Ipswich Town - Bringing Back The Glory Days

The Wembley arch is glowing in the night sky. The Ipswich and Huddersfield fans are steaming in to the empty stadium to watch their team either grab the brass ring and a trip to the Premier League, or fall at the final hurdle in the most agonising way. Neither side was expected to be in this position at the start of the season, but both finds themselves 90 minutes from glory.

Both sides had to get here the hard way. Ipswich lost their first three games of the season. Was the step up from League One to the Championship to difficult for their players to deal with? If the rest of the month was any indication, they were right at home. 4 wins from 4 put them in the play offs. September they went unbeaten, slaying Blackburn and Luton and holding off West Brom and Sunderland. On course for a good season, they received a Halloween fright in October losing 3 out of 5, falling down to mid table. November is a time of ‘thanks’ and ‘giving’, and Ipswich took 8 from 12 to keep pressure going into December. The first 12 days of Christmas heralded 0 points out of 9, but Santa came early to deliver a final 7 out of 9 to end the year. The transfer window was open, but Ipswich stayed with what they had, but stumbled across deadline day. February reignited their season, 1 loss from 7 games put them back in the drivers seat. March was 50/50, but April sealed their fate. A 6th placed finished led them to Brentford, and a 3-2 win sent them to Wembley.

Huddersfield on the other hand, never looked comfortable. Whilst Ipswich were bobbing and weaving their way around the play offs for most of the season, Huddersfield had to do it the hard way. August brought fear and trepidation, with 3 defeats from 7 leaving them mid table. September gave them status, looking like a side who could challenge at the top end. But, winter was coming. October and November’s shambles signalled the end for Danny Cowley, sacked after 2 wins in 9, sitting in mid table. Karl Robinson came in and worked wonders. December and January bumped them up towards the play offs, whilst February allowed them to show their class. But they were saving their best for last. 1 defeat in 12 sent them flying up to 4th, and two legged defeat of Fulham has given them their Wembley dream.


George Burley speaks to the media ahead of Ipswich Town’s trip to Wembley to face Huddersfield in the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final.

Stewart O’Donnell - Some pundits have labelled this match as ‘the richest prize in football’, with so much money on offer for a team promoted to the Premier Division. How much of an extra incentive is that?

George Burley - My job is to prepare the team to play on the pitch. Everything else is nice but it has little to do with my responsibilities as manager

Doug Goodliffe - You got the better of Huddersfield during the regular season, is that something you’ll draw on for inspiration ahead of the final?

GB - I think it all goes out the window at this point. It’s a one off match with a lot at stake, anything can happen.

Paris Chadwick - How big of an occasion is it playing at a venue like Wembley?

GB - These are the days you live for as a player and as a manager. I want my players to feel the energy in the stadium and use it to secure promotion.

Kieran James - The playoff final leaves you just one match from promotion. How tough an opponent are Huddersfield?

GB - They’ve had a great season and are very much capable of beating us and going on to secure promotion.

Dave Mutch - You will be missing Kane Vincent-Young for the match, just how big a blow is that to your team’s hopes?

GB - It’s going to have a massive impact.

KJ - Many pundits are suggesting that Huddersfield’s Christopher Schindler could we be the deciding factor in the final. He’s a top player, wouldn’t you agree?

GB -He is a player I can’t help admiring.

KJ - This game is one of the very biggest and all the Ipswich fans are sure to be watching with high expectations. Is that making you at all anxious?

GB - There is a little tension, but I wouldn’t be human if that wasn’t the case.

DM - Last time out against Brentford your team played very well. You must be hoping your side carries that form into the next game?

GB - It gives us confidence. The whole team wants to keep this run of form going.



24/05/21

The time has come, for the players to make their way into the dressing room to find out if they are playing or not. The tension rises, no one speaks because they don’t want to say something that could change the team talk or the managers line up.

Huddersfield come into this game of the back of a last minute winner against Fulham to put them into this Wembley final against Ipswich. They only player missing for them today is Nathaniel Clyne who is suspended.

Ipswich are one game away from being back in the Premier League for the first time since 2001. The man to take them there? George Burley. And he has a chance to do it again, but will have to do so without Kane Vincent-Young. Every injured player Ipswich have been dealt with this month are now fit, but are probably far away from the first team because of no match sharpness.




0’ KICK OFF - Ipswich kick the game off in front of a packed out Wembley stadium.

20’ IPSWICH CORNER - Dozzell steps up for the corner. He aims it towards the near post, but it’s cleared only as far as Flynn Downes. He tries to put it back in but it’s intercepted and cleared as far as Pritchard. He finds the onrushing Bacuna on his right, marauding down the line. He whips it to the back post.... but Sobhi heads it over. Good chance for Huddersfield there.

24’ HUDDERSFIELD GOAL KICK Svilar launches it up the field. Sobhi takes it down, finds Pritchard in the middle. Out wide to Hogg who whips it in..........AND BACUNA IS THERE TO HEAD IT HOME! Huddersfield take the lead at Wembley! 1-0.

27’ IPSWICH CORNER Andre Dozzell to whip it in. Downes heads it on towards the back post.......AND I THINK ITS GONE IN YES IT HAS. It’s Luke McCowan with the final touch on the line ahead of Kongolo. Ipswich equalise almost instantly. 1-1.

29’ IPSWICH GOAL KICK Iversen takes and gives it Woolfenden. He finds Mlakar who knocks it down to Dobra. Inside to Downes. He switches it to Coyle, down the line to McCowan. He skips inside McQueen with ease and is hurtling towards the edge of the box, lays it off to Dozzell, he finds Andre Green. Rounds Hadergjonaj and finds Mlakar 8 yards out..........AND HE PUTS IT HOME!!! Ipswich have turned this game on its head and lead 2-1. Star striker Jan Mlakar puts them in the driving seat.

45’ HALF TIME - Huddersfield 1-2 Ipswich.



Huddersfield got off to a great start and have dominated this tie so far. They struck first through Bacuna, but Ipswich came back into the tie and turned it on it’s head through McCowan and Mlakar with two goals in 4 minutes. The second half promises to be exciting, let’s hope for some more goals in this game.


46’ KICK OFF - Huddersfield will get us underway here as they look to regain their lead.

46’ HUDDERSFIELD CHANCE Kongolo has the ball, plays it inside to Pritchard. He exchanges passed with Hogg before freeing Brewster through on goal........and he’s taken down by Mavropanos! HES SENT HIM OFF! The ref has brandished the red card after 35 seconds to Mavropanos for upending Brewster. This game has taken another turn!

46’ IPSWICH SUB - Dozzell off, Chambers on

48’ HUDDERSFIELD THROW IN McQueen has it, throws it to Hogg. Finds McQueen again who dances down the left wing. He’s looking for Brewster in the box........AND HES FOUND HIM UNMARKED, AND BREWSTER KNOCKS IT IN. The 11 men of Huddersfield make the 10 men of Ipswich pay, and Rhian Brewster has levelled the game at 2-2.

49’ IPSWICH SUB - Dobra off, Bishop on

60’ IPSWICH CORNER - McCowan is over to take the corner. He aims it for Woolfenden......BUT IT BYPASSES HIM AND FINDS ANDRE GREEN WHO SLAMS IT HOME!!!! This game is off the charts crazy. The 10 men of Ipswich are back in the lead as Andre Green slams home from inside the area. 3-2.

68’ HUDDERSFIELD SUB - Hadergjonaj off, Mbemba on

68’ HUDDERSFIELD CORNER Huddersfield now have the chance to draw level. Pritchard with the corner.......AND MBEMBA IS THEIR TO DO JUST THAT. He came steaming in at the near post and Huddersfield have levelled the game up at 3-3. What a final this is turning out to be.

70’ IPSWICH SUB - Downes off, Judge on

76’ HUDDERSFIELD SUB - Sobhi off, Diakhaby on

76’ HUDDERSFIELD SUB - McQueen off, Stankovic on

84’ IPSWICH FREE KICK Into the final 5 minutes now, the game is locked at 3-3. Which side is going to take the initiative. McCowan stands over the free kick for Ipswich 30 yards out. He whips it to the back post for Alan Judge........AND ITS CROSSED THE LINE FOR A GOAAAAAALLLLLL! I think it’s come off Pritchard last, and it’s been given as an own goal. A cruel way for Huddersfield to concede, but the 10 men of Ipswich are now winning 4-3!!!!!

90’ HUDDERSFIELD CORNER Into the 90th minute now. Huddersfield need to throw everything at this game now. Pritchard stands over the corner, and he whips it into the near post.......AND I DONT BELIEVE IT, ITS 4-4!!!!! Dale Stephens is leading the celebrations right in front of the Huddersfield fans. They’ve equalised in the final minute for the game, and it looks like they’ve taken it to Extra Time!

90’ FULL TIME - The ref blows the whistle on a scintillating 90 minutes of football! It’s ended 4-4, and give some credit to Ipswich Town who have battled with 10 men for 45 minutes. Give me 30 more minutes right now!


91’ KICK OFF Ipswich kick off the first half of extra time.

96’ HUDDERSFIELD SUB - Hogg off, Grant on

97’ IPSWICH SUB - McCowan off, Edwards on

105’ HALF TIME - Huddersfield 4-4 Ipswich.

106’ KICK OFF Huddersfield kick off the final 15 minutes of the final; before a possibly penalty shoot out to settle the game.

113’ HUDDERSFIELD CORNER Half way through the second half here in extra time, and Huddersfield have a corner. Pritchard stands over it. Diakhaby rises high above the rest and knocks it down to Kongolo. He smashes it towards goal but it clatters the post. Scramble in the box as the ball falls to Stankovic........AND HE HEADS IT HOME IN THE 113TH MINUTE OF THE GAME. THEYVE DONE IT!!!!!! HUDDERSFIELD HAVE WON THE PLAY OFF FINAL!!! Hang on, I think their is a VAR decision being made here at Wembley. I’m not sure what for I didn’t see anything wrong. It’s being played back on the screen. Kongolo shot.......post turns to scramble......Stankovic strikes it goalbound.........OH NO!!!!! Christopher Schindler what are you doing!!!!!! If he leaves it they win the game, but he’s poked the ball home instead of leaving it. He’s stood so far offside! Stankovic is absolutely livid right now with the captain. He has stolen the Premier League away from Huddersfield. Incredible scenes at the death!

120’ FULL TIME - THAT’S IT! Penalties it is! Huddersfield should feel that they could have won that game as Ipswich faltered and fell of the wagon. Playing with 10 men for 75 minutes has taken everything out of them. Schindler is the villain of the piece, can he make up for it in the penalty shoot out.


HUDDERSFIELD PEN Brewster steps up first for Huddersfield........and he buries it down the middle. H 1-0 I.

IPSWICH PEN Alan Judge is the first to step up for Ipswich........and what a penalty that is. Top left hand corner of the net, keeper had no chance. H 1-1 I.

HUDDERSFIELD PEN Grant is next for Huddersfield.......WHAT A SAVE FROM IVERSEN. He dives low to his right and palms it away from goal. H 1-1 I.

IPSWICH PEN Club top goal scorer Jan Mlakar looks confident as he stands in front of Svilar.......and he puts it to the keepers left and Ipswich lead in the penalty shootout! H 1-2 I.

HUDDERSFIELD PEN Adama Diakhaby needs to score here to put Huddersfield back into this shoot out........BUT HE PUTS IT OVER! He never looked assured in front of the net; and Ipswich are on the verge of the Premier League. H 1-2 I.

IPSWICH PEN Another goal scorer in Andre Green steps up for Ipswich to give them a 3-1 lead.........AND DOES SO! Another confident penalty from Ipswich puts them one goal away from the Premier League. H 1-3 I.

HUDDERSFIELD PEN Junior Bacuna is the man to step up for their penalty. He scored earlier in the game with his head..........BUT HE CANT WITH HIS FEET! ANOTHER SAVE FOR IVERSEN AND IPSWICH ARE PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!!!!!!!! H 1-3 I.



Ipswich have done it. Under so much pressure in the second half and the whole of extra time. Mavropanos can count his lucky stars that his teammates have bailed him out there. But credit to both sides for this game. One of the great Play Off Finals that will be talked about for years to come. Ipswich have realised their dream, but Huddersfield falter at the final hurdle.


I honestly don’t believe it! How on earth did we make it through this game! A game that had me, George Burley and Karl Robinson on the edge of our seats all game long. Those Ipswich players put it the fight of their lives in that second half, and credit to each and everyone of them for getting through that game. It took penalties, but George Burley has taken Ipswich Town back into the top flight of English football. Thank god he didn’t take the Newcastle job, as this is spectacular! Get the open top bus ready people!!

What a game and what a result! Fantastic work securing back to back promotions with Ipswich.

We have reached the end of the league season, and we have secured ourselves a place in the Premier League for the 2021/22 season. Now that the 2020/21 season has come to a close, its time to look back across the world to see what’s being going on in our save this year.

LEAGUE TABLES

TROPHIES AND AWARDS

IPSWICH POSITIONS

CLUB STATS

So, that’s the round up of all the extra bits that have happened this season. I hope you have enjoyed reading my 2020/21 season with Ipswich Town, and let’s hope 2021/22 can be a belter as well. Our next update will be a look ahead to Pre Season, and any interesting things that happen between now and the 1st of July.

06/06/21


The first news coming out of Portman Road as Ipswich Town prepare for their first season back in the Premier League, is that young full back Myles Kenlock has signed a new 2 year deal with the club.

Burley is said to be very happy about the new deal for Kenlock, as he seems him playing a part for the club next season.

I wanted to tie Kenlock down to a new deal so that he can be our back up left back this season. As much as I hate to say it, whenever I take a ‘small’ side to the Premier League, I don’t Iike to go out and spend £60mill on 15 new players for the team, what I like to do is follow what Norwich have been doing this year. Focusing on retaining their best young players so that if they do get relegated, they’ll come straight back up again because they are still with the club.


13/06/21

George Burley has shown his prowess and keen tactical knowledge to lead Ipswich Town to the Premier League; and it has had a massive impact on the way Marcus Evans has been hanging the club in recent years. Last year Marcus allowed for the upgrade to the youth facilities and the increase of the scouting knowledge. This season, he has granted Burley’s request for an improved youth recruitment. The club is now operating at an excellent standard for their youth recruiting, academy coaching and youth facilities. They are one step away from having a perfect set of youth systems, one of the key aims Burley set out at the start of the season.

I’m very happy that Marcus has granted this request for us. The youth facilities are so brilliant at Ipswich Town, that developing them more can only be beneficial for the club.

Oh, and Liverpool have just signed Arthur from Barcelona for £98mill! I mean do they need more players?

Also, about 4 days after this, Manchester United announced the replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was sacked in the final day of the season. The man to fill his shoes..........Manuel Pellegrini... why? What a shoddy appointment!


So that’s the end of the June update. Not as much happened here compared to last season, but that’s because Marcus granted us a lot of new improvements last year + I was working on new contracts. A lot of people got new contracts during the season this time. Next update will be the July run through.


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After the news of Manuel Pellegrini’s move from East London to Manchester, the Gold family have been looking for their next manager to take them to the next level. That man seems to be George Burley, as David Gold has been doing everything he can to try and coax the Scottish Manager away from fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town.

There has been no comment so far from Marcus Evans or George Burley, will the temptation of top half Premier League football be too much for Burley to turn down? Stay tuned for more when we get it.

Last season it was relegated threatened Newcastle, and this pre season it is West Ham that have approached George Burley to be their new manager. Surely Burley wouldn’t leave Ipswich just as he gets them into the Premier League? But money does talk in football!

In the most dramatic of circumstances, Ipswich make their return to the top-flight of English football. There was far too much drama to unpack into words, but wow. George Burley has taken the football full-circle almost to guide them back. Huddersfield come up short where they triumphed in similar fashion at Wembley when they won promotion to the Premiership for the first time. Incredible stuff! Congratulations.

Hey man sorry no comment in some time. Finally caught up congrats on the promotion. Hopefully you can stay up next year and make some great transfer signings.

The new season brings new level of sad boredom, as I’ve moved away from poems and into book titles. Don’t ask. Anyway, back to what matters I guess. We need to get ourselves ready for the new season in the Premier League, and oh boy have we been given a tough start.



We can confirm the news that George Burley has rejected the 4 year deal but West Ham to be their new manager for the 2021/22 season. Burley has stated his desire to lead Ipswich to the top of world football, and wants to carry out that promise for as long as the fans want him to.

He was never gonna leave was he. He’s just taken little old Ipswich to the Premier League, of course he was staying put. Hopefully this decision doesn’t come back to bite him later.



01/07/21




So that's the transfers for the month of July, I am still looking for a back up left winger for Christian Tue, and also a first choice CDM as we have added a new formation for tougher away games. Here is a link to all the new signings details for this season.

LW - Christian Tue
CM - Iver Fossum
ST - Amine Gouiri
CB - Per Magnus Steiring
LB - Nuno Mendes
CDM - Craig Connell
ST - Janis Antiste
GK - Daniel Iversen
CB - Big Greek Defender
GK - Daniel Naumov
ST - Pietro Rovaglia
RW - Tyrese Shade
CM - Matthew Smith
CB - Tom Solanke
GK - Nicolas Tie



03/07/21

Ipswich Town vs LOSC LIlle

Blue = trialist




Good win to start pre season, hopefully we can get a few more.


09/07/21

Ipswich Town vs Young Boys




Very good win against a Champions League level side. I’ll take that every day of the week.


14/07/21

Ipswich Town vs Black Stars Basel




Lots of rotation, couple of goals, all in all a good trip to Switzerland.


17/07/21

Uerdingen vs Ipswich Town




Another win, not the most comfortable game but a lot of these players are trying to get used to each other in these games.


21/07/21

Clermont Foot vs Ipswich Town




Another friendly means more time to test out different players, result doesn’t bother me.


24/07/21

Guiseley vs Ipswich Town




Another win, more changes, couple of the youth players getting goals as well is nice.


28/07/21

Ipswich Town vs Nurnberg




Very nice win against a Bundesliga side, Gouiri getting his first goals for the club as well.


31/07/21

Ipswich Town vs Mainz 05




Another excellent win against Bundesliga opposition. Gives me hope for the season. Talking off the Prem Season, let’s take a look at how we start..........





ScottT - I can honestly say I was on the edge of my seat all game. That Schindler incident at the end of the game almost broke me, I had to step away from the game and when I came back it was full time and 4-4! Didn’t know what happened. Hopefully the Prem won’t be too tough

MJK46 - survival will be very difficult, especially as I haven’t gone all guns blazing this year. I think I’ve built a side that could win the Championship if we do unfortunately go down.

Where do you get those graphics for the kits?? So cool.

Also Matthew Smith is going to be a beast for you. He has been great for me.

2020-01-17 02:11#265440 MJK46 : Where do you get those graphics for the kits?? So cool.

Also Matthew Smith is going to be a beast for you. He has been great for me.

That is the result of arduous Photoshop tasks of removing kits from players, and then adding faces to said kits. Sometimes they slot in perfectly, other times they end up like Dorian Cieznowski who has a pin head!

Finally the time has come for the Premier League season to start, and boy have we been given the toughest possible start imaginable. Current champions Manchester City at the Etihad on our league debut, Christ this is going to be a messy one.



01/08/21

However, before the seasons starts their are a few more transfers that need to be discussed, particularly coming into the club.



So that's the transfers for this season. All in all I’m very happy with the business that I have done. Only spent about £9mill on new players, all of which are here for the long term and will develop massively over the next few years. Even if we do get relegated, we will either bounce straight back up or make a lot of money on the players.

CDM - Sotiris Alexandropoulos
LW - John Yeboah
RW - Stefan Vukoje



07/08/21

I never thought i’d say this, but something more amusing has happened in the last few days that has made this game meaningless. Ipswich Town’s U23s have been placed into the bloody Leasing.Com Trophy, and I love it already. The chance for the kids to do what the adult side couldn’t do, and go to Wembley and slap some League One sides around. Absolutely beautiful. Ok back to the reason we are here, the Champions of England against the minnows of East Anglia. What a game this is going to be.

Man City have been hit by the news that Ilkay Gundogan will miss most of 2021 after he damaged his cruciate ligaments in pre season, whilst John Stone will be a doubt with a tight thigh. Think they’ll cope with their squad however.

Ipswich will unfortunately be without Vincent-Young and Mavropanos for this game after they picked up a booking and a red in the play off final, but both KVY and Mavropanos will be back for the next game.




Expected nothing less in all honesty. They had a much better side, we didn’t even have a shot on target. Just glad it was kept down to three goals.



16/08/21

The second game of the month see us host West Ham at Portman Road’s first Premier League game since 2002. It’s been a long time coming, here’s hoping we can somehow snatch a draw from the clutches of West Ham. We have also had the Carabao Cup 2nd Round draw in midweek, and we have been drawn away to Championship Millwall.

For Ipswich, they will have a full squad to chose from for this home tie with West Ham, after Mavropanos returned from his one match suspension.

West Ham will be looking for a win away at Portman Road to kick start their season, but will have a few players doubtful for today’s game. Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals and Guido Burgstaller will all need fitness tests.




Upset about this one. I’ve dominated game less in the championship last season and got a win from the game. We allowed them 5 attacks and they scored 3 times. Changed it up and Will Keane (who else) gets our first goal in the Premier League.



21/08/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are fairly poor Liverpool.........okay I’m kidding we’re screwed. Still, let’s give it a good go.

Ipswich have a fully fit side for this visit of Liverpool, but will have to keep an eye of Yeboah who went off injured in the last game against West Ham

Liverpool are also blessed with a full side, and will be desperate for a win at Portman Road as they have already lost their unbeaten season run with a defeat to Manchester United.




This result and the West Ham result shows me that we can hang with the prem teams. Yes we have 0 points so far, but in our last two games we’ve essentially matched our opponents and gave them a good game. If we can sneak points against teams around us we may have enough to stay up.



25/08/21

Away from the league now as well look to pick up our first win of the season, against Millwall in the Carabao Cup. They have started the Championship season in excellent form; so we will need to be playing our best.

Millwall have a large injury issue in the club right now, but it doesn’t seem to have affected them when it comes to the Championship, as they sit 2nd currently. However for today, they will be without Shane Ferguson, Aiden O’Brien and Jorge De Frutos, whilst Connor Mahoney, Carlton Morris and Dimitris Siovas are all doubts.

Ipswich haven’t had any injury issues since their last match with Liverpool, but may look to rotate with Watford in mind on Saturday. We could see debuts for Antiste and Naumov in this game.




Finally we pick up our first win of the season, whilst also completing one of our visions by the board. Hopefully this result can be a springboard in the next game against Watford.



28/08/21

Now that Ipswich have secured a their first win, they will be hoping to replicate that in their next game away against Watford in the Premier League. Just before the game we had the Carabao Cup 3rd Round draw, and we will b playing Liverpool away. Well that helps us focus on the league.

Watford have been slowly moving their way up the table this season, and find themselves in 11th place so far. Today, however, they will have to be without Andrea Conti who is slowly returning from a broken leg.

Ipswich have a full side again, and will be looking for their first premier league win this season. They were unable to beat Watford last season, so will be hoping to snatch a victory from this game.




Honestly, I’ll take it. Neither side really took control of the match, so a point was best for both sides in this game. WE HAVE A POINT!



No player really shone in this month, so I’ll give it to the highest average rating in the squad which was Andre Dozzell. He looks very comfortable in the Premier League, and I’m glad he’s here for the long run.




As you can see, its not be the best start to the season. Although, we are one place above Norwich, which is the best part about the season so far.

I really rate Burley's business this transfer window. I strongly feel he's recruited well in the sense that he's brought in such quality for very minimal fees. Alongside this, bringing back players like Mavropanos and Iversen who were integral components to the squad last season makes absolute sense. It's just a shame Ipswich were unable to bring back Mlakar in some capacity, although I understand Brighton's desire to want to keep hold of their man given his form in an Ipswich shirt last year. A fantastic pre-season, I have to say. The adjustment to the Premiership was always going to be a difficult challenge, but a point on the board now provides a base to work from. Brighton and West Brom will be hugely important games within the next month.

We enter September still looking for our first win in the Premier League, and we are currently in 18th place and it looks like it’s going to be a pretty difficult season.



11/09/21

The first game of the month sees us host Brighton in the Premier League, as we look to cause an upset and grab our first win in the league this year.

Ipswich will unfortunately be without new signing Nuno Mendes for the next two months, after he tore his abdominal muscle in the training, meaning Myles Kenlock will be making his Premier League debut today.

Brighton have a fully fit side to choose from as they look to continue their good start to the season after securing European football last year.




Cmon boys let’s gooooo! First win in the Premier League for 20 years, and its against a very good Brighton side. Fresh off their two legged victory in the Europa Conference League, they came to Portman Road and got smite down by the mighty Ipswich Town. We actually dominated as well with 10 shots on target to their 2, so I’m so happy we got through this unscathed.



18/09/21

The second game of the month see us travel to Champions League chasing Chelsea. I love what Frank Lampard is doing in real life, and its replicated in game with their vast array of youngsters blossoming in the first team. Now I’ve sucked up a little, can I have the win please!

Chelsea have a fully fit squad to choose from, and will be looking to bounce back into the Champions League spots in this late kick off.

For Ipswich, they will still be without Nuno Mendes for the foreseeable future, whilst Luke Chambers and Daniel Naumov both picked up knocks in training.




Honestly so proud of the kids in this team right now. The oldest player on the pitch for us was 24, with so many teenagers either starting or coming on. And we matched them all game look, and they needed call upon £40mill new signing Belotti to snatch a late draw.



22/09/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are fairly poor Liverpool...again...okay I’m kidding we’re screwed. Still, it’s only the Carabao Cup so we’ll probably play a rotated side with West Brom in mind.

Liverpool will look at this game as a winnable tie, but that depends on what kind of side they decide to put out. Two players that will definitely not play in this game are Mohammed Salah and Raphael Varane.

Ipswich have no Mendes, but everyone else is fit so it is a question of whether or not Burley looks to rotate with eyes on West Brom in the league on Saturday.




On paper, that’s mental. But seeing the side they played, I can understand why we won. Credit to some of our players though like Antiste, Coyle, Bishop and Kenlock for stepping up and staking their claims for the first team. Is a surprise cup run on offer this season?



25/09/21

The final game of the month sees us host fellow promoted side West Brom. Both sides have been flying quietly under the radar so far, neither side being considered outright strugglers or shock victors. We also had the draw for the 4th Round of the Carabao Cup, and we have been drawn away to Manchester City. It’s like they don’t want me to enjoy the cup games

Ipswich are still without Nuno Mendes, but will also be missing Sotiris Alexandropoulos for the next month after he was injured against Liverpool in the cup. Other than that, it is a full team.

West Brom have a few injuries to deal with as they try to end a run of 3 defeats in 5 games. Today, they will be without Jake Livermore, and possibly Jonathan Leko who is a doubt with a pulled groin.




Another result I’ll happily take. They had our number last year and we couldn’t seem to get a handle on them, so to get a point against them in the Premier League is nothing to shy away from. And, it’s an unbeaten month as well, love that!



No surprise really as he did score the two goals that got us the two wins this month. I didn’t expect much from Janis Antiste when he was linked and subsequently signed for a measly £30k, but he has been so good up front this season and deserves his two goals. Here’s hoping their are some more in his locker.




Honestly so happy with our run in September, only 3 league games but to not lose any was a real surprise. Plus we get another chance at Carabao Cup glory, which will be tough getting past Man City.






ScottT - he seems to built himself a stable base to fall back on in case the Premier League is too tough for his players to handle. Mlakar was the top of my wish list, but they never even entertained the idea. Started on the bench against us, should have played him from the start.

We enter October off the back of an unbeaten September as we look to keep our good run of form going as we travel to Tottenham in the first game of the month.



03/10/21

The first game of the month sees us travel to Tottenham looking for a very unlikely upset that would really show that we mean business this season.

Tottenham have been making steady progress this season and find themselves in 6th position with a game in hand on others around them, but they have been dealt a massive blow with Harry Kane out for the next two month with knee ligament damage.

Ipswich will unfortunately be without Nuno Mendes and Sotiris Alexandropoulos for the next few weeks, and will also be without Christian Tue for this game after he picked up his 5th yellow card of the season against West Brom.




Best win of the save by a country mile! And it wasn’t even a fluke either. 54-46% possession, both sides had 6 shots on target. We matched them all game long and Amine Gouiri you beautiful man, scores the winner with a beautiful curling effort from inside the box. Let’s go!!



18/10/21

The second game of the month see us host Bournemouth looking to keep our unbeaten run going, which is currently at 7 games right now.

For Ipswich, they will still be without Nuno Mendes but he has recently returned to light training, whilst John Yeboah will miss this game today against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth have been in terrible form, and will be looking to turn it around today against Ipswich. They will be with Sam Surridge who is unregistered, whilst Mario Balotelli is suspended.




Real shame to lose this game because we’ve been on a decent run of form, but they absolutely battered us all game long and we were lucky to grab a goal.



23/10/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are surprise package Leeds United who are currently sat in 4th position, so helpfully we can do what we do in real life which is beat them each calendar year.

Leeds have been playing really well recently, and are unbeaten in 5 games, but will have to play this game without Patrick Bangor’s who is out for the next few weeks with pulled ankle ligaments.

Ipswich have no Mendes, but everyone else is fit so it is a question of whether or not Burley looks to rotate with eyes on Man City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.




Too strong for us to handle, weren’t in the game at all and we need to start getting back to how we were playing in the last few games.



26/10/21

Away from the league now as we travel to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup 4th Round, looking to cause another cupset and try and get ourselves closer to Wembley.

Man City have a full squad available so it will be interesting to see what kind of team they decide to put out for this game with the league games coming up at the weekend.

Ipswich are still without Nuno Mendes, but will have a full squad to choose from besides Mendes, but like Man City will be looking ahead to the weekend so may rotate as well.




We just really love the cup! Both teams rotated super heavy for this game, buts it the Ipswich reserves that come out on top against the Man City reserves 5-4 on penalties.



30/10/21

The final game of the month sees us host bottom of the table Crystal Palace in a must win game. We also had the draw for the Carabao Cup quarter final, and we have been drawn at home to Championship side Everton. A good chance to get into the semi final.

Ipswich are boosted by the return of Nuno Mendes to first team training, but will be without Janis Antiste for this game against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace have been in dreadful form and sit bottom of the league, and will be without Jairo Riedewald and Mitchell Dijks for the game today.




A much needed win to push us away from the drop zone, if we can build on this we might have a chance of survival.



Amine Gouiri has played brilliant this month getting 3 goals in the 3 wins we collected this month. If he can keep this form going, then he’ll be a great addition to the squad for this season.




Despite losing twice this month, we also picked up two wins so we’ve moved up kept our place in
13th. So happy right now with this young squad, so much potential to work with.

Well, I had a lot to catch up on! Firstly, congrats on promotion! A mighty impressive achievement to get promoted two years in a row. I did wonder if your squad was good enough to stay up but a good window and some incredible results have started the season of brilliantly. Keep it up!

We begin November in a surprisingly good position of 13th, but we have a fairly tough month to try and manoeuvre round. Hopefully we can sneak some points near the end.



06/11/21

The first game of the month sees us travel to Arsenal looking for a very unlikely upset that would really show that we mean business this season.

Arsenal have performed very well this season and find themselves in 3rd position, but already 9 points behind leaders Liverpool. For today’s game, they will be without Matteo Guendouzi and Lee Kang-In.

Ipswich will unfortunately be without Konstantinos Mavropanos for the next 5 weeks after he tore his groin muscle, whilst Kane Vincent-Young is suspended for today’s game.




Didn’t expect anything from the game considering the squad they have in this game, but I’ll take two of our original League One players scoring in the Premier League.



20/11/21

The second game of the month see us host Manchester United looking to bounce back from defeat against Arsenal before the international break.

For Ipswich, they will be boosted by the return of Kane Vincent-Young to the side from suspension, but will be without Lewie Coyle and Janis Antiste for today’s game.

Man United are Liverpool’s closest challengers for the title this season, but will be without Patrick Berg, Axel Tuanzebe and Dean Henderson today.




Oh this might be the start of something bad. Absolutely outplayed all game long, and we deserved to get kicked to the curb.



27/11/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are relegation threatened Newcastle United, who currently sit 19th in the league.

Newcastle have a slight injury problem as they looked to move away from the relegation zone. Jandro Orellana, Dujon Sterling and Benjamin Lecomte are all injured for the game today.

Ipswich have no Mavropanos for today’s game, but everyone else is fully fit for an Ipswich side desperate to pick up a win.




I’ll take a point against a side who are desperate for points and the wrong end of the table, but slightly annoying that we threw away a 2-0 lead.



30/11/21

The final game of the month sees us host Wolves in the league, as we look to build on our draw against Newcastle with a win against another side near the relegation zone. We also had the draw for the FA Cup 3rd Round, and we’ve been drawn away to Nottingham Forest.

Ipswich are still without Mavropanos, but have a fully fit side to face Wolves as they look to push themselves away from the relegation zone.

Wolves will be looking to do the same, but Ruben Vinagre and Willy Boly are both unavailable for the game.




Horrible result that we should have at least got a draw in, leaves us in a perilous position heading into December.



Flynn Downes has been the best player in a really bad month of football, getting a goal and an assist. Hopefully he can keep his own good form going into December, and everyone else can follow suit.




Really testing month for our young players and we struggled to match the sides we faced. We fall down to 17th so December is going to be a massive month for us. Couldn’t be a bigger start to the month, as we travel to local rivals Norwich for the first East Anglian Derby in 3 years.






TheLFCFan - thank you mate! Squad surprised me as well, but looks like the Prem might be a step too far for a lot of them.