The crazy nature of football suggests that literally anything is possible and when, only a few weeks ago, the chances of both Barcelona and Manchester City making it to the Champions League semi-finals seemed highly likely, the reality of course was entirely different. Perhaps then, Prime Minister Theresa May should view with much more reverence the words ‘highly likely.’
And when Steven Gerrard hit the football gossip pages as in the frame for the Ipswich manager’s job, I considered this to be ‘highly unlikely’ but now I am not so sure?
Sky Bet have slashed his odds from 11/1 earlier in the week to 4/1 and bookies usually have a fair idea about the difference between football gossip and real substance so we must not be too flippant about the prospects of this actually happening.
Amazingly he is now second favourite for the post, and only Danny Cowley of Lincoln City is ahead of him at 2/1 and yet, he has already suggested he is ready to sign a new contract with the Imps and if he does extend his deal, then we may have a new managerial favourite before the Villa Game at Portman Road on Saturday!
It looks to as if there will be a biggish crowd too, thanks to the away following, the kids for a Quid promotion and the glorious weather we are having at the moment.
Do I think that Steven Gerrard is the right man for the job? Well, I have always admired him as a player and although I would be the first to admit we would be taking a big gamble then we should be used to it by now after Brexit I would have thought.
I am not sure if owner Marcus Evans plays poker or not but what I do know is that hiring Gerrard would be a shot in the dark and who knows where it might take us? He is however a very honest guy and a dedicated professional, who is cutting his managerial teeth with Liverpool’s youth team at the moment, and doing rather well it it by all accounts.
Unlike Mick McCarthy before him, I would not be averse to this appointment because most of our success in former times has come from taking risks and I am quite sure the entertainment value at Ipswich would improve massively. It would not be that difficult though, I must admit!
My preferred choice, however, is Dutchman Maurice Steijn but if we don’t go for him then Steve Gerrard or even Frank Lampard at 7/1 would be a shot in the arm for Ipswich Town football club.
Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich
