the context of a season that clearly failed to meet expectations, not least for the clubs owner.
And following swiftly was the highest profile appointment of them all. Roy Keanes disappearance from the football world following his departure from Sunderland was widely expected to be permanent. So, encouraging him back again was even more impressive.
After 18 months assessing the club and taking advice from a wide variety of sources, Evans eventually determined that it was time to do it his way.
Ipswich Town Football Club has never known such a level of attention to its off-field activities. And this is only the beginning.
Monday, 13 April 2009
How Bad Is It?
Another desperately poor home performance, something which has become more and more commonplace as the season has dragged on. Many fans will be glad to see the end of one of the most disappointing seasons in recent years. But just how does it rate alongside previous poor campaigns?
When reaching the end of a season, with emotions still raw, its not difficult to feel that things have never been so bad.
But where does the current season sit when placed alongside some of the other stand-out woeful Ipswich Town seasons of the past 20 years?
89-90 9th Championship
Its worth starting right at the beginning of that 20 year period. The 89-90 season represented the nadir of John Duncans time in charge. Currently, with Town viewing a finish outside of the Top 10 as something approaching a disaster, the record books would suggest that this season was not quite as defining. But it marked the point at which, after 3 full seasons, it was very much apparent that Duncans methodologies were not going to win the club promotion. A baffling series of signings aided by a style of football that was at odds with anything seen in previous decades, resulted in the "Duncan Out" chants becoming a reality.
Disaster Factor- 8/10- only lessened by the fact that some of the players went on to form the basis of John Lyalls divisional champions two years later
93-94 & 94-95 19th and 22nd Premiership
Its hard to separate these two seasons. Whilst the latter would stand out on its own as being statistically the worst season in Towns history (and many of those statistics still stand as premiership records), its undeniable that the previous seasons near failure very much set the tone for the formality that the following season was to become.
Mick McGivern brought about a style of football that was as much a shock to the system as anything introduced by John Duncan. A team that played with little attacking endeavour and attempted to simply stifle all creativity out of the opposition was in no way gratefully received, particularly when results did not appear to support the philosophy. In many ways, avoiding relegation in 1994 was simply postponing the rebuilding of the club that only began in earnest once relegation followed so shamefully a year later.
Disaster Factor- 9/10- the fact that it occurred at the highest level of English football is the only saving grace. That and perhaps the fact that it brought about the wholesale rebuilding of the football club
01-02 18th Premiership
Hard to equate this season. The disappointments come in the base factor of relegation, but also in the feeling that, even in the premiership, it was an underachievement.
For a team that had overachieved so outstandingly the previous season to turn in a season so parametrically opposite was hard to comprehend. Yet, there were moments of real quality. A run of very good performances through the early part of 2002 served as a reminder of what the side was capable of. However, its inevitably counter-balanced by the memories of playing almost the entire first half of the season without a win and the unforgiveable collapse at Bolton late in the season. Ultimately, it proved to be the undoing of George Burleys succesful spell at Town but, more punishingly, the undoing of far, far more progress made by the club generally.
Disaster Factor- 8/10- it would probably be lower, but for the absolutely catastrophic impact on the club over the forthcoming years
05/06 15th Championship
Joe Royles very succesful firefighting job over the previous two years came to an abrupt end as the water very much ran out. The worst placed finish by a Town side in decades was characterised by a seeming lack of direction on the field. With sales at the end of the previous season leaving holes in the squad, these were filled by relatively unsuccesful mistakes. The team was flooded with young players trying desperately to swim against the tide. Performances rarely offered much in the way of inspiration, with the most notable spell being that leading up to christmas in which the side looked incapable of scoring goals and often being sent out with a single forward player. That the player in question was the struggling and relatively expensive Sam Parkin made matters worse.
Disaster Factor- 9/10- A season that left little in the way of inspiration, both during and from a future perspective. A view that the board agreed with, when Royles time was brought to an end
It remains to be seen where the current season fits. It is undoubtedly defined by underachievement, perhaps only rivalled by the 01/02 season. What is apparent however, is that in many of these previous seasons, they have very much represented a cloud with a silver lining, in that their negativity paved the way for a significant upturn in the clubs fortunes.
To that end, this season can perhaps only truly be judged over the course of time. Will it represent a turning point similar to 89/90, or a defining moment in a downwards progression as in 93/94?
Unfortunately, the one thing that appears to be consistent is that each upturn in fortunes has been sparked by a change of management
When reaching the end of a season, with emotions still raw, its not difficult to feel that things have never been so bad.
But where does the current season sit when placed alongside some of the other stand-out woeful Ipswich Town seasons of the past 20 years?
89-90 9th Championship
Its worth starting right at the beginning of that 20 year period. The 89-90 season represented the nadir of John Duncans time in charge. Currently, with Town viewing a finish outside of the Top 10 as something approaching a disaster, the record books would suggest that this season was not quite as defining. But it marked the point at which, after 3 full seasons, it was very much apparent that Duncans methodologies were not going to win the club promotion. A baffling series of signings aided by a style of football that was at odds with anything seen in previous decades, resulted in the "Duncan Out" chants becoming a reality.
Disaster Factor- 8/10- only lessened by the fact that some of the players went on to form the basis of John Lyalls divisional champions two years later
93-94 & 94-95 19th and 22nd Premiership
Its hard to separate these two seasons. Whilst the latter would stand out on its own as being statistically the worst season in Towns history (and many of those statistics still stand as premiership records), its undeniable that the previous seasons near failure very much set the tone for the formality that the following season was to become.
Mick McGivern brought about a style of football that was as much a shock to the system as anything introduced by John Duncan. A team that played with little attacking endeavour and attempted to simply stifle all creativity out of the opposition was in no way gratefully received, particularly when results did not appear to support the philosophy. In many ways, avoiding relegation in 1994 was simply postponing the rebuilding of the club that only began in earnest once relegation followed so shamefully a year later.
Disaster Factor- 9/10- the fact that it occurred at the highest level of English football is the only saving grace. That and perhaps the fact that it brought about the wholesale rebuilding of the football club
01-02 18th Premiership
Hard to equate this season. The disappointments come in the base factor of relegation, but also in the feeling that, even in the premiership, it was an underachievement.
For a team that had overachieved so outstandingly the previous season to turn in a season so parametrically opposite was hard to comprehend. Yet, there were moments of real quality. A run of very good performances through the early part of 2002 served as a reminder of what the side was capable of. However, its inevitably counter-balanced by the memories of playing almost the entire first half of the season without a win and the unforgiveable collapse at Bolton late in the season. Ultimately, it proved to be the undoing of George Burleys succesful spell at Town but, more punishingly, the undoing of far, far more progress made by the club generally.
Disaster Factor- 8/10- it would probably be lower, but for the absolutely catastrophic impact on the club over the forthcoming years
05/06 15th Championship
Joe Royles very succesful firefighting job over the previous two years came to an abrupt end as the water very much ran out. The worst placed finish by a Town side in decades was characterised by a seeming lack of direction on the field. With sales at the end of the previous season leaving holes in the squad, these were filled by relatively unsuccesful mistakes. The team was flooded with young players trying desperately to swim against the tide. Performances rarely offered much in the way of inspiration, with the most notable spell being that leading up to christmas in which the side looked incapable of scoring goals and often being sent out with a single forward player. That the player in question was the struggling and relatively expensive Sam Parkin made matters worse.
Disaster Factor- 9/10- A season that left little in the way of inspiration, both during and from a future perspective. A view that the board agreed with, when Royles time was brought to an end
It remains to be seen where the current season fits. It is undoubtedly defined by underachievement, perhaps only rivalled by the 01/02 season. What is apparent however, is that in many of these previous seasons, they have very much represented a cloud with a silver lining, in that their negativity paved the way for a significant upturn in the clubs fortunes.
To that end, this season can perhaps only truly be judged over the course of time. Will it represent a turning point similar to 89/90, or a defining moment in a downwards progression as in 93/94?
Unfortunately, the one thing that appears to be consistent is that each upturn in fortunes has been sparked by a change of management
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Bowden Leaves Town and Leaves Questions
Chief Executive Derek Bowden has this week revealed that he will become the next in a long line of Directors to leave his position at Portman Road. The announcement is particularly poignant as Bowden represents the last of the active directors at the club who existed prior to the Marcus Evans buyout. It raises a lot of questions.
First off, it has to be acknowledged that Derek Bowden has seen out a very accomplished period as Chief Executive at Ipswich Town. There is no question that the job he found himself with was probably quite at odds with that which he was interviewed for back in 2002. Yet, he took on the challenge and can leave the club nine years later with a great deal of credit.
In his time as Chief Executive, he was involved in two of the most important off-field developments in the history of the football club- administration and a takeover. The announcement that he is to leave raises many questions in relation to the latter.
Bowden will now join the likes of David Sheepshanks, Holly Bellingham and Kevin Beeston, to name but three, in deciding their future lies elsewhere following the takeover. The background to these decisions is not quite clear in any of the cases.
It would naturally be presumed that all of them feel that, having invested a great deal of time and money in seeing the club through a troublesome period, they are satisfied that their work is done and that they can now happily hand over the baton to those now in charge.
However, its not entirely clear that any of them left of their own accord. In Bowdens case, the only official comment on the matter has been a testament from club owner Marcus Evans to Bowdens work in the past. There is no comment from the outgoing Chief Executive himself, which would appear unusual in these circumstances. The case was similar with previous outgoing Directors.
Its unclear if the conditions of the takeover may have involved a clause that the existing board members would step aside within an agreed period of time. However, its also unclear as to whether Bowden has been recently asked to step aside. The implications of such a move are far more intriguing.
Similarly, in the event that it is Bowdens own decisions, then why? After 7 years, is the decision bourne of satisfaction or dissatisfaction? Again, in the case of the latter, it provokes further questions.
What we do know is that there has been enormous upheaval in the running of Ipswich Town Football Club over the past 18 months. It has seen all the long-standing Directors, with long and varied histories of supporting Ipswich Town Football Club, replaced by those with little previous knowledge of Ipswich Town Football Club, or perhaps football in general, with no definitive reasoning as to why this has happened.
Thats not to say that the reasoning must be negative. Bowden himself acknowledged previously that he was not an Ipswich Town fan before coming to the board. There is every reason that those stepping aside are happy to do so and believe it is helping build the club ever stronger off the field.
It would just be nice to hear a bit more from the people concerned. Its ironic that Bowden himself has been the person in recent times that fans would look to in order to communicate such information.
First off, it has to be acknowledged that Derek Bowden has seen out a very accomplished period as Chief Executive at Ipswich Town. There is no question that the job he found himself with was probably quite at odds with that which he was interviewed for back in 2002. Yet, he took on the challenge and can leave the club nine years later with a great deal of credit.
In his time as Chief Executive, he was involved in two of the most important off-field developments in the history of the football club- administration and a takeover. The announcement that he is to leave raises many questions in relation to the latter.
Bowden will now join the likes of David Sheepshanks, Holly Bellingham and Kevin Beeston, to name but three, in deciding their future lies elsewhere following the takeover. The background to these decisions is not quite clear in any of the cases.
It would naturally be presumed that all of them feel that, having invested a great deal of time and money in seeing the club through a troublesome period, they are satisfied that their work is done and that they can now happily hand over the baton to those now in charge.
However, its not entirely clear that any of them left of their own accord. In Bowdens case, the only official comment on the matter has been a testament from club owner Marcus Evans to Bowdens work in the past. There is no comment from the outgoing Chief Executive himself, which would appear unusual in these circumstances. The case was similar with previous outgoing Directors.
Its unclear if the conditions of the takeover may have involved a clause that the existing board members would step aside within an agreed period of time. However, its also unclear as to whether Bowden has been recently asked to step aside. The implications of such a move are far more intriguing.
Similarly, in the event that it is Bowdens own decisions, then why? After 7 years, is the decision bourne of satisfaction or dissatisfaction? Again, in the case of the latter, it provokes further questions.
What we do know is that there has been enormous upheaval in the running of Ipswich Town Football Club over the past 18 months. It has seen all the long-standing Directors, with long and varied histories of supporting Ipswich Town Football Club, replaced by those with little previous knowledge of Ipswich Town Football Club, or perhaps football in general, with no definitive reasoning as to why this has happened.
Thats not to say that the reasoning must be negative. Bowden himself acknowledged previously that he was not an Ipswich Town fan before coming to the board. There is every reason that those stepping aside are happy to do so and believe it is helping build the club ever stronger off the field.
It would just be nice to hear a bit more from the people concerned. Its ironic that Bowden himself has been the person in recent times that fans would look to in order to communicate such information.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Unlucky Luca
It had to happen. Of all the players Ipswich could afford to do without, their new left-winger is probably very close to the bottom of the pile. So, there was some inevitability to the news that Luciano Civelli will not play again until next year.
There has to be some sympathy for troubled Jim Magilton. After a season which, despite Magiltons protestations, has clearly not gone as well as was expected, it was becoming increasingly important to focus on the positives which could lead into next season.
The improvements to the defence and the away form notwithstanding, surely one of the positives that appeared to be coming out of this season was the improving form of the player who, finally, appeared to be about to end the long search for a left-midfielder.
And it has been quite a search. One that has been a mainstay of Magiltons managerial reign at Ipswich. In fact, the lack of progress in ending the search was threatening to become one of Jims biggest failings. After initially settling on Matt Richards, he was soon replaced by the incoming Gary Roberts. After an initial flurry of excitement, the deficiencies in his game became starkly evident. Next in line was Billy Clarke. For a period of time Jon Walters attempted to fill the void. Then Alan Quinn arrived. This was effectively Solution Mark Two. But Quinns own deficiencies in this position were even more obvious- he was not naturally left-footed. After a decent enough stab at the role, it became clear that his future probably lay in central midfield. David Norris was also given the opportunity to try his luck, with less than encouraging results.
Finally, amid fanfare, the results of the clubs extensive search of South America were realised in the signing of Luciano Civelli. Foreign signings often generate excitement, but given the pedigree of the previous Argentinian at the club, Mauricio Tarrico, fans were understandably encouraged.
So, after a promising and steadily improving start, he gets injured. Of all the players in all the positions, its the one the club have absolutely no depth to cover for- something that was acutely apparent in the struggles to fill the position in the first place.
To make matters worse, the injury is of such a nature that it probably represents the most serious injury in Magiltons entire time as manager. Not only was Civelli immediately ruled out for the rest of the season, but its now apparent that he isnt due to regain fitness until 2010. After such a long search for a left-midfielder, having to go without again for such a long period of time could have a serious impact on the first half of next season also.
At such a critical time, both metaphorically and literally, in Magiltons time as manager, he must be wondering if perhaps fate is playing a hand in his future.
There has to be some sympathy for troubled Jim Magilton. After a season which, despite Magiltons protestations, has clearly not gone as well as was expected, it was becoming increasingly important to focus on the positives which could lead into next season.
The improvements to the defence and the away form notwithstanding, surely one of the positives that appeared to be coming out of this season was the improving form of the player who, finally, appeared to be about to end the long search for a left-midfielder.
And it has been quite a search. One that has been a mainstay of Magiltons managerial reign at Ipswich. In fact, the lack of progress in ending the search was threatening to become one of Jims biggest failings. After initially settling on Matt Richards, he was soon replaced by the incoming Gary Roberts. After an initial flurry of excitement, the deficiencies in his game became starkly evident. Next in line was Billy Clarke. For a period of time Jon Walters attempted to fill the void. Then Alan Quinn arrived. This was effectively Solution Mark Two. But Quinns own deficiencies in this position were even more obvious- he was not naturally left-footed. After a decent enough stab at the role, it became clear that his future probably lay in central midfield. David Norris was also given the opportunity to try his luck, with less than encouraging results.
Finally, amid fanfare, the results of the clubs extensive search of South America were realised in the signing of Luciano Civelli. Foreign signings often generate excitement, but given the pedigree of the previous Argentinian at the club, Mauricio Tarrico, fans were understandably encouraged.
So, after a promising and steadily improving start, he gets injured. Of all the players in all the positions, its the one the club have absolutely no depth to cover for- something that was acutely apparent in the struggles to fill the position in the first place.
To make matters worse, the injury is of such a nature that it probably represents the most serious injury in Magiltons entire time as manager. Not only was Civelli immediately ruled out for the rest of the season, but its now apparent that he isnt due to regain fitness until 2010. After such a long search for a left-midfielder, having to go without again for such a long period of time could have a serious impact on the first half of next season also.
At such a critical time, both metaphorically and literally, in Magiltons time as manager, he must be wondering if perhaps fate is playing a hand in his future.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Ipswich Win an Award!
Well, a fan does, anyway. Ipswich Town supporter, Warner Duff has won the EA SPORTS Fan of the Year Award at the 2009 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo¿s Top 50 Football League Players.
Warner received the award at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House, Park Lane on Sunday evening in front of more than 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.
Run in conjunction with BBC Radio 5 Live, nominations for this Award were invited from fans of all Football League clubs. Warner was nominated by his club's manager Jim Magilton who said "Warner epitomises everything that is so good about a football club. His is the disabled liaison officer, but more than that, he is a friend of the players, and he's been a fan for quite a number of years.
"He's very deserving of this award, I couldn't think of anybody that deserves it more."
Warner has worked as a volunteer with the club for the last eight years. He provides the first line liaison between supporters with disabilities and the Club's ticket office. Warner works with the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) by helping the Club to formulate its policies regarding supporters and disabilities. He plays a vital role in the adoption of new procedures and facilities and has recently been the driving force behind the RNIB's Soccer Sight project, providing specialist matchday commentary for supporters with visual impairment. Available for both home and away matches, he spends much of his personal time helping the club.
The Fan of the Year judging panel commented: "Warner is a lifelong fan, whose selfless commitment and support has seen him not only overcome his own personal disabilities but dedicate himself to helping other Ipswich supporters in similar situations, improve their matchday experience. The judging panel feels Warner is a truly deserved winner of the EA Sports Fan of the Year title."
Warner himself was naturally delighted to be the "chosen one".
"I was nominated by our manager, Jim Magilton, and that was brilliant so I was already a winner. But I've been an Ipswich fan since 1974 and this award is amazing, not just for me but for all disabled supporters. Facilities at grounds have improved beyond recognition over the last five or six years, and although there's still more to do I think that great progress is being made."
Congratulations all round to Warner for ensuring that Ipswich win something this year!
Warner received the award at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House, Park Lane on Sunday evening in front of more than 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.
Run in conjunction with BBC Radio 5 Live, nominations for this Award were invited from fans of all Football League clubs. Warner was nominated by his club's manager Jim Magilton who said "Warner epitomises everything that is so good about a football club. His is the disabled liaison officer, but more than that, he is a friend of the players, and he's been a fan for quite a number of years.
"He's very deserving of this award, I couldn't think of anybody that deserves it more."
Warner has worked as a volunteer with the club for the last eight years. He provides the first line liaison between supporters with disabilities and the Club's ticket office. Warner works with the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) by helping the Club to formulate its policies regarding supporters and disabilities. He plays a vital role in the adoption of new procedures and facilities and has recently been the driving force behind the RNIB's Soccer Sight project, providing specialist matchday commentary for supporters with visual impairment. Available for both home and away matches, he spends much of his personal time helping the club.
The Fan of the Year judging panel commented: "Warner is a lifelong fan, whose selfless commitment and support has seen him not only overcome his own personal disabilities but dedicate himself to helping other Ipswich supporters in similar situations, improve their matchday experience. The judging panel feels Warner is a truly deserved winner of the EA Sports Fan of the Year title."
Warner himself was naturally delighted to be the "chosen one".
"I was nominated by our manager, Jim Magilton, and that was brilliant so I was already a winner. But I've been an Ipswich fan since 1974 and this award is amazing, not just for me but for all disabled supporters. Facilities at grounds have improved beyond recognition over the last five or six years, and although there's still more to do I think that great progress is being made."
Congratulations all round to Warner for ensuring that Ipswich win something this year!
Friday, 20 March 2009
Broken Dreams?
Following Towns draw against Burnley and Cardiffs last-gasp victory over Watford, surely Towns season is finally over? Or perhaps if that wasnt enough evidence, then maybe the season-ending injuries for Jon Walters and Luciano Civelli are?
Its been a very strange couple of weeks for Ipswich Town.
After the season low-point, and perhaps Jim Magiltons managerial lowpoint, of the 3-0 defeat to Southampton, the rest of the season seemed to be panned out.
A gentle run into the finish, with odd bright spots, but general despondency as we watched other teams seal promotion, seemed the likely outcome.
But then two excellent away performances, taking four points from top three opposition, left things very much on an upward curve. The signing of Giovanni Dos Santos had revitalised supporters hopes further, a signing perhaps gaining more excitement than any since Francis Jeffers had arrived back in 2006.
Only for an untimely draw against Burnley to stop things in their tracks once again. The Burnley result in its own right was not particularly bad, especially when considering the very good 3-0 victory at Turf Moor earlier in the season, but its timing was, given that they were the last play-off side we could probably have any realistic hopes of catching at this stage.
Burnleys 7 point lead looks entirely unnassailable. Ipswich have failed to put a winning run together of more than 2 games in Magiltons entire reign as manager. Even if they become Barcelona and win all 7 games, they are relying on Burnley failing to win three of their remaining 7.
Hopes could perhaps then turn to Cardiff with their 5 point lead? In truth the real hope was that tiredness would prevent them amassing any further points from the lop-sided amount of remaining games they have. Their subsequent victory over Watford, increasing the gap to 8 points, perhaps demonstrated that was wishful thinking.
So, was it over then? Not quite. Having finally found a player to fit the troublesome left-midfield spot, the season ending injury to Luciano Civelli seemed to be a final indication to fans that, this season, its not going to happen.
The last couple of weeks have seen good news follow more good news, followed by bad news and more bad news. Much like the rest of this inconsistent season.
Its been a very strange couple of weeks for Ipswich Town.
After the season low-point, and perhaps Jim Magiltons managerial lowpoint, of the 3-0 defeat to Southampton, the rest of the season seemed to be panned out.
A gentle run into the finish, with odd bright spots, but general despondency as we watched other teams seal promotion, seemed the likely outcome.
But then two excellent away performances, taking four points from top three opposition, left things very much on an upward curve. The signing of Giovanni Dos Santos had revitalised supporters hopes further, a signing perhaps gaining more excitement than any since Francis Jeffers had arrived back in 2006.
Only for an untimely draw against Burnley to stop things in their tracks once again. The Burnley result in its own right was not particularly bad, especially when considering the very good 3-0 victory at Turf Moor earlier in the season, but its timing was, given that they were the last play-off side we could probably have any realistic hopes of catching at this stage.
Burnleys 7 point lead looks entirely unnassailable. Ipswich have failed to put a winning run together of more than 2 games in Magiltons entire reign as manager. Even if they become Barcelona and win all 7 games, they are relying on Burnley failing to win three of their remaining 7.
Hopes could perhaps then turn to Cardiff with their 5 point lead? In truth the real hope was that tiredness would prevent them amassing any further points from the lop-sided amount of remaining games they have. Their subsequent victory over Watford, increasing the gap to 8 points, perhaps demonstrated that was wishful thinking.
So, was it over then? Not quite. Having finally found a player to fit the troublesome left-midfield spot, the season ending injury to Luciano Civelli seemed to be a final indication to fans that, this season, its not going to happen.
The last couple of weeks have seen good news follow more good news, followed by bad news and more bad news. Much like the rest of this inconsistent season.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Square Pegs and Round Holes
The expression "square pegs in round holes" is one which has been used regularly by fans during the course of Ipswich's current season, to explain the lack of cohesion within the team. Whilst as a statement it's quite apt, the problem is even simpler - using a squad system without squad players.
Tuesday night's defeat against Southampton seemed to represent another watermark moment in Town's season, to be listed alongside, 'the first time fans booed Jim Magiltons substitutions', and 'the first time fans chanted: We want Magilton out'.
Simply, this one was about the paucity of performance.
But it felt like the worst example of a situation which has existed in many other Ipswich Town matches this season, namely that of players being asked to fill unfamiliar roles. And filling them without a great deal of success.
The most obvious change in how Jim Magilton, or any other previous Town manager, has approached this season, is in his attempt to build a squad of talented players and then alternate them based on form and fitness at any given moment. Its a system which has been used with some success by the leading managers in the Premiership, so there is some precedent for such a system.
With one major difference.
Top premiership clubs are rotating players who arent just playing at that level because they are outstanding footballers, but also because they are capable not only of retaining sharpness when dropped in and out of the squad, but also because they are able to retain a level of performance if asked to play in different positions.
Manchester United are a perfect example of this. Ryan Giggs can be asked to play at left midfield, right midfield, centre midfield or even as a forward player, and the level of performance is still high. For a lesser example, John O'Shea is currently filling the right-back berth, yet has also played in central midfield and in his more accustomed centre-back role.
Yes, these are better footballers, but thats exactly the point.
Quite simply, we dont need David Norris to be able to perform like Ryan Giggs and we dont expect him to. But if we want him to play at left-midfield, right-midfield or centre midfield, then we are expecting him to have a level of footballing adaptability that isnt present in many Premiership footballers, let alone Championship footballers.
David Norris is not alone in this. Our squad is littered with players that most fans have argued on numerous occasions is good in one position, but has struggled somewhat when asked to play in his non-natural position. To the name of David Norris, you can add- Owen Garvan, Jon Walters, Alex Bruce, Pim Balkestein, Jon Stead, Kevin Lisbie, David Wright, Tommy Miller and Alan Quinn.
Our current first team "squad" is not filled with "squad" footballers, it is filled with players who are more than capable of performing to a high level in the Championship in their recognised position. By playing them in alternative positions is all too often bringing about a drop in their level of performance. Individuals not performing to the best of their ability means the team are not playing to the best of their abilities. Which, in turn, means we are beaten by teams which are.
Tuesday night's defeat against Southampton seemed to represent another watermark moment in Town's season, to be listed alongside, 'the first time fans booed Jim Magiltons substitutions', and 'the first time fans chanted: We want Magilton out'.
Simply, this one was about the paucity of performance.
But it felt like the worst example of a situation which has existed in many other Ipswich Town matches this season, namely that of players being asked to fill unfamiliar roles. And filling them without a great deal of success.
The most obvious change in how Jim Magilton, or any other previous Town manager, has approached this season, is in his attempt to build a squad of talented players and then alternate them based on form and fitness at any given moment. Its a system which has been used with some success by the leading managers in the Premiership, so there is some precedent for such a system.
With one major difference.
Top premiership clubs are rotating players who arent just playing at that level because they are outstanding footballers, but also because they are capable not only of retaining sharpness when dropped in and out of the squad, but also because they are able to retain a level of performance if asked to play in different positions.
Manchester United are a perfect example of this. Ryan Giggs can be asked to play at left midfield, right midfield, centre midfield or even as a forward player, and the level of performance is still high. For a lesser example, John O'Shea is currently filling the right-back berth, yet has also played in central midfield and in his more accustomed centre-back role.
Yes, these are better footballers, but thats exactly the point.
Quite simply, we dont need David Norris to be able to perform like Ryan Giggs and we dont expect him to. But if we want him to play at left-midfield, right-midfield or centre midfield, then we are expecting him to have a level of footballing adaptability that isnt present in many Premiership footballers, let alone Championship footballers.
David Norris is not alone in this. Our squad is littered with players that most fans have argued on numerous occasions is good in one position, but has struggled somewhat when asked to play in his non-natural position. To the name of David Norris, you can add- Owen Garvan, Jon Walters, Alex Bruce, Pim Balkestein, Jon Stead, Kevin Lisbie, David Wright, Tommy Miller and Alan Quinn.
Our current first team "squad" is not filled with "squad" footballers, it is filled with players who are more than capable of performing to a high level in the Championship in their recognised position. By playing them in alternative positions is all too often bringing about a drop in their level of performance. Individuals not performing to the best of their ability means the team are not playing to the best of their abilities. Which, in turn, means we are beaten by teams which are.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Garvan v. Miller
After the stand-off over the summer between player and club regarding his new contract, Owen Garvan was all set for a big season with Ipswich. Yet, he has found himself in a battle for a first team place with that player who in many ways represents the opposite of Garvan, Tommy Miller.
Both Tommy Miller and Owen Garvan have found themselves in and out of the squad over the duration of the season so far. Yet, its been Miller who has found himself in posession of the shirt as the season gets into its most important phase.
Whilst Garvan represents youth and the academy, two factors which are guaranteed to make any player a fan favourite, Miller has, until recently, been something of an anti-hero amongst fans.
On this website, we have often unashamedly championed the cause of Tommy Miller. However, this season really does seem to be turning into a victory for style over substance.
Garvans popularity amongst the fan base ensures that his delicate and measured skills will always be appreciated. Undeniably, he is a player of some class. But, there are clear flaws in his game. He cannot help a lack of pace, something which unfortunately is not going to improve. However, his finishing and awareness in front of goal has often been found wanting. Whilst 6 goals is a healthy return and represents the best goalscoring form of his career, it is pushed up by two direct free kick goals which, even in the best light, could not be described as shots on goal.
Equally, his poor tackling ability, which has often resulted in cards previously in his career, ensure that he cannot be used in certain roles.
Miller, by contrast, has been steady and controlled all season, in whatever role he has been asked to play. His defensive skills ensure the ball is retained and used intelligently, whilst his offensive skills, which are clearly the strong suite in his game, have been pushed to the fore in recent weeks. Reliably able to perform in a variety of positions, and change mid-game, the question marks over whether he would be rewarded with a new contract have been replaced by questions about who should play alongside him.
And currently it seems that question mark now appears over Owen Garvans head.
Both Tommy Miller and Owen Garvan have found themselves in and out of the squad over the duration of the season so far. Yet, its been Miller who has found himself in posession of the shirt as the season gets into its most important phase.
Whilst Garvan represents youth and the academy, two factors which are guaranteed to make any player a fan favourite, Miller has, until recently, been something of an anti-hero amongst fans.
On this website, we have often unashamedly championed the cause of Tommy Miller. However, this season really does seem to be turning into a victory for style over substance.
Garvans popularity amongst the fan base ensures that his delicate and measured skills will always be appreciated. Undeniably, he is a player of some class. But, there are clear flaws in his game. He cannot help a lack of pace, something which unfortunately is not going to improve. However, his finishing and awareness in front of goal has often been found wanting. Whilst 6 goals is a healthy return and represents the best goalscoring form of his career, it is pushed up by two direct free kick goals which, even in the best light, could not be described as shots on goal.
Equally, his poor tackling ability, which has often resulted in cards previously in his career, ensure that he cannot be used in certain roles.
Miller, by contrast, has been steady and controlled all season, in whatever role he has been asked to play. His defensive skills ensure the ball is retained and used intelligently, whilst his offensive skills, which are clearly the strong suite in his game, have been pushed to the fore in recent weeks. Reliably able to perform in a variety of positions, and change mid-game, the question marks over whether he would be rewarded with a new contract have been replaced by questions about who should play alongside him.
And currently it seems that question mark now appears over Owen Garvans head.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The 50-50 Deal
Ipswich are shortly to announce the signing of Argentinian Luciano Civelli, but perhaps the most curious aspect of the transfer is the fact that Town are due to own 50% of the player. Whilst the idea of a 3rd party owning the other 50% seems immediately concerning, in another time and another place for Ipswich Town it could have made quite a positive influence.
The concept of a club owning 50% of a player, with a 3rd party owning the remaining 50%, is something which does not appear to be altogether uncommon in Civellis home country of Argentina.
With clubs in financial difficulties, the option to effectively sell half of a players rights to an outside source, whilst still keeping the player whilst he generates further value, has proved quite an attractive option. Particularly when the alternative not only involves losing the player, but also failing to attract a significant fee as a result of the clubs financial position.
All of which raises a "what if" hypothetical situation. Back in 2002, with Town in ever-growing financial trouble, eventually ending in administration, the impact of entering into such 50-50 deals could have changed the shape of the football club completely.
As seems to be the case in South America, these deals are generally done for young players with future worth that a 3rd party can speculate on. In 2002, two such players at Town would have been Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent. And so, the "what if" scenario. With Town struggling to find buyers for their players, and at reasonable prices, they sell 50% of the future playing rights of both Darrens to whoever is interested. They could realistically expect to receive £2m for the two of them.
Fast forward to February 2003. Town go into administration and are forced to sell Hermann Hreidarsson and Darren Ambrose for £1m each, claiming that if they could have made one more sale, administration could have been avoided. Joe Royle blames Towns narrow failure in the transfer market on their inability to bring in any players on loan. Town spend the next 3 years paying off their CVA payments.
In the "what if" scenario, the 50% deals done with Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose change the picture entirely. By February 2003, Town sell Hreidarsson, but are able to retain Ambrose having already obtained a similar fee for him just six months earlier. The fee obtained for Darren Bent is sufficient enough to avoid administration and the club are able to make loan signings.
The consequences for the long term prospects of the club, having retained players and having avoided administration, could have been immense.
Sure, it is all hypothetical. Time, and Ipswich Town, have moved on. But it does make a lot of sense of the 50% clauses which, whilst appearing mysterious, are clearly extremely beneficial and could actually be of some benefit in the English game.
The concept of a club owning 50% of a player, with a 3rd party owning the remaining 50%, is something which does not appear to be altogether uncommon in Civellis home country of Argentina.
With clubs in financial difficulties, the option to effectively sell half of a players rights to an outside source, whilst still keeping the player whilst he generates further value, has proved quite an attractive option. Particularly when the alternative not only involves losing the player, but also failing to attract a significant fee as a result of the clubs financial position.
All of which raises a "what if" hypothetical situation. Back in 2002, with Town in ever-growing financial trouble, eventually ending in administration, the impact of entering into such 50-50 deals could have changed the shape of the football club completely.
As seems to be the case in South America, these deals are generally done for young players with future worth that a 3rd party can speculate on. In 2002, two such players at Town would have been Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent. And so, the "what if" scenario. With Town struggling to find buyers for their players, and at reasonable prices, they sell 50% of the future playing rights of both Darrens to whoever is interested. They could realistically expect to receive £2m for the two of them.
Fast forward to February 2003. Town go into administration and are forced to sell Hermann Hreidarsson and Darren Ambrose for £1m each, claiming that if they could have made one more sale, administration could have been avoided. Joe Royle blames Towns narrow failure in the transfer market on their inability to bring in any players on loan. Town spend the next 3 years paying off their CVA payments.
In the "what if" scenario, the 50% deals done with Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose change the picture entirely. By February 2003, Town sell Hreidarsson, but are able to retain Ambrose having already obtained a similar fee for him just six months earlier. The fee obtained for Darren Bent is sufficient enough to avoid administration and the club are able to make loan signings.
The consequences for the long term prospects of the club, having retained players and having avoided administration, could have been immense.
Sure, it is all hypothetical. Time, and Ipswich Town, have moved on. But it does make a lot of sense of the 50% clauses which, whilst appearing mysterious, are clearly extremely beneficial and could actually be of some benefit in the English game.
Friday, 9 January 2009
End Of Another Era?
With todays news that Kevin Beeston has stepped down from his position on the board, along with three further resignations on the plc board (including Beeston again), does this signify the end for fans with shareholdings in the club? It does not seem long before the dream of supporters "being a part" of the club reaches its end after just 6 short years.
When Marcus Evans took control of Ipswich Town Football Club, one issue which needed careful resolution was that of the supporters who had invested in club shares.
Whilst the financial implications of these shareholdings were negligible in the context of the takeover, it represented much of how the Football Club had wished to be viewed- As something deeply rooted in its surrounding community, with those very supporters who travelled from the far corners of that community owning a little piece of the club, no matter how small.
It was an ideology which provided the backbone towards making the 2003 share issue the success it desperately needed to be. Without enough supporters wishing to "Be a part of IT", the club may well have been in entirely different shape to that in which Marcus Evans found it.
Thus, Marcus Evans invested in Ipswich Town Football Club, whilst the existing shareholdings remained in Ipswich Town Football Club Plc. As a result of the weight of Evans investment,. these shareholdings only amounted to 12% of the total, but this was of little significance. The 3,000 or so supporters retained their piece of the football club that they had invested in (In fact, even financially, with the club on a much sounder footing than previously, its arguable that the diminished shareholdings may have improved in value).
Within a year of the takeover, the shape of the football club and its plc have changed further still. After the takeover, there was a 50/50 split on the football club board between existing Ipswich Town employees and Marcus Evans employees. However, following todays announcement that Beeston is to step down, along with David Sheepshanks taking on a non-executive role midway through 2008, Chief Executive Derek Bowden is the only salaried director left remaining from the old board.
Similarly, whilst the plc allowed those ordinary fans to retain their shares, those left behind to run it are left with little involvement in the greater picture. Representing such a minor share in the football club, the involvement of the plc in the football club overall is hugely diminished. Perhaps as a result, today has also seen three directors step down from their roles with the plc. In the cases of Beeston and Holly Bellingham, they represent Directors whos involvement in the football club, pre-Marcus Evans, was substantial.
As things stand, the shares remaining in the plc do so because Evans is fulfilling obligations he made when taking over the club. In the same way that the club issued shareholders with an overview of the clubs accounts, rather than the full report they were used to previously. There is no requirements to issue anything anymore, but it is done to maintain some sense of loyalty to those fans who bought "a part of IT".
It remains to be seen how long he feels the need to maintain those obligations. Given the reduced role of the plc, it surely is only a matter of time before a compulsory purchase is made of the remaining shares and the club falls under a single board of directorship, governed by Marcus Evans employees.
It seems the inevitable conclusion for fans who could proudly say "I own a bit of IT". Most of those will accept the conclusion too- after all, its quite evident that the club is far better off financially than it was before the takeover and far better prepared to reach the premiership and remain there. Which, in the end, is what we all want.
But, whilst accepting it, there will be some sadness at the ending of another era.
When Marcus Evans took control of Ipswich Town Football Club, one issue which needed careful resolution was that of the supporters who had invested in club shares.
Whilst the financial implications of these shareholdings were negligible in the context of the takeover, it represented much of how the Football Club had wished to be viewed- As something deeply rooted in its surrounding community, with those very supporters who travelled from the far corners of that community owning a little piece of the club, no matter how small.
It was an ideology which provided the backbone towards making the 2003 share issue the success it desperately needed to be. Without enough supporters wishing to "Be a part of IT", the club may well have been in entirely different shape to that in which Marcus Evans found it.
Thus, Marcus Evans invested in Ipswich Town Football Club, whilst the existing shareholdings remained in Ipswich Town Football Club Plc. As a result of the weight of Evans investment,. these shareholdings only amounted to 12% of the total, but this was of little significance. The 3,000 or so supporters retained their piece of the football club that they had invested in (In fact, even financially, with the club on a much sounder footing than previously, its arguable that the diminished shareholdings may have improved in value).
Within a year of the takeover, the shape of the football club and its plc have changed further still. After the takeover, there was a 50/50 split on the football club board between existing Ipswich Town employees and Marcus Evans employees. However, following todays announcement that Beeston is to step down, along with David Sheepshanks taking on a non-executive role midway through 2008, Chief Executive Derek Bowden is the only salaried director left remaining from the old board.
Similarly, whilst the plc allowed those ordinary fans to retain their shares, those left behind to run it are left with little involvement in the greater picture. Representing such a minor share in the football club, the involvement of the plc in the football club overall is hugely diminished. Perhaps as a result, today has also seen three directors step down from their roles with the plc. In the cases of Beeston and Holly Bellingham, they represent Directors whos involvement in the football club, pre-Marcus Evans, was substantial.
As things stand, the shares remaining in the plc do so because Evans is fulfilling obligations he made when taking over the club. In the same way that the club issued shareholders with an overview of the clubs accounts, rather than the full report they were used to previously. There is no requirements to issue anything anymore, but it is done to maintain some sense of loyalty to those fans who bought "a part of IT".
It remains to be seen how long he feels the need to maintain those obligations. Given the reduced role of the plc, it surely is only a matter of time before a compulsory purchase is made of the remaining shares and the club falls under a single board of directorship, governed by Marcus Evans employees.
It seems the inevitable conclusion for fans who could proudly say "I own a bit of IT". Most of those will accept the conclusion too- after all, its quite evident that the club is far better off financially than it was before the takeover and far better prepared to reach the premiership and remain there. Which, in the end, is what we all want.
But, whilst accepting it, there will be some sadness at the ending of another era.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
John The (Gor)Man?
Perhaps in response to criticism over the current management, Town have announced the return of John Gorman to the club as Assistant Manager. Could he bring about a similar up-turn in fortunes to that which coincided with his previous arrival at the club?
The appointment of an experienced assistant manager will be viewed by many as an admission by either the current manager or the current owner, that the existing staff are not sufficiently equipped to manage the football club.
Clearly, employing new staff does indicate an area of the club is deficient. But an admission that more experience and knowledge is required is not necessarily an admittance of failure.
Back in the summer of 2006, when Jim Magilton and Bryan Klug were unveiled as the clubs new management team, Magilton spoke of the need to bring in an experienced man to work alongside him in a role dubbed "Director of Football".
As time passed and finances continued to dictate, the idea appeared to have disappeared. Money spend on further coaching staff could equally be spent on players.
Until now. With resources no longer such a pressing concern, Magilton has taken the opportunity to employ that experienced assistance he spoke of back in 2006.
Gorman has coached the very best players at the very highest level during his time with England. For all that has been made of Glenn Hoddles coaching methods, the style of football and intelligent approach to tactics employed during those spells are beyond question.
More importantly, he has also worked at Portman Road before. His methods are known, his mentality is known, his approach is known. He will slot in comfortably alongside the existing management team and cannot fail to add knowledge and experience. He could turn out to be Jim Magiltons most important signing as manager.
The appointment of an experienced assistant manager will be viewed by many as an admission by either the current manager or the current owner, that the existing staff are not sufficiently equipped to manage the football club.
Clearly, employing new staff does indicate an area of the club is deficient. But an admission that more experience and knowledge is required is not necessarily an admittance of failure.
Back in the summer of 2006, when Jim Magilton and Bryan Klug were unveiled as the clubs new management team, Magilton spoke of the need to bring in an experienced man to work alongside him in a role dubbed "Director of Football".
As time passed and finances continued to dictate, the idea appeared to have disappeared. Money spend on further coaching staff could equally be spent on players.
Until now. With resources no longer such a pressing concern, Magilton has taken the opportunity to employ that experienced assistance he spoke of back in 2006.
Gorman has coached the very best players at the very highest level during his time with England. For all that has been made of Glenn Hoddles coaching methods, the style of football and intelligent approach to tactics employed during those spells are beyond question.
More importantly, he has also worked at Portman Road before. His methods are known, his mentality is known, his approach is known. He will slot in comfortably alongside the existing management team and cannot fail to add knowledge and experience. He could turn out to be Jim Magiltons most important signing as manager.
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