My last article caused an absolute uproar but I am hoping this one might appease the disgruntled because this is a very positive appraisal of manager Kieran McKenna and his Town squad in general. I have placed all my Premier predictions on my website: www.beingfrankonfootball.com if you wish to peruse, or indeed air your views!
If you want to enter this free-to-enter competition and have a chance to win 60 euros worth of food and drink vouchers to be consumed at Mr Coco’s in Amsterdam, then use the drop-down menu at www.amsterdamstun.com and join in the fun! The table is updated often and the rules are very straightforward. They have to be. I invented it! Three points if the team your pick finishes where you predict, and one point if they are one below or one above your original prediction. It is as simple as that!
Now back to the main theme of this article, and where I think Town might finish next season after 22 years outside the elite league. Under McKenna, we have become accustomed to surprising the opposition, and it is not a coincidence that we have made automatic promotion two years on the bounce. It relates to our work ethic and how our manager improves players. This is an essential part of the process, and why several players in and around the first-team squad still played with us in League One. We have also recruited well so far, and whilst the transfer window remains open until 11.00 am on August, 30th we can expect a few more additions.
What I believe we need to strengthen most is our midfield department. If we were to acquire Oliver Skipp for example, he would work well in tandem with Sam Morsy and boost our squad massively! Other players could do a similar job but they are not currently available. Manager Kieran McKenna knows that we need another speedy forward on the right side too, and I would dearly love to see Burnley youngster Wilson Odobert join us. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that he might. The jury is out on Sammie Szmodics but he is a midfielder who scores lots of goals so what is there not to like about this prospect? If we can strengthen in both areas before the window closes, Town could finish as high as 13th, with Broadhead and Hirst coming back as the season develops. So then, where do you think we will finish?
Bottom three
You are clearly not an Ipswich supporter Charlie. Norwich perhaps?
1st – Man City (boringly predictable I know – sorry)
2nd – Arsenal (ditto)
3rd – Newcastle
4th – Liverpool
5th – Villa
6th – Chelsea
7th – Man Utd
8th – Spurs
9th – West Ham
10th – Bournemouth
11th – Brighton
12th – Everton
13th – Palace
14th – Fulham
15th – Ipswich
16th – Brentford
17th – Southampton
18 th – Wolves
19th – Leicester
20th – Forest
My predictions are a bit similar Richard but I have gone for Arsenal to pip Manchester City at long last. Third time lucky perhaps?
I like it Richard!
How we handle the first two matches will be crucial. Two drubbings would be damaging to team morale and prick our bubble with a vengeance. Think we will fight tooth and nail against Liverpool and perhaps nick a draw. Different story at Man City though, can’t see past a 3 or 4 goal wake up call to the realities of life in the EPL. My bottom 3 picks allow for Leicester’s looming points deduction, Wolves getting steadily weaker in recent times and Forest just not being good enough full stop.
I am pleased to say that there was no drubbing against Liverpool – although our defence made sure of that in the end with some stoic defending. Now onto City where a drubbing is more likely I guess.
We will get 44 points 11 wins 11 draws and 16 defeats so it could be 14th or so but way ahead of the relegation places.
Hi Adrian, and it is Frank here my friend. I have been even more optimistic and put Ipswich to finish 13th. No worries, if we stay up we are all happy!
I have got Town to finish 13th Adrian but I would gladly take any place above the relegation zone!