Ipswich Town
Leggi Looks At: Town
By Aston
July 30 2008
STB message boarder Leggi is back after again looking ahead to next season, giving us his opinion on Town's squad and chances for 2008/2009.
Town start their 7th consecutive season in The Championship (our longest reign in 2nd tier football since the club were formed) having had a promising pre-season with no loses, but only one 'real' test (west Brom) against better opposition. (West Ham still to come)
And it is now 'crunch time' for Jim Magilton and his three year plan, Marcus Evans starts his first full season as owner and promotion is an absolute must if Jim is still to be in job next May.
Some Quality signings have been made during the summer months and this can only be a massive boost to our already talented squad. The arrivals of the experienced Richard Wright, Kevin Lisbie and Gareth McAuley blended with our excellent youngsters can only make for a better season this time around. Add to this Pim Balkestein who I feel will fill our troubled left back spot and we have a team that will be knocking on the door to The Premierships, come May!!!
All credit to Jim who has spent his money wisely over the last three months, He has filled the gaps that need filling, and managing to keep hold of last seasons 'star of the season' Jon Walters, despite prying Premiership eyes, also deserves much praise.
THE SQUAD
1. Richard Wright
2. David Wright
4. Gareth McAuley
5. Alex Bruce
6. Richard Naylor
7. Owen Garvan
8. Tommy Miller
9. Pablo Counago
10. David Norris
11. Kevin Lisbie
12. Jaime Peters
14. Alan Lee
15. Pim Balkestein
16. Chris Casement
17. Dean Bowditch
18. Danny Haynes
19. Jon Walters
23. Dan Harding
24. Billy Clarke
25. Alan Quinn
26. Velice Sumulikoski
27. Shane Supple
29. Edward Upson
30. Matt Richards
35. Tommy Smith
36. Liam Trotter
37. Kurt Robinson
38. Jordan Rhodes
39. Jai Reason
Our squad is much stronger this year, the defence looks solid, with Alex Bruce coming on leaps and bounds last season, although his distribution still needs work. David Wright and Gareth McAuley always 'do their job' and the tough, Balkestein will I hope settle in well to the left back spot, but don't be surprised if he sees red a few times, as he can easily lose his head in games. Richard Wright behind these four will keep them on their toes, and although hardly playing first team games in the last eight years, it is good to see some experienced, talented hands back between the sticks for The Blues.
Our Midfield is(on its day) the strongest in this Division, Garvan is always exceptional at Fortress Portman Road, I only wish he would take this form on his travels to, as he looks a timid youngster every time I've seen him play. Tommy Miller (the missing man) had a very disappointing season and I hope we see the Miller of old back in the blue shirt this time around, otherwise although very friendly with Jim, he could be shown the door in January. Alan Quinn has a very sweet left foot and will be hoping to state a claim for a regular first team spot. Jon Walters gives his all in every game, he has relished his move from lower league football and fully deserved his gong for Player of the year last season. David Norris has yet to find his feet in Suffolk, so much promise is expected from the ex-Plymouth star and I have no doubt he will be better for us this season bagging us a few goals from midfield. Velice Sumulikoski, Liam Trotter, Danny Haynes and Jaime Peters are all banging on the door for regular starts too.
'Up top' I think Jim will opt to use Alan Lee and new boy Kevin Lisbie (who has already got 2 goals in 2 games for Town) as our main strike force this season, the duo seemed to be forming a good partnership and were singled out for much praise against Brighton on Tuesday night. Pablo 'The fans favourite' failed to light up the League last year, and I now see what Joe Royle didn't like in the guy. Again an amazing talent, but his head drops ever so quickly if things aren't going his way, a nasty temperament too!! Fancy flicks and backheel don't work in this League I'm afraid, Pablo. The reserve team hot-shot Jordan Rhodes was given a few minutes of play in the last 10 or so games last season, but he needs to get a few 90 minutes under his belt, before we can see what he's really about. As long as Jim doesn't play with one striker in away games, we have enough talent whoever plays in the top two roles.
Leggi looks ahead
So, we kick-off next Saturday at home to Preston North-End, in what will be a much stronger Division this season, then face a trip to Burnley and a tough trip to the only team to do 'the double' over the Tractorboys last season- Watford. With more difficult games against Reading and Wolves sandwiched in-between at Portman Road it is a very tricky first month ahead for The Blues.
I feel how we perform in these opening five games will be the catalyst of how far this squad will go this season, a win in our first game(away from PR) at Burnley will put our voodoo of last season to bed and should set us up for more difficult winter trips ahead. Add a couple of decent wins at home in the first few games and it could be a very promising 9 months ahead.
Providing we do get off to a flying start, the only real threat to Town taking the title this season are Birmingham City who have added well to their already Premiership squad.
Our 'run-in' looks on paper pretty straightforward and will decide whether The Championship comes back to Suffolk or Brum. Only 1 of our last 6 games I would describe as difficult and that's Sheffield Utd away. But it's the so-called easier games in which Town always slip up, and I feel we'll hand the title to the blues of Birmingham, but I'll be happy with second spot anyway, won't you?
Oh and I also predict a first double over the Budgies for 15 years too, they'll be very poor again.
Oh to be 'The Pride of Anglia' hey Timmy.
'Leggi looks at:' shall be returning next week, Lets look forward to a great season ahead.
Leggi
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