Now, I know we would all love to get to see the Blues at Wembley again via the play-offs, but surely an automatic promotion spot is not beyond us and then we could avoid all the agonies that potentially could prevail.
There are many reasons to be cheerful after our flying start to the new campaign, and although it is unwise to count our chickens, I really do believe we are going places this time around. Manager Paul Lambert has not only one of the biggest squads in League One but he also has one of the best and that is why Emyr Huws, Jon Nolan, and even sometimes Alan Judge and Will Keane find themselves on bench-warming duties.
Tomorrow, we are at home to the poor neighbours of Merseyside, Tranmere Rovers, but I am sure their supporters will give a warm welcome to James Norwood, who left the club after three seasons with some reluctance. Coming originally from this neck of the woods, I have always had a bit of a soft spot for The Rovs and their gaffer Micky Mellon is doing a fine job at the helm. In their last game, Tranmere scored twice in injury time to clinch an incredible 2-1 victory over Burton Albion at Prenton Park. It proves they have an abundance of collective self-belief and the Blues will have to be on their guard tomorrow afternoon at Portman Road – even if the hosts edge their noses in front!
The Town boss Paul Lambert has not only changed formations on a regular basis so far this term but also personnel. He can afford to do this because there is so much quality running throughout the squad. I hope that tomorrow afternoon he replicates what he did against Gillingham and employs Alan Judge just off the main two strikers, in a role reminiscent of the days of Eric Gates! The Irishman seems most suited to this position and the need to chase back is of less significance than if he was out on the wings, which I guess is just as well.
Ipswich will be hoping for a good crowd again but the away support will understandably be minimal. If the Blues could claim another home victory then they could, in theory at least, pull further away from their rivals because the Sky Blues have a challenging encounter against Doncaster Rovers at home and Wycombe play Rochdale away, which is no give-me at their place.
F.W. – editor of Vital Ipswich
