Is No News Good News For Ipswich Town?

The distinct lack of transfer activity at Portman Road is cause for serious concern. Norwich City acquired striker Marley Watkins under the noses of the Blues, whilst our manager suns himself far away from any prying eyes.

In fairness, it was very unlikely that we could have afforded Watkins anyway – even though we have been tracking him for some time. Our arch rivals have the financial clout and the prestige that we sadly lack these days and it goes to show, just how far we have fallen from grace under the combined leadership – or otherwise of Marcus Evans and Mick McCarthy.

Since Daryl Murphy left we have been badly in need of a suitable replacement and yet still we wait, ever so patiently, for some positive news on the striker front.

It is all a bit depressing really. There seems to be a discernible lack of activity from us on the transfer front and although things can change quickly, we have not had much of a sniff of late.

The fear of course is that we will make do with mediocrity once more and end up with more loan players and freebies that other Championship clubs show little interest in.

Certainly while McCarthy enjoys the sun there is little hope of anything much happening any time soon and perhaps the best thing we can do is all take a holiday because until our manager returns, it seems very likely that the player hunting has been put on hold.

David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy paired up again for the Irish in Mexico as they fell to a 3-1 defeat in a friendly out there. Jesus Corona, Raul Jimenez from the penalty spot and Carlos Vela netted for the Mexicans before Ireland sub Stephen Gleeson pulled a goal back just 13 minutes from time but it was not worth staying up for that’s for sure!

Perhaps more relevant is the news that young Andre Dozzell has joined up with the England under 19 squad, in preparation for the European Championships in Georgia next month.

The call-up means that Dozzell will miss the start of pre-season training with the Blues with the squad due back at Playford Road on June 26th and the Young Lions will face Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Germany and that game, on July 9th, will be shown live on Eurosport for anyone who is interested.

As for our friend Watkins, Norwich got him on a free and he has signed a three year contract apparently.


Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich