The Town Jigsaw Is Almost Complete!

I am looking forward to the forthcoming season and with a greater sense of optimism than for some time.

Yes, we have lost Tyrone Mings but look what we got in return! A lot of dosh and two quality players to work with so is it any wonder that manager Mick McCarthy seems to be wearing an almost permanent Cheshire cat grin these days!

It is in the attacking third of the field that excites me most. Daryl Murphy looks set to stay unless his head is turned by a Premier club’s interest and David McGoldrick is on his way back – which will not only strengthen our goal scoring opportunities but will also bolster the chances we create.

And when it comes to creativity we have young Teddy Bishop who will have learned a lot from his first season of Championship football and I think like a good wine that matures with time, he is destined to get better and better in a Town shirt.

The attack looks particularly appealing. Freddie Sears is undoubtedly a Premier player in hiding and having taken a step or two back in football terms he is now ready to go full throttle again this term I believe.

Some one else with something to prove perhaps is former Manchester City winger Alex Henshall. There is no doubting his ability and according to the manager he has worked over-time to get himself up pace for the new campaign and perhaps this time around he will also realise his true potential.

Our season long loan players have something to prove as well and not just to themselves but to their parent clubs and Ipswich Town supporters alike. I am really looking forward to seeing Ryan Frazer storming down the wings and he score goals too which as been the achilles heel of our midfield for many seasons now.

Arsenal youngster 17 year old Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a rich talent who has all the attributes to go all the way in the game and when he plays we can expect excitement and some goals and he can play anywhere along the midfield apparently so it all bodes well for the future.

I hope that our manager advocates playing David McGoldrick just behind the front two in an Eric Gates role, as former Blues favourite Mick Mills has alluded to. I really do believe that with Murphs and Sears up front and McGoldrick supporting, we can expect bags of goals!

He has the guile and football intelligence to unlock defences with a good pass and we all know about his ability to find the net!

To have someone like Brett Pitman coming off the bench is a luxury we have never really had before and it will make a refreshing change from seeing Frank Nouble warming up to join the fray!

Then we have more new kids on the block that are determined to make an impression this term. Winger Dylan Connolly should get some game time and so too should fellow Irishman Adam McDonnell. They are young and hungry and I believe their time will come.

So then to sum up, Mick the Man will have his sights set on automatic promotion this term although he is far to shrewd to say so publicly.

Under the Yorkshire man our defence has been sound for some time and Jonathan Parr can fill the gap left by Tyrone Mings quite adequately in my view. After all he was bought as a left back and now finally he can play there!

So with just over a month to go before the new Championship campaign kicks off in earnest, I am feeling decidedly confident that at long last, we can start hammering on that Premiership door with conviction once again!

Come on you blues!


Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich