Press Box Blues

Marcus Evans should be heard - if not seen - as Ipswich Town owner

Dave Gooderham — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:47:15 GMT

SIMON Clegg last week once again made the Marcus Evans situation perfectly clear.

The owner, according to the chief executive, remains as committed to Ipswich Town as ever.

“You will all recognise the fact that he has spent a lot of money over the near five years that he has owned the club. And he continues to be as committed today as the day he joined,” Clegg told the club’s PLC annual general meeting last Tuesday night.

But the ensuing message was loud and clear – don’t ever expect Evans to step out of the shadows. Today, it is five years since the reclusive Town owner officially took over the club.

Five years of huge promise, big managers and big wages. But sadly little in the way of actual football success.

Until that changes on the pitch, some fans will always relate a lack of success with the fact that they are owned by a man who has done his utmost to shun the limelight. But if Mick McCarthy continues to lead the Blues up the Championship table, and he is given the finances to do just that, most will be unconcerned about Evans’ quest for privacy.

Personally, I think fans shouldn’t be worried about the private family man. Like with Clegg, Evans has been on a huge learning curve in the football world and he has quite simply got things wrong – the biggest, for me, was the initial theory that chucking money at players would guarantee success.

You could look at Evans’ managerial record and point the finger, but, as Clegg likes to tell us, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

And while it might be early days, the appointment of McCarthy does look like it could be a shrewd one.

It is possible to have your privacy while also retaining a voice at Portman Road.

Too many times, during too many crises, Evans has remained too quiet. When things are going wrong on the pitch, the owner should be coming out and offering a reassuring word or two to fans.

Let me make this clear. I am not saying Marcus should give out his mobile number to myself or sit down regularly for one-to-one interviews.

I have asked that question, been given just one interview via email, and have accepted, begrudgingly, that I will not be getting too close to Mr Evans. Simon Clegg is his public persona and the chief executive readily makes himself available to the media – during good times and bad.

But sometimes it should be the owner who should be heard, if not seen.

I have no problem with his pursuit of privacy. He clearly wants to keep his family away from the public eye and everyone should respect that.

But what I would like to see is Evans making a few more statements throughout the year. They could be on all matters ITFC and made via the matchday programme or the club website – though the Star/EADT back page is an equally good platform!

As owner of this fantastic football club, Evans could point to the positives on and off-the-pitch and just make himself seem a little more friendly towards the day-to-day goings-on at Portman Road.

No one is questioning his commitment or his intentions. But as he reaches his five-year anniversary, is it too much to ask for a little more public input from the owner of the football club?

Marcus Evans is to blame for the plague of Portman Road

Dave Gooderham — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:25:53 GMT

WHAT on earth am I going to report on next week?

Barely a day has gone by in the last two months without Ipswich Town being linked with some loan player or another. And they have been rather successful – or not, depending on your persuasion – with eight players signed on different kinds of short-term deals since the end of September.

This state of affairs is both remarkable and rather a poor show which could ultimately prove to be the Blues’ downfall.

But with the loan window closing last night, it means Mick McCarthy has played his final hand until January. The manager cannot be blamed for coming into the job in the middle of the, err, ‘emergency’ transfer window. Likewise, he has had little choice but to pinpoint loanees as he looks to mould a squad that will move Ipswich away from the relegation zone in the coming weeks.

His bigger transfer tests will come in the New Year and then next summer. But Town have become something of a laughing stock after having no choice but to rely so heavily on players owned by other clubs.

In fact, the diagram, above, shows how short-term the club is right now with an incredible nine players who could start despite either not belonging to Ipswich or, in the case of Nigel Reo-Coker and Kelly Youga, could be leaving Portman Road in January.

You could point the finger at Paul Jewell for not being able to secure the right permanent players in the close season.

But I would argue that the real blame lies higher up the Ipswich food chain.

Rather than criticise chief executive, Simon Clegg, ultimately the transfer budget is only sanctioned by one person – Marcus Evans. Jewell obviously had no choice but to work to the parameters set by one man and one man only.

So when ex-Manchester United keeper, Tomasz Kuzcszak, was sitting in his office, Jewell was unable to pay the extra few thousand a week that Brighton reportedly paid. The same goes for Derby striker Steve Davies who told me he was dying to play for Ipswich, before ending up at Bristol City. These are just two of many examples.

Some might say that makes sense in the throes of financial fair play. But I would argue Evans was too careful, to the detriment of both Jewell and the side.

Ipswich have been playing catch-up ever since.

Nigel Reo-Coker is a born winner - but he has to be careful when pointing the finger at Ipswich Town team-mates

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:37:46 GMT

There are some occasions when my back page simply writes itself.

Paul Jewell’s infamous post-match assessment at Burnley last year – “gutless, spineless, worse than a pub team” – is a case in point.

In 12 short days, there have been two equally brutal appraisals from Richie Wellens and Nigel Reo-Coker. The on-loan Leicester City midfielder spared no feelings when he questioned whether enough Town players cared about losing or even being a professional footballer after the 3-0 home loss to Sheffield Wednesday. Ouch.

I spoke to Wellens within 15 minutes of that particular horror show and his damning verdict was a headline-writer’s dream.

I had hoped the appointment of Mick McCarthy might have spared such dark days but on Tuesday night, in the freezing cold at Selhurst Park, I stood waiting for Reo-Coker following the shambolic 5-0 loss at Crystal Palace.

Having spoken to the articulate midfielder when he signed, I expected him to shoot from the hip – and once again he didn’t hold back.

In both cases, I never had to push the player. This was not a case of a journalist looking for an angle. These were just blunt opinions from experienced pros.

It is telling that the opinionated duo have come into the dressing room from the outside and simply voiced what most fans were fearing. But they also need to be careful themselves.

No one can question Wellens’ will-to-win, this is a man who is clearly hurting having won just once in his six-game loan spell. You got the impression that he genuinely wants to see Ipswich succeed, even when, sooner rather than later, he returns to Leicester.

Reo-Coker was a slightly strange one. Like Wellens, he is clearly a fighter and a leader, on and off-the-pitch. But as he continues to search for full match fitness, his performances have not yet matched his quotes.

Interviewed in the heat of the moment, Reo-Coker appeared to point the finger a little too much when asked about his Palace post-match thoughts.

“Embarrassing” and “schoolboy defending” were fair comment, but the line: “I haven’t come here to be made to look like a fool” suggested he was more concerned about Nigel Reo-Coker than Town’s fortunes in the coming weeks.

Most expect the former Aston Villa and West Ham man to be departing in January. He still has some way to go to win over fans – and potential suitors – before then.

So when is Marcus Evans' 'tipping point'?

Dave Gooderham — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:45:21 GMT

"IT'S business as usual. Paul is more conscious than anyone what needs to happen. He puts huge pressure on himself and I'm confident that he is the right man to get us heading in the right direction. I'm not going to tell you when that tipping point is because it will depend on a number of factors which have to be taken into account as we go down this particular road."

Simon Clegg's comments on Tuesday to the club's Ipswich Player moved to end 72 hours of uncertainty surrounding the position of Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell.

Speaking on behalf of owner Marcus Evans, Clegg made it clear that Jewell would be in charge against Barnsley tomorrow.

It was done to draw a veil over the rumours, whether including Harry Redknapp or not, and it was something the club had to do. I make no secret of the fact that my back page headline on Wednesday morning would have read 'Wall of Silence' had they not.

But what does the statement actually mean for Jewell?

So Jewell is in charge tomorrow but will get the sack if they lose at Oakwell?

Not necessarily. A defeat would make it six out of seven or indeed just two wins from 14 league games, this season and last. Whichever grim stats you choose, the picture would indeed look bleak. A lot would depend on how much credence you give to Clegg's words this week. The message was that Jewell would be given more time, something that would seem a little incredulous if the manager was then fired just days later. Another factor that might come into the equation is that Town then play again on Tuesday night, a rather daunting trip to the Amex to face current league leaders Brighton. Jewell might be given both these away matches - judged by performances as well as points on the board. Then there is just one final match before the international break - next Saturday evening when the Sky cameras visit Portman Road for the visit of Cardiff. If the next game or two doesn't go Town's way, Evans might look to make a change before the national media congregate on Suffolk or he might delay a decision and ponder before the two-week international break.

Ok, then a win must buy him more time?

Not necessarily (again). Roy Keane lost his last game at home to Nottingham Forest though earned a credible draw at Coventry and a 3-0 win over Leicester in the two matches previous (though, overall, his record in his last few months wasn't great). Then there was Jim Magilton whose 'reward' for a 3-2 home win over Norwich was the boot. What we can decipher from this is that when Evans makes his mind up, he won't change it on the strength of one or two positive results. If - and I stress this remains an if - he has started having serious reservations about Jewell, then he might have already decided when the tipping point will be reached, regardless of Clegg's public show of support. That said, a victory would certainly lift some of the doom and gloom - though not ending, at the drop of the hat, all the current problems. If the past proves anything, it is that even a win at Barnsley might not be enough to save the manager.

Clegg is right, every manager has a 'tipping point'. So when is PJ's?

One of the problems with having a reclusive owner is that you never know what he is thinking. The closest I have ever got to interviewing Evans came via ten questions I had to submit to the club's press officer. Another time, when I called Evans' office directly, the next contact I had was through Clegg. So it is virtually impossible to predict when a tipping point might be reached. As I say, we might almost be there or a poor result on Saturday could be the decisive factor. But Evans could wait until the international break or until well into October or November when he must start deciding what to do with Jewell's own contract, which runs out next summer.

That's clear as mud then. What do we know about Evans when it comes to hiring and firing?

As stated above, Evans has proved in the past that he is willing to make a change even after a decent result. But the most telling comments about the owner's psyche comes from the mouth of Jewell himself. The Blues boss admitted in January that Evans would have a new man all-but in place before firing the existing incumbent. The time-span between Magilton's exit and Keane's appointment (one-day) and then Keane to Jewell (three days) proves this.

I'll end with those telling words from Mr Jewell...

“If I got the boot tomorrow (Friday) and a manager came in Monday or Tuesday, I think that’s the right thing to do – you almost have to have a contingency plan."

No case for the defence - why Paul Jewell IS under pressure to bring in a centre-back + a new way to watch the Blues

Dave Gooderham — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:29:38 GMT

IMAGINE the scene.

Less than 10 minutes in at the Riverside, Tommy Smith's international excursions catch up with him and he pulls up injured. Or Luke Chambers goes in for a tackle as the last man, gets it slightly wrong and is shown a red card.

I don't mean to be the harbinger of doom but these are simple scenarios that can happen in any football match, at any standard, up and down the country.

If that is inflicted on Paul Jewell's side at Middlesbrough tomorrow, he will currently call on Jack Ainsley or Guiraine N'Daw. A right-back (who has also played upfront) and a towering presence, but one Jewell admits he sees a central-midfielder. Hardly ideal.

Jewell's defence? Yesterday, he told his pre-match press conference: “I want another centre-back, we need another centre-back, but I’m not under a lot of pressure to get one. I’m only under the pressure I put myself under.

“I could have brought in 20 centre-halves between the back end of last season and now, but I’m trying to make sure the one I get is the right one. I’ve had three calls this morning with people offering me centre-halves and I don’t think they are better than what we’ve got."

The Blues boss is of course right in wanting to better his side. But his last comment - they have to be better than what we have got - is what grates me.

They don't necessarily have to be better than Smith and Chambers, just better than Ainsley, a rookie right-back, and N'Daw, a midfielder short on match fitness.

Are you telling me that Jewell could not find someone to be an adequate back-up? Someone to sit on the bench and be cover in case the grim scenario painted above occurs?

I can't believe that. There are three games coming up in the next eight days. Get someone in for a month's loan. Short-term is not ideal, but neither is the current, worrying, situation which places unnecessary pressure on Jewell, whether he likes it or not.

Away from any pre-match concerns, tomorrow represents a landmark moment for this website.

From 2pm tomorrow, the Green Un Match Centre will be launched - a live, interactive web-blog covering all the thrills and spills of Ipswich Town (not to forget Colchester United, Braintree Town and all our leading non-league sides).

The blog, hosted by my good self, will cover all the big moments from Town's 2012/13 season as well as fans' pics and top tweets from the world of Twitter.

It will run from 2pm until 6pm every Saturday afternoon and can be found at:

http://www.greenun24.co.uk/home

http://www.eadt.co.uk/home

http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/home

Please feel free to spread the word, check it out and email me on dave.gooderham@archant.co.uk or contact me on Twitter (@davegoods) with any thoughts or ways of improving the blog.

The tale of two Pauls - why Jewell's job is now linked with Taylor's talent

Dave Gooderham — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:11:41 GMT

What a week!

As has been customary with fans of Ipswich Town, every single emotion has been endured in the last week-and-a-bit.

It started with horrendous defeats - where, arguably, the Carlisle cup shock was harder to take than the 6-0 at Blackpool, who at least showed enough clinical quality to suggest they will once again be in the promotion shake-up.

At Brunton Park, Town created chances and were professional... for 45 minutes. After half-time, and for the whole of extra-time, the Blues just thought they could coast to victory - having no answer when United, currently the 17th best team in League One, upped their game. Worrying and disappointing in equal measure.

But those woes were quickly forgotten in the final frantic days of the summer transfer window when for a while, it looked like it was going to be one of the busiest at Portman Road in recent memory.

I should't moan about four players arriving or leaving, not to mention Guirane N'Daw, but when you run a 14-hour live transfer blog and you sign no one, you can imagine my frustration! That said, it was an interesting experience - a first for our football coverage - and one that has given us a few exciting ideas for the near future. Watch this space.

Anyway, back to the football, I'm wasn't exactly enamoured by the return of Daryl Murphy. He does offer Town a great physical presence and he won every high ball in the air on Saturday. But I don't think he offers enough from a wide area and he is a little too one-paced for me. I'd prefer him in the central role.

The same positional wish also applies for Paul Taylor, a young man who is altogether more exciting. I am told he is a very quite chap off the pitch, nervous at the prospect of doing media interviews for instance.

But on it, against Huddersfield, he was a little livewire, offering enough to suggest he could be quite a coup for Paul Jewell.

He is going to have to be for the Blues boss. Taylor might not have arrived with George Boyd - very much a watch-this-space at present - but the 24-year-old striker was still Jewell's most expensive signing to date.

With that, comes added pressure. Marcus Evans has eventually backed his boss and Taylor now needs to deliver to help his boss earn a new deal.

I think £1.5million, rising to above £2million we are told, is a hell of a lot of money for a lad who has had one good season in the Championship and who is out of contract next season. But then Taylor is a good age and offers something completely different to almost any other Ipswich player - his ability to run and scare defenders is probably only shared by Lee Martin.

The questionable size of his fee will only be justified, or not, over the next few seasons.

Taylor showed promise on Saturday but he will need to hit the ground running to ensure both Ipswich occupy the right half of the league and Jewell has the best possible chance of earning an extended contract.

* This blog will return next Monday when, hopefully, we will be talking about some new defenders signing/arriving

A hugely promising start but Paul Jewell must beware Roy Keane's fate

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:45:34 GMT

THINGS can change so quickly in football.

Just a few short weeks ago, I was interviewing a clearly annoyed Paul Jewell on the touchline at Roots Hall, Southend, where he ripped into his players for not being good enough.

He then uttered the immortal lines that fans have rightly clung onto since...'I guarantee we will have new players before the start of the season'.

Well, Paul, the season started last Saturday and the number of new faces since losing to Southend remains at zero.

Of course, since deservedly losing 2-1 to the League Two side, things have turned remarkably quickly.

Those same players chastised by the boss have proved him wrong by putting in sterling performances against West Ham and Colchester in friendlies and then following them up with a decent start to the season against Blackburn Rovers and Watford.

So far so good, especially with the addition of powerhouse midfielder Guirane N'Daw set to be finalised today.

Jewell has been around the game long enough to know things can change, both good and bad. Indeed, he has had his fair share of swings in his year-and-a-half at Portman Road.

But one stat would shiver down the spine of even the most experienced of managers - and my thanks to @chompx3 on Twitter for pointing out this rather alarming coincidence.

Jewell has started the season with very little financial backing in the transfer market, having won his first League Cup match and secured four points from a possible six.

The last Town manager to do exactly that? Roy Keane, two years ago.

It's getting beyond a joke now.

The club yesterday announced the departure of Jaime Peters, someone loved by large sections of the fans but never by Paul Jewell.

Peters was right to have his supporters. He always gave 100%, he had an extraordinary leap for someone so small and he was as versatile as they come - which was possibly both a help and a hindrance.

I saw him be the best player on the park more than once under Roy Keane, who clearly rated him, and then in one of his final starts for the first team, when Arsenal was shocked in the Carling Cup semi-final on a magical Portman Road night.

Peters was fantastic for those 90 minutes, when every man in blue put in a heroic shift.

Compare that to his performance against Northampton Town in last season's Carling Cup exit when he was largely woeful.

Fans say Jewell never gave Peters a shot. And the stats back that up with the Canadian featuring in the equivalent of just three-and-a-half games under the Blues boss.

But the manager is a big believer in training as if you are playing. Peters failed to impress. He was then loaned to Bournemouth where he once again failed to impress.

At only 25, and following the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United circling him before he chose Ipswich, Peters clearly has something - and every Town fan will hope he finds it elsewhere.

Now once Nathan Ellington leaves, as expected, can I please stop writing the words 'mutual agreement' when it comes to Town?!

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will be a big player for Ipswich Town this season - he just needs time and patience

Dave Gooderham — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:48:55 GMT

IN years gone by, describing a home draw on the opening day of the season as 'positive' would have been unheard of.

But these are changing times at IP1.

A side with an average age of 23-and-a-half, containing six players 22 and under, coming from behind and almost beating big-money Blackburn. There are lots to be cautiously optimistic about.

Of course not everything was perfect. Rovers' opener from impressive new signing Colin Kazim-Richards was one to forget for both Tommy Smith, who criminally misjudged the corner allowing Scott Dann a free header, but also a number of his team mates who gave the Blackburn striker a free header inside the six-yard-box.

And for all their decent possession, Town too often seemed to falter when they approached the final third. A lack of a creative spark in the middle of the park remains a worry although Lee Martin was back to his best in the centre and Josh Carson offered great hope on one flank.

Then there was poor Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who quite simply had an afternoon to forget. He rarely got the better of his marker, both Jason Lowe and Bradley Orr, and his touch strangely deserted him.

He had a glorious opening in the second half to equalise but stumbled with the goal at his mercy while 60 seconds later, his match was complete when he allowed a simple pass to roll under his foot and out into touch.

Soon after, he was taken off and his replacement, Jason Scotland, helped change the game in the Blues' favour.

When asked about new signings, Paul Jewell joked to the press that he he hoped to have Emmanuel-Thomas available for Watford tomorrow night - but it was only a quip typical of the Blues boss who quickly retracted the statement.

What was more unsavoury was some of the reaction towards JET that I heard from, I stress, only a minority both during the match and when he was taken off.

You could argue the former Arsenal man hasn't helped himself. He was said to be considering a rap career with Chipmunk, tweeted the word 'mugs' when talking about Town fans after a summer friendly while his persona makes him come across as if he is some kind of big man.

But in my numerous dealings with him, both last season and this, nothing could be further from the truth.

I was slightly shocked when I spoke to JET for the first time and found a humble, softly-spoken man. He cares deeply about football and, after a stuttering few years, he just wants to succeed.

On Saturday, he was dismal and deserved the 5/10 I gave him in the Ipswich Star this morning.

But he's 21 years old and therefore still learning the game. Before last season, he spent far too long on the fringes despite his undeniable talent. He might come across as lackadaisical on the pitch, but he wants to become a winner.

Of course he is raw, who isn't at 21, and of course there will be times he will have a 'mare. But so will his fellow young team-mates, Hyam, Carson and, even, Luongo.

But I still maintain JET will prove to be a snip for Ipswich Town and this season he will only get better and better.

Here is a little taste of his past in a Town shirt - and what we all want to see more of in the future.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Luke Hyam and Massimo Luongo should relish 'David' tag against Goliath Blackburn Rovers

Dave Gooderham — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:18:00 GMT

ARE we sitting comfortably?

It has been four long months since Ipswich Town last kicked a ball in the Championship as bottom club Doncaster Rovers were just about put to the sword to end a thoroughly underwhelming season.

The Euros and the Olympics have largely meant the ensuing time between then and now has largely flown by - with the odd hairy moment over what exactly was going to go on a back page during the quiet times.

But now football is back, along with the hope and optimism that any new season brings.

In truth, expectations among the Super Blues is arguably at its lowest ebb for some time. In the first time in years, the majority of fans are not expecting a push for the Premier League - and they are happy with that.

Slow and steady progress is the name of the game at Portman Road on the eve of big-spending, promotion favourites Blackburn Rovers visiting tomorrow afternoon.

After too many, tiresome, years of mid-table mediocrity, supporters have become more realistic about what to expect. Most just want to see a top-ten finish, which would ultimately mean at least a flirtation with the play-offs.

They will be patient with Paul Jewell's young guns, knowing that the likes of Luke Hyam, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Massimo Luongo will not be able to perform in every single match.

That is where the next few weeks are so crucial. If Jewell can bring in his much-wanted three players - the right three players - then fans will have more reason to get excited.

If not, then an injury to a Loach, Chambers and Chopra, and Town could be in trouble.

Jewell knows what he has to do - but now he, Marcus Evans and Simon Clegg has to deliver. The waiting is almost over.

"Go out there, enjoy it and play with no fear."

That would be my message to Hyam and Luongo when they go head-to-head with former Premier League duo Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu tomorrow.

Looking at simple stats is frightening. Luongo, for all his obvious talent, has just two league cup appearances to his name. Hyam has 21 starts but has spent most of that time still trying to prove his worth to his manager. Both are around 5ft 8ins tall.

Lets start with Etuhu. A 6ft 2ins powerhouse who has made more than 100 top-flight appearances for Sunderland and Fulham before moving to Blackburn for £1.5 million earlier this month - unsurprisingly insisting that Rovers have the squad to go straight back up to the promised land.

Then there is Murphy. 700 games to his name, costing £7.5 million in transfer fees, in a career that has taken him to Liverpool, Spurs and Fulham before his free transfer to Ewood Park. At 35 years old, the 10-cap England international is almost the same age as Hyam and Luongo combined and has the potential to be one of the top Championship midfielders this season.

As I say, frightening.

But were we not saying the same thing about Lee Bowyer, Jimmy Bullard and Ivar Ingimarsson at this stage last season? And I don't need to remind anyone how that turned out.

Murphy and Etuhu have obviously had impressive careers and achieved good things. But there is no reason for Hyam and Luongo to worry about anyone. Play without fear boys - you will have the majority of 20,000 fans cheering your every move.

* Want all the best news, reports and reaction from both sides of the camp? Then visit our new dedicated website www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/match-centre

Jimmy Bullard's top 10 Ipswich Town moments - but less than half are to do with his talent

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:10:00 GMT

I CAN still remember the excitement created by Jimmy Bullard's permanent deal to Ipswich Town.

The Blues had shipped in five against Southampton, seven against Peterborough and were predictably at a low ebb.

The whole place needed a lift and who better than the clown prince of Portman Road - just months after becoming the darling of the terraces following a fantastic loan spell.

For an all-too-short time, Bullard helped Town become one of the best sides in the Championship. But that short time pretty much lasted six matches. We all know what happened thereafter.

With the Blues still lacking a creative presence in the heart of the midfield, the most optimistic dared to dream Jimmy could still have a future in Jewell's new-look, younger side.

But today should see Bullard's exit from Portman Road, leaving Town fans with nothing but memories - some good, many bad.

Here are my top 10 Bullard moments from his time at Ipswich (my thanks for the input from #itfc fans on Twitter). It is telling that so many don't actually include football moments.

DERBY DESTROYER: No, not that goal against Norwich, sublime in execution but mattering not in the overall picture. Instead I take you back to February 1, 2010, when the love affair began. Just 28 minutes into Bullard's first game, we had his first goal as Derby County were beaten 2-1. My man on Twitter said he joined in with chants of 'We are going up'. Not quite but Jimmy had arrived.

TV HEAVEN: When I asked #itfc followers on Twitter for their Jimmy highlights, out on top was his two goals against Cardiff City in March 2011 (below). Any trip to the Bluebirs is going to be tough but in front of the Sky cameras, Bullard was simply inspired and the chants of 'sign him up' were gathering momentum.

THE QUARTERBACK: For six games last season, Ipswich Town were, in my opinion, the best team in the league. Never was this more the case when the Blues played West Ham off Upton Park. Bullard, in a holding midfield role in Jewell's diamond formation, revelled in the position. Like an American Football quarterback, he could pick up the ball and pass and pass. Sadly, it didn't work for long.

KICK-OFF: On any list of players Town fans love to hate, the name of David Nugent is always going to be close to the top. So when our Jimmy took it upon himself to give Nugent a playful kick up the backside in the final minute of a 2-0 home defeat to Portsmouth, it just helped even further enter the Portman Road folklore.

PARTY GAMES: Home to Coventry City, in front of the Sky cameras, Bullard's arrival had heralded a change of fortune and atmosphere. So when the midfielder and his team mate Keith Andrews both wanted to have a shot from a free kick, the pair thought nothing of a quick game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who should get the nod. Crazy but fantastic.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

AWARD-WINNER: Bullard's loan spell was hugely successful with five goals scored in 13 games. Yet the midfielder was as surprised as anyone when it ended with him being named Supporters Player of the Year. A sign of a poor season? Maybe. But also how adored Bullard was following a cracking three months.

FANS FRIEND 1: One memory of mine that may not have been noticed by many came, again, against Coventry City, this time at the Ricoh. In blizzard-like conditions, Bullard spent much of the match warming up. But he still found time to talk to a Sky Blue and share a joke and a smile. Typical Jimmy.

ROCK 'N' ROLL: Town needed a PR lift after losing 7-1 to Peterborough. Deciding to offer free away transport to Blackpool, they needed someone to take part in a photo-call to promote the idea. Enter Bullard who braved a truly horrible morning to pose with fans, beach mats and even some rock, not once uttering a moan.

BLONDE AND CURLY: Bullard's play and attitude was always going to make him a cult hero on the terraces. Throwing his blonde curly locks and he was a marketing dream. It was not long before the wigs were on sale and on show inside Portman Road.

FANS FRIEND 2: My final top 10 memory of Bullard is arguably my favourite. Last season was truly disappointing, ending with a dismal home defeat by Millwall and lacklustre lap of 'honour'. As is tradition, fans congregated close to the tunnel to get photos and autographs from their heroes. Some obliged for a handful, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas stayed for longer. And then there was Jimmy, patiently fulfilling every request. He spent so long outside that by the time he wandered back in the dressing room, it wouldn't surprise if some of his team mates had already showered and left!

Ipswich Town need FIVE new players - at least - but Paul Jewell continues to play with pennies

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:27:00 GMT

PAUL Jewell is never one to mince his words.

His "pub team" post-match comments after the 4-0 defeat at Burnley last season were back-page gold.

Not quite on the same scale, but he was at it again on Tuesday night when he laid into his players following a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Southend United.

The side he put out was pretty close to the one he would field if the new season started today and it flopped miserably.

Jewell reacted by virtually guaranteeing changes ahead of the August 18 opener against Blackburn, warning his current squad that they were "nowhere near good enough".

Strong stuff for the aftermath of a friendly.

But sadly Jewell was spot on. In my mind, and having seen all but one of the pre-season friendlies, Town are five players short of having a squad capable of challenging for the play-offs.

The right two or three new additions might encourage current players to perform to greater heights whereas it might be more than five should Arran Lee-Barrett leave in search of first-team football or Aston Villa offer big, nay, stupid money for left-back Aaron Cresswell.

But I would plump for five new players before the end of August with two or three arriving before the Championship kicks off. Sadly, this is only my hopes rather than actual expectations. And with less than two weeks to go until competitive football resumes, it is a worrying turn of events.

WHAT IS NEEDED (IN ORDER OF PRIORITY)...

* Two centre forwards: Two might seem a little greedy but Town are too reliant on Michael Chopra, a player who offers so much in front of goal but lacks two key ingredients - pace and height. So, Town need two strikers to answer these gaps. A muscular physical presence upfront is the biggest priority for me. In that sense, you can understand Paul Jewell's interest in Emile Heskey and certainly someone who can truly lead the line and be a foil to Chopra is crucial. Daryl Murphy remains an option as well as Steve Davies. But I would also like to see Jewell bring in a quick forward. Sheer pace has been lacking at Ipswich for too long. Getting one new striker is proving troublesome, so two might be difficult. But one permanent and one loan is surely not beyond the realms of possibility. Sam Baldock (below) or Nicky Maynard would do nicely, but West Ham would appear to want to sell rather than loan. Probability: One striker (8/10), two strikers (5/10).

* A winger (preferably on the left): Town's current options out wide range from the unpredictability of Lee Martin, as a winger, to Josh Carson, who doesn't quite seem ready to make the step-up to regular Championship football. Then there is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Town's most disappointing player in pre-season (and, no, not because of that tweet). A lack of pace is again lacking out wide and whether a left-winger comes in or a right-sided player, and then maybe move JET to the left, this is an area that needs to be targeted. Swindon's Matt Ritchie would have done nicely, likewise Alan Judge from Notts County. But both appear to have been priced out of a move. James Coppinger from Doncaster Rovers is back on the radar but the loan market again looks likely - Andros Townsend has his fans but Robbie Brady, the Manchester United winger who spent time at Hull, would also be a good pick. Probability (7/10)

* A centre-back: I hope I am proved wrong, or more importantly they prove Jewell wrong, but I still have my doubts as to whether the Blues boss truly rates Damien Delaney and Tommy Smith. The former has not painted himself in a great light thus far this summer while the former, who could well start against West Ham tomorrow, still has plenty to prove on a consistent basis. The same could actually be said for Luke Chambers who needs to up his game and be the leader Jewell wants him to be. With that background, a fourth centre-back is key for me. Working with little money, a Premier League youngster on loan is an option or someone who needs to play games but is not in a top-tier 25-man squad - take Danny Collins last season. Free agent Paul Scharner (below) was a name mentioned to me this week with Jewell managing him at Wigan. Wages could be a problem but I would have no qualms with Jewell turning to the right, experienced thirty-something. Jewell admitted this week he did bid for George Friend, also from Doncaster, though why he would want three left-sided centre backs is beyond me. Unless he expected developments with Cresswell or Delaney. Probability (7/10)

* A creative midfielder: Last year, I wrote that the thing Town lacked the most was creativity and pace. I still fear the same. Massimo Luongo has been an inspired loan signing, though it is telling that he doesn't belong to Ipswich. It might be the Spurs loanee could be pushed further forward, as he did to good effect against Southend. But presuming he remains a holding midfielder, Luke Hyam, Ryan Stevenson and Andy Drury are all too workmanlike for me. Hardly a criticism, just that they will work better having a creative influence alongside them. Can Jimmy Bullard still be that man? I have largely seen nothing over the summer games to suggest better times are just around the corner for our magician. I truly hope I am wrong. Probability (4/10)

***

It could be that Town's under-performers step up to the plate when the Premier League comes to Portman Road tomorrow. It could be that Jewell brings in two or three players and everything clicks.

But right now, I have my doubts - and Jewell's comments on Tuesday suggests he shares them. I have doubts about the starting 11 and the strength in depth of the whole squad. Go on Town, prove me wrong.

Massimo Luongo has Premier League class but where does that leave Luke Hyam?

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:19:00 GMT

EVERY time I see one of my Ipswich Town-supporting mates, we have the same football argument.

It is over loan signings and their purpose in football. I maintain supplementing a squad with one or two can make a big difference and benefit all parties. He thinks they are a crime in football today, used only to improve a player before they are then shipped back to the gleeful parent club.

Our most recent discussion came just days before Massimo Luongo signed on a season-long loan from Tottenham.

I caught my first glimpse of the lad at Cambridge United on Wednesday night and I was really impressed. Assured on the ball with either foot, he never went hiding and barely put a foot wrong.

Operating in a holding midfield position - Luongo's best position according to Paul Jewell - the first impressions of the 19-year-old are that he should have a bright future in the game as well as a decent 12 months at Portman Road.

My argument against Luongo is not that he is being groomed for a bigger club, more that PJ has targeted the wrong position.

Right now, if Town signed a new striker, probably Steve Davies, and then got a fourth striker, probably Sam Baldock, on loan, I wouldn't grumble. The Blues still need a fourth centre-back and the loan market would seem a viable option so finances could be better targeted at other priorities.

Unlike other areas, the centre of their midfield is one area where Ipswich have a number of options. What message does bringing in Luongo give to Luke Hyam, Ryan Stevenson, Andy Drury and Jimmy Bullard?

This is especially true for Hyam who could be the one player in direct competition with the Aussie-born teenager.

Luke Hyam played every minute in last week's tour of the Netherlands and then got another 90 minutes under his belt at Braintree. 24 hours later, Luongo shone in the 2-0 win at Cambridge. This is a snapshot of young Hyam's time under Jewell.

It is difficult to judge based on a handful of pre-season friendlies but Luongo already looks more assured than Hyam who was forced to watch on from the dugout.

While Hyam enjoys good support from the Super Blues, and not just because of his Ipswich roots, I have always been left wondering if this is reciprocated by the manager.

Why only offer him a one-year deal? Why drop Hyam last season after just one bad game?

Hyam is nowhere near the finish article. But he needs a huge shot of confidence that an extended run in the team can give. What he didn't need is some Spurs youngster coming in when there were bigger priorities elsewhere.

Luongo will improve the Town squad. But he joined the Blues at the same time as committing himself to Tottenham until 2014.

In 12 months time, he will be returning to White Hart Lane. At the same time, Hyam might not have had enough chances in the Championship to win himself a fresh deal. And if that is the case, I wouldn't bet against him proving Jewell wrong elsewhere.

Ipswich Town's new signings offer hope but Jimmy Bullard needs to be a jewel

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:32:00 GMT

IT is often said that journalists are quick to criticise - and there was times last season I thought the writing was on the wall of Mr Jewell.

So now is the time to credit the gaffer.

Paul Jewell has worked tirelessly under the radar this summer to get the players he wants and, most importantly, for the right price.

It started well with promising Welsh Under-21 right-back Elliott Hewitt but has moved on to a whole new level of optimism following the signings of Luke Chambers and Scott Loach.

Last season was ruined by defensive collapses and calamatious individual errors and you would hope Chambers and Loach will both help eradicate that.

The spine is strengthening but judging by the performances in Holland, one current player remains key - step forward Jimmy Bullard.

Town need to be hard to beat in the months ahead, but ultimately they need someone who can pick a pass and keep the ball, especially if Michael Chopra continues to be asked to run lone forays upfront.

Against Helmond Sport on Tuesday, Town improved greatly when Bullard came on at half-time. Not every pass was perfect and his fitness needs work. But he showed more than a sprinkling of promise that there is life in the old dog yet.

He then got 90 minutes in last night's 1-1 draw with Den Bosch and again was better than most.

Jewell has a serious dilemma in how and where to play Bullard, last night's partnership with Luke Hyam offered hope, but the simple truth is that he remains Town's most creative weapon.

Right now, Bullard is the only person who can dictate play and possession. Someone joked recently he could be Town's Andrea Pirlo.

While joker Jimmy's hopes of leading his country to an European Championship final are behind him, he has the technical ability to lead Ipswich the way Pirlo leads Italy.

Just two things stand in his way: His head and his legs. Only Jimmy can sort out the first one and every Town fan will be hoping he still has the latter.

It has been a great couple of weeks for the Blues but they remain desperately short of a creative influence in the middle of the park. Jimmy, over to you.

Simon Clegg is RIGHT to ponder Ipswich Town ground change

Dave Gooderham — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:13:00 GMT

I am about to make myself pretty unpopular with a section of Blues fans.

Simon Clegg's comments that he would not rule out renaming Portman Road in exchange for the big bucks bought about by a main sponsor rightly divided supporters.

Though he had mentioned it before, it was a little foot-in-mouth as the press had been invited to the ground for the unveiling of the new East of England Co-operative Stand, so a positive story.

Instead, the chief executive's words provoked a storm of criticism - both at the man and the idea - and also a fair share of support.

While still very much up in the air, as Clegg himself admitted, I tend to find myself budging towards the latter group.

Here me out. First and foremost, I think every Town fan would love to see a successful team made up of local lads and a museum devoted to the club's fantastic past achievements (and future ones) in a Premier League ground that will always be officially known as Portman Road.

But football has changed forever. For the good? Largely no, but changed it has and Ipswich - and therefore Clegg - must do everything they can to ensure and enhance the financial stability of the club.

We can't just sit back and rely on Marcus Evans' millions. If that was the case, it would be Ipswich paying £3 million on a striker rather than thumbing through the free agents list.

At the end of the day, whether the ground was sponsored by Adnams or Aldi, it will always be known by fans as Portman Road.

I am not saying it should happen tomorrow but it is an idea worth perusing, which is exactly what Clegg said during Tuesday's press conference.

It could be that a few million pounds could be brought in to strengthen the team, pay wages or simply just help with running costs.

That's not to say I agree with everything Clegg has done. Far, far from it. He uses far too much company speak for my liking and personally I would like to see a footballing man working alongside him.

But on this occasion, I think he should be spared criticism.

Goalkeepers, goalkeepers and more goalkeepers.

This week, like most of the summer, has been dominated by them. Is Tom Heaton coming on trial? Will Scott Loach get his apparent wish and sign for his boyhood club? Will Arran Lee-Barrett ludicrously be the only keeper travelling on next week's Dutch tour?

So many questions.

Once again the spotlight has fallen on Town stoppers this week, both past and present. First of all Richard Wright cut short his career with Preston to return to Suffolk citing home-sickness. With his family settled in Ipswich, Wright decided the pain of being away from them was too much to take and swiftly cut up his contract with Graham Westley's much-changed squad.

I am sure he got flak from the locals up there, but Wright was brave enough to make the decision. He's one of the good guys, Richard, who trains like an absolute animal. Here's hoping that he finds the right club real soon.

Then there is Eldin Jakupovic.

Someone, I admit, I had never heard of before last week's first day of pre-season when the mission started - and quickly ended - to locate the new trialist.

But just as I started learning to spell Jakupovic, the big man had upped and gone - signing for Hull City on a two-year deal, to end one of the shortest trials in Ipswich Town's proud history.

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who made last Sunday's Mason's Magic charity day possible. To the organisers of the fantastic day, the players of the two matches and the fans who braved the rain before enjoying the sun.

I should also mention Michael Chopra, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Joe Whight and Josh Carson who attended the fun day at Ipswich Wanderers to support Mason. Take a bow lads.

I know Mason's family really enjoyed the occasion and appreciated everyone's help and support.

My next blog (ie next Friday) will come after two Town matches, although those very much of the training variety, and a special fans game where I hope to line up with legend Frans Thijssen.

Stay tuned to the Star and EADT newspapers and www.greenun24.co.uk for words, photos and videos of all the action from the Netherlands. Until next time.

* Let me know your views on any of the above or indeed anything ITFC-related by commenting below or emailing dave.gooderham@archant.co.uk

Ipswich Town fans have patience Paul - now it is time to give something back

Dave Gooderham — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:35:00 GMT

WHEN I went into my editor's office yesterday and told him my back page plans for the Ipswich Star, there was something of a sigh.

My pitch was 'Paul Jewell calls for patience in his transfer dealings as he is made to wait by Premier League bosses still weighing up who is in and out of their bloated squads'.

My editor was right to hit back: 'Fans have been patient long enough'.

11 years in the Championship, failed promises, hopes dashed - T the Super Blues have certainly shown their fair share of patience.

But there is something of a sea-change occuring among supporters. They are not daft, they know the Championship is getting tougher, rivals (Blackburn) are spending ludicrous amounts on half-decent strikers (Leon Best) while Jewell dips in the bargain bin and in-tray marked 'free agent'.

After the much-publicised problems in last year's transfer market - Jewell himself admitting his somewhat scatter-gun approach spectacularly failed - expectations have dipped, both in transfer targets and therefore for the season ahead.

Fans don't want big names on big money, they are happy to slowly build with the likes of Elliott Hewitt arriving and more youngsters to follow.

Conversely, this gives Jewell a little more time in what is currently his last season in charge. There has to be an end to mid-table mediocrity but a solid top-ten finish, with maybe a brief flirtation with the top six, would be accepted by many.

Earlier this week, I was going to head the first of this new weekly blog: 'Ipswich Town fans have been spoilt'.

Here me out. While this summer they have been forced to live off scraps of rumours surrounding, largely, Championship or lower league players, 12 months ago it was so different.

Multi-million bids were made for Billy Sharp, Michael Chopra signed on the dotted line, we dared to dream about Jimmy Bullard and there was even a sprinkling of excitement about Ivar Ingimarsson and Nathan Ellington.

It is different this time around. But that's ok, fans have accepted this and will remain patient. For now.

TOMMY Smith is one of my favourite players at Ipswich Town.

Courtesy at all times to the press, mature when his contact situation was up in the air and a young footballer who is improving all the time.

He must be the envy of the dressing room having played in a World Cup and with an Olympic Games on the horizon.

I met up with him this morning when he was asked to address the nation, well Christchurch Park, to launch Ipswich's second day of the Olympic Torch relay.

Happy to help, he gave a small speech from the gallery of Christchurch Mansion before talking to me about the Games, his hopes for Town and also the anticipated signing of defensive rival Luke Chambers (plug time - read all about in the Star and EADT in the days ahead).

While community commitments are rightly part and parcel of a footballer's life, Smith admitted that addressing a few hundred who braved the rain was more nerve-wracking than anything Paul Jewell could throw at him!

LAST, but certainly not least, I would ask anyone who reads this to support a special charity football match and fun day this Sunday for a fantastic young man.

Mason Fountain is a seven-year-old boy from Ipswich, living with a brain tumour, who has decided to devote his time to raising money to provide children who are ill, like him, with special treats.

The fun starts at noon until 5pm at Ipswich Wanderers' Humber Doucy Lane ground and includes two fundraising football matches. The second sees a celebrity team - headed by Fabian Wilnis - take on a team of Town fans who have paid for the privilege.

There is fun for all the family including bouncy castles, gladiator dues and a hog roast and BBQ.

I will be dusting off my boots and showing Wilnis how it is done, or maybe not, in the second match so for anyone playing against me, please be gentle as my knees are weak. And for anyone watching, I am dreading the match report and player rating!

More information on this super charity is available from www.masonsmagic.co.uk

* The blog is back and will appear here every Friday throughout the summer and then Monday and Friday once the season starts

* Please feel free to leave comments or ask me any ITFC-related questions (so not about cheese) below or by emailing dave.gooderham@archant.co.uk