I was really disappointed on Saturday. It was a massive game, a massive chance, but unfortunately, another massive opportunity that we’ve failed to seize.
I don’t want to be too negative, but it’s tough to see how Ipswich Town can recover from this now.
For the first half against Southampton, we played reasonably well, created opportunities, and should have been ahead at halftime.
Ipswich Town fan columnist Joey Sadler Ipswich Town fan columnist Joey Sadler In the end, we weren’t, and once again, we’re leaving Portman Road blaming our goalkeeper.
The Blues have done a lot right over the past two years. That’s clear, given our progress. However, not this season, as unfortunately, they’ve gotten more wrong than right, especially with recruitment.
It feels unfair to overly criticize Mark Ashton and the recruitment team, considering what they’ve given us, but I do think our recruitment has been lacking this year.
We all knew Town’s strategy was to sign young players from the Championship with potential and high value.
To some degree, the signings of Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson, and Dara O’Shea have fulfilled that, but too many have fallen short, particularly in the goalkeeping position.
The decision to sign Alex Palmer on deadline day had to be made. There was no other option. We couldn’t continue the season with Aro Muric in goal.
Now, this isn’t a personal dig at Aro, and I hope he has his own Václav Hladký-type comeback and one day returns as Town’s number one. But it can’t be this season; we need a different option in goal.
Here’s hoping Alex is that solution. It’s another signing from the Championship, but I believe it brings us the reliable presence we badly need.
The previous two January transfer windows were crucial to getting Town promoted. They managed to sign all their targets.
I think we’ve had a solid one this time too, but the lack of another striker concerns me, and if injuries hit, it could really cost us.
Next up, FA Cup action away at Coventry. A chance to get back to winning ways.
