Is The Tide Turning For Town?

Skeptics might argue that it is nothing but a false dawn and let`s face it, there have been many over the years. Being ever the optimist however, I would like to think that Mick McCarthy is finally starting to put the building blocks in place for a sustained assault on the Championship.

One thing that has been lacking since McCarthy took charge is pace and yet in recent months there have been signs that he is addressing this problem, with the acquisition of Alex Henshall and of course Cameron Stewart. Sadly, injuries have prevented Stewart from showing his true worth but more recently, when Henshall has been introduced, there is a new vitality about our attacking options and we all know that pace aligned to skill will get you goals!

Once again last night, Town started slowly but these days when you look at the bench at Ipswich, you see a greater depth to the squad and over the next few months, when the club is hit by injuries and the inevitable suspensions, it will be the squad that will tell us just how far we have progressed?

I am encouraged by what I am seeing with regard to the make-up of the squad. The return of Darren Ambrose is especially pleasing for Town fans that in recent years have only the memories of those golden years to cherish and with talk today that perhaps 25 year old Jack Collison might also join the ranks on a short term deal, there is indeed some room for optimism at HQ Portman Road!

Another reason to be cheerful is to see that Daryl Murphy does more these days with his right foot than merely using it for standing on and the two goals he had scored to date had both been with his right! Then last night, he remembered why he is a natural left-footer with a wonder strike for Town’s second. David McGoldrick is also starting to find a rich vein of form so there is every hope that Town could mount a serious challenge this term because at long last, we really do have quality in every department – a thing that has been lacking for so long in my view.

Tyrone Mings and Teddy Bishop have brought an invigorating youthfulness to the team and with pace and youth and also lots of experience, this could just be the season when we see the blues start knocking on heaven`s door!

What do you think? Here at Vital Ipswich we want everyone on board so tractor boys and tractor girls join the great debate, as we ask the question, has the tide turned for Ipswich Town?


F.W.