Having analysed closely Paul Hurst’s first official press conference today it is easy to see why he was the number one choice of owner Marcus Evans. He was not only very articulate and humorous but more importantly, he clearly spelt out his objectives for Ipswich Town going forward.
” I’m keen to assess the squad very quickly, add to it as soon as possible and see what we can achieve, ” he explained and he was not afraid to suggest that if he does not like what he sees, he will make the necessary changes to the squad and the style of play Ipswich adopt. “I’m just bored of watching games where players have got so much time on the ball and no-one is willing to go and press. It’s like watching a game of chess. If I wanted to play chess, that’s what I’d do. I want to play football. I want it to be high energy, I want it to try and be exciting where possible,” he said.
Hurst comes over as someone who has a clear insight into what is needed at Ipswich Town football club and has said that he will not be drawn into making predictions or promises that might not reach fruition. He also suggested that the good cop bad cop scenario that is sometimes played out between himself and his right-hand man Chris Doig has elements of truth in it – although some people might even imply that he is the bad boy!
I was encouraged by what I heard today and although actions will always speak much louder than words, this was a promising start in front of the camera’s and Hurst was not afraid to speak his mind. He believes that there is an imbalance in the squad and said that he always believed in having wingers bombing down the flanks but that alone would not do if they perpetually crossed the ball out of play. (Grant Ward be warned!)
His first game at Portman Road will take place on the 28th July, when the Blues take on West Ham United and perhaps by then, we will have a better idea of the kind of football Paul Hurst intends to play. As he said himself today, exciting the crowd is an essential element.
” Win, lose or draw, I want to come off knowing the players have given me and the fans everything. If we do that then I think we can all live with a little bit of disappointment easier. Hopefully, we’ll have a lot of good days.” It looks like the good days have only just begun dear Paul.
FW – editor of Vital Ipswich
