Is A Top Six Finish A Realistic Town Target?

The view of most supporters seems to be that we will miss out on a top six spot and that four in one chance of Premier promotion.

We are not yet at the halfway stage in our seasonal Championship challenge but the general consensus seems to be that we will finish around mid-table, at the end of this campaign.

But former players and current team members seem much more optimistic about our hopes of a play-off place and the father of starlet Andre Dozzell, is upbeat about Town’s chances of beating the odds – even if they are again, punching above their weight.

Jason Dozzell explained his reasoning for this by saying that he has enjoyed coming to Portman Road this season, which is contrary to what occurred last time around.

‘I’ve been really entertained by some of the football at home this season. I think the Forest game was the best I have seen at home for a long time.’

Unfortunately that was the one that I missed but having seen the extended highlights I have every reason to believe it was an exceptional performance but like witnessing lightening, can we expect it to strike twice?

I somehow doubt it, but if we can win games when we are not at our best, then surely a top six spot is still within our reach and the set of Christmas fixtures see us playing three of our four festive crackers all at home!

Dozzell explained his optimism by adding, ‘Christmas will be massive, not just for us, but all clubs. Teams can really make a move if it goes well and I see no reason why Ipswich can’t do it, with plenty of home games coming up. We can keep in and around the play-offs, maybe move into them. Why not?”

And Town midfielder Cole Skuse shares Jason’s positivity on the subject of possible promotion.

‘We’ve had some real good displays away from home but we want to make Portman Road a fortress and put the onus on other teams. If you`ve got a really good home record, it gives a lift to everyone and we all know it formed the backbone of our play-off season so why not again? We are still in a position to push for the top six spot and the home form has been good this year and our fans have been very vocal in getting behind us.’

With that sort of talk we have to stay positive and just hope that these guys really do know what they are talking about.

But the best Christmas present that any of us could wish for, is surely to see the Blues up there in the top six!


Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich