Category: Ipswich town

  • DAVID LYNCH PRAISES ‘TOTALLY DOMINANT’ LIVERPOOL PERFORMANCE AGAINST IPSWICH TOWN

    DAVID LYNCH PRAISES ‘TOTALLY DOMINANT’ LIVERPOOL PERFORMANCE AGAINST IPSWICH TOWN

    Liverpool’s recent 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League has been a topic of significant discussion, particularly given the team’s exceptional performance that day. This analysis draws insights from David Lynch, who shared his thoughts with Dave Davis for Anfield Index. His observations provide a compelling narrative of how Liverpool, under Arne Slot, executed a game plan that not only secured them the win but also demonstrated a level of dominance that has been somewhat sporadic this season.

    As noted by Lynch, “Yeah it was really good and as comfortable of an afternoon that you can have in the Premier League.” This comment underscores the ease with which Liverpool managed to control the game from the outset. Dominating a Premier League match is no small feat, especially against a team like Ipswich, which had previously upset heavyweights such as Chelsea and Spurs. Lynch points out, “It’s easy to forget that this Ipswich side beat Chelsea and Spurs and have been unlucky on a few other occasions.”

    What made Liverpool’s performance stand out was their ability to wrap the game up early, a detail Lynch emphasizes: “It’s interesting because they haven’t wrapped games up that early many times this season, so that was fantastic.” This early control allowed Liverpool to dictate the pace of the game and effectively manage the remainder of the match without significant pressure.

    The strategic approach taken by Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, deserves a deep dive. The tactical setup not only neutralized Ipswich’s threats but also maximized Liverpool’s offensive capabilities. The team’s formation and player roles were adapted to ensure that they could maintain pressure and swiftly transition from defence to attack. This tactical acumen contributed to the team’s ability to dominate the match, as Lynch rightly points out, “But Liverpool were very good and deserve a lot of praise from it, they were totally dominant.”

    This dominance is not just a testament to the players’ skills but also to Slot’s understanding of the game and his ability to implement effective strategies against varied opponents.

    While the team’s overall performance was stellar, certain players undoubtedly stood out for their contributions. Lynch did not specify individuals, but observing the match, one could see the impact of players like the midfield orchestrators and the relentless wingers. Their ability to maintain tempo and create opportunities was crucial in Liverpool’s early and sustained dominance throughout the game.

    Key moments in the match included early goals that set the tone and a disciplined defensive line that rarely allowed Ipswich any room to manoeuvre. These elements combined to give Liverpool a decisive advantage early on, something that has been missing in some of their other matches this season.

    As Liverpool continues to adapt under Arne Slot, performances like this one against Ipswich Town offer a blueprint for what the team is capable of when everything clicks. Lynch’s observation highlights the potential for this Liverpool side to be dominant when they manage to harness their abilities and execute their game plan effectively.

    In closing, Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich not only provided a spectacle for the fans but also demonstrated the tactical brilliance of Arne Slot and the potential of his squad when they play to their strengths. As they move forward, replicating this form will be crucial in their pursuit of success both domestically and in European competitions.

  • Ipswich Town offer for forward is knocked back – Bid isn’t high enough

    Ipswich Town offer for forward is knocked back – Bid isn’t high enough

    According to a claim in the Turkish media, Ipswich Town have been showing interest in Galatasaray forward Michy Batshuayi.

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    The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to the Premier League during this window, with reports West Ham United were also looking to sign the Belgian attacker.

    Milliyet today report on the latest developments regarding Batshuayi’s future with Galatasaray, and they say Ipswich Town have made an attempt to land him.

    It’s claimed the Premier League have offered €5m for the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace player, but their bid was rejected by the Super Lig leaders.

    With Mauro Icardi sidelined for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury, and with the Argentine’s personal life in peak drama once again, Galatasaray may want a bit more to part with Batshuayi.

    Ipswich Town have already brought in Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa this month and despite increased attempts to bolster their attacking options before next week’s transfer deadline, it seems like they’ll miss out on Batshuayi.

    Batshuayi has made 29 appearances for the Istanbul giants this season, scoring seven goals. He’s contracted to the club until June 2027.

  • McKenna must ditch Ipswich promotion hero who earns more than Hutchinson

    McKenna must ditch Ipswich promotion hero who earns more than Hutchinson

    Ipswich Town have a massive game in the Premier League up next to kick off February as bottom-of-the-table Southampton travel to Portman Road.

    Indeed, the Tractor Boys will hope they can sense blood in this clash to emphatically beat Ivan Juric’s Saints after losing back-to-back contests against some of the top-flight’s best in Manchester City and Liverpool.

    Of course, football doesn’t often play out as you expect, but Kieran McKenna will be desperate for his team to pick up a win to build back up some confidence after letting in ten goals to both City and the Reds in two humbling defeats.

    McKenna will still need his best players to shine against Southampton no matter how poor they’ve looked for large spells of the campaign, with Omari Hutchinson one figure who can cause defences all sorts of bother when at the very top of his game.

    The last time the Tractor Boys won on their own patch, Hutchinson was a bright spark throughout as Chelsea succumbed to a surprise 2-0 defeat.

    He even managed to clinch the game in his side’s favour against his ex-employers as his calm finish beat Filip Jørgensen after a wonderfully crafted counter attack found him begging to fire home.

    Away from that game, Hutchinson has also picked up a further goal and one assist in the Premier League, after initially exploding into life at Portman Road as an exciting loan talent on the way to McKenna’s men leaping up to the level.

    Whilst he did cost a weighty £20m to pick up permanently in the summer, the Jamaica international’s wage only comes in at a modest £6k-per-week as per Capology, with an Ipswich outcast earning a higher salary than the standout 20-year-old.

    Unfortunately, whilst some players take to the pressures of a new level in their stride, others don’t quite acclimatise in the same way.

    Massimo Luongo arguably falls into that latter bracket, with just 170 minutes of football coming his way this season in the daunting division after being a regular last season in the Championship.

    During that promotion success, the Australian midfielder would help himself to three goals and three assists as a regular starter in the middle of the park next to Sam Morsy, who is also a victim somewhat of the major gulf in quality between the EFL and the top-flight.

    Luongo hasn’t been helped by some injury niggles, but with the likes of Jack Taylor, Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips at McKenna’s disposal, it feels unlikely even when he’s up to full speed that he will displace any of those names to return to the starting XI week in week out.

  • Arsenal defeated Wolves despite a dramatic red card, while Liverpool defeated Ipswich.

    Arsenal defeated Wolves despite a dramatic red card, while Liverpool defeated Ipswich.

    Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, dominated the first half at Anfield with a plethora of goals, winning the league for the second time in a row.

    In the eleventh minute, Dominik Szoboszlai was assisted by Ibrahima Konate, and the goal fizzed past Christian Walton, the goalie for Ipswich.

    Mohamed Salah increased Liverpool’s lead and scored his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions with a strong effort in the 35th minute.

     

    It was also the Egyptian forward’s 100th goal in the Premier League at Anfield.

    Walton stopped Szoboszlai’s attempt in the 44th minute, and Gakpo bundled home to put an end to Ipswich just before halftime.

    The Dutch striker scored again in the 66th minute as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross sailed over Walton.

    Third-place Ipswich allowed ten goals in their most recent game.

    Second-place finisher Arsenal has one more match before the Reds, who are vying for the quadruple, continue to put pressure on the leaders.

    Arsenal, without captain Martin Odegaard because of illness, was controversially dismissed in the 43rd minute when Lewis-Skelly tripped Matt Doherty to stop a Wolves counterattack.

    The dishonest challenge infuriated Arsenal, who claimed that the tackle was too distant from the goal to warrant a red card.

    The Premier League Match Centre confirmed on social media that the 18-year-old defender was sent off for “serious foul play.

    ” However, Wolves were also reduced to 10 men after Joao Gomes was given a second warning for fouling Jurrien Timber in the 70th minute. Furthermore, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori won it in the 74th minute.

    Justin Kluivert scored his sixth goal in his last four Bournemouth games in the ninth minute.

    Kluivert’s cross was headed in by Ouattara in the 55th minute to increase Bournemouth’s lead.

    The Burkina Faso winger scored his second goal six minutes later, completing an amazing trifecta three minutes before the end.

    After Bournemouth’s thrilling 4-1 victory at Newcastle the previous weekend, Antoine Semenyo scored in the final minutes to give them their biggest victory of the year. Under Alexander Isak’s leadership, Newcastle moved up to fourth place with a 3-1 victory over Southampton, who were in last place. Jan Bednarek gave Southampton the lead in the tenth minute by powerfully heading a cross from James Bree.

     

     

  • Suffolk County Council Collaborates with Ipswich Town Football Club to Launch Stop Smoking Campaign: ‘Never Stop Trying’

    Suffolk County Council Collaborates with Ipswich Town Football Club to Launch Stop Smoking Campaign: ‘Never Stop Trying’

     

    Suffolk County Council, in association with Ipswich Town Football Club, is excited to launch a powerful new stop smoking campaign encouraging people to never stop trying on their journey to quit smoublished: 27 Jan 2025

     

    The campaign highlights real-life stories of struggle, perseverance, and success, reminding people that while quitting smoking is difficult, the benefits of stopping are well worth it, no matter how many attempts it takes.

     

    The campaign’s theme of persistence is echoed through a compelling new video that features Eddy and James, two Suffolk residents who have faced the challenges of quitting smoking and are now sharing their personal experiences. Their stories emphasise that quitting may involve setbacks, but it’s important to keep trying.

     

    This message mirrors the journey of Ipswich Town Football Club, who spent 22 years fighting to return to the Premier League—a long and challenging journey, but one that proves that with perseverance, you can achieve your goal.

     

    The campaign directs people who are thinking about quitting to Feel Good Suffolk – the county’s stop smoking service – who are ready to help, whatever stage someone is at. NHS figures show that smokers are up to three times more likely to quit with support from their local service.

     

    Cllr Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:

     

    “I am proud to support this campaign, which is not just about quitting smoking, but about changing lives,”

     

    “By sharing the stories of real people like Eddy and James we want to inspire others to take that crucial first step. This campaign is all about supporting people in their quitting journey and showing them that they can succeed in the end with the right support. It’s also a great opportunity to promote the support that Feel Good Suffolk can provide, helping hundreds of Suffolk people with their journey to quit smoking.

     

    Dan Palfrey, Director of Foundation at Ipswich Town said:

     

    “We are proud to be part of this important campaign and to support our local community in making healthier choices. As a football club, we are committed to promoting well-being both on and off the pitch, and we encourage everyone who wants to quit smoking to seek the support they need.”

     

    The Never Stop trying campaign is part of the national goal to create a smoke-free generation, as outlined in the national strategy “Stopping the Start: Our New Plan to Create a Smokefree Generation”. The aim is to reduce smoking rates in England to below 5% by 2030, ultimately building a healthier future for all.

     

    Smoking is a key public health issue in Suffolk, contributing to nearly 1,000 deaths a year. Tobacco presents the single greatest risk for early deaths in Suffolk, which means that using smoked tobacco products poses a greater risk than other issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol, and air pollution. In 2024 alone, smoking cost Suffolk an estimated £703m in health and social care costs, lost productivity and smoking related fires.

     

    Those seeking support on their quitting journey should visit Feel Good Suffolk Stop Smoking. The service offers various methods designed to assist people at every stage, whether it’s one-on-one coaching, phone support, or digital tools.

     

     

  • Chelsea given huge Delap transfer boost as Maresca eyes Jackson replacement

    Chelsea given huge Delap transfer boost as Maresca eyes Jackson replacement

     

     

    Chelsea are keen on Liam Delap from Ipswich Town

    Chelsea are very interested in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town

    Chelsea appear to have made great progress in the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The 21-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his frontline.

     

    Delap, who sees his contract at Portman Road expire in June 2029, has already featured 22 times in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in the process. Playing a key role in Kieran McKenna’s side, he’s given the promoted outfit a shot at survival.

     

    The England Under-21 international’s impressive performances haven’t gone under the radar, with numerous top clubs – including Chelsea – interested in securing his signature. football.london understands the west London team are long-time admirers of Delap, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City in the summer for £20m.

     

    It’s believed that it could be difficult to lure the Englishman away from Suffolk this month, with the Tractor Boys at the heart of a relegation scrap, and nor will it be cheap in any case. According to GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are in pole position to sign Delap.

     

    However, the report states that a deal may have to wait until the summer. While this comes as a major boost for the Blues, Enzo Maresca may have to wait a little bit longer before he has a new frontman.

     

    Shortly before the January transfer window opened, Delap was quizzed on his future at Ipswich and the speculation linking him with a move away. Speaking to Suffolk News, he said: “Yes, I don’t really look at things like that. So, yes, I’m just focused on Ipswich.”

     

    Delap added: “As a young player, you just want to go and play football. We’re lucky to be playing in the Premier League. I think we’ve got a great opportunity here at Ipswich and we’re just trying to show our ability week in, week out, that’s a big plus for me.”

     

    Maresca, who coached Delap during their time together in the Manchester City academy, reunited with the youngster when Ipswich defeat Chelsea 2-0 at Portman Road. Speaking to reporters ahead of that clash, the Blues boss said: “Liam is a fantastic player and also for his age.

     

    “I think we spent one year together and I think he scored 22, 24 goals and he’s a very good striker. In England, they have many like him – and they have many good players – good strikers and he’s working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and can score goals. And also because of his age, I think he can also be an important player for England.”

     

    football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel

    Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics

    Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

     

    Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you’ll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.

     

    Just remember to turn on the notifications once you’ve followed, and you won’t miss a beat!

  • Ipswich have reached out to inquire about signing Delap’s “explosive” competitor, McKenna’s next target.

    Ipswich have reached out to inquire about signing Delap’s “explosive” competitor, McKenna’s next target.

    Ipswich Town endured another heavy defeat in the Premier League when they visited Liverpool on Saturday, as Arne Slot’s team triumphed 4-1 in a dominant performance.

    It was always going to be a difficult task for the Tractor Boys to challenge Liverpool at Anfield, with the Suffolk side remaining in the relegation zone on goal difference after suffering another crushing loss.

    Kieran-McKenna-Ipswich
    With Ali Al-Hamadi loaned out to the Championship to gain more game time, Kieran McKenna might now be focusing on strengthening his attacking options.

    Although Liam Delap has often shown his ability as an explosive and efficient striker this season, he is also prone to inconsistency in front of goal.

    Liam Delap’s recent struggles for Ipswich
    The former Manchester City forward has gone without scoring in his last three appearances for Ipswich, with the tough competition likely exacerbating his issues.

    In those three losses to Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool, and Manchester City, Delap has had just 53 touches in total, with only three attempts at goal, as the rest of his teammates also struggled offensively.

    However, one would expect the 21-year-old to return to form sooner rather than later, given his record of eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances before this dry spell.

    Yet, McKenna will know he can’t depend solely on Delap, and with George Hirst scoring just once in 11 league games as an alternative, a new striker could be brought in to shake up the forward line.

    liam-delap-ipswich-town
    Ipswich enquire about “explosive” teenager
    According to football journalist Graeme Bailey, there is increasing interest in Sheffield United’s rising star Ryan One, with Ipswich among several clubs monitoring the talented 18-year-old.

    The Tractor Boys have reportedly made an enquiry about signing the teenager, with Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Brighton, and Tottenham also keeping tabs on him. One might be tempted by the prospect of more regular game time at Ipswich compared to other options.

    The youngster has already made a name for himself at Sheffield United, including a composed finish for the U21 side against rivals Sheffield Wednesday, which helped him earn a spot in the first team.

    Labelled as “explosive” by the Scottish football account Scotball, One has scored just once in 13 senior appearances, but there is hope that Ipswich can once again unearth a raw talent like they did with Hirst.

    Hirst’s career record
    Club
    Game
    Goals
    Ipswich
    64
    15
    Portsmouth
    46
    15
    Rotherham
    32
    0
    OH Leuven
    23
    3
    Blackburn Rovers
    11
    0
    Leicester City
    2
    0
    Sheffield Wednesday
    2
    0
    Sourced by Transfermarkt

    As shown in the table above, Hirst hasn’t always been a prolific goal-scorer, with struggles at various clubs before finding his feet at Ipswich, where he’s enjoyed a breakout season after back-to-back promotions.

    While One has netted five senior career goals, both in Scotland and Sheffield, McKenna could prove to be the perfect manager to help him realize his potential, as he has done with Hirst.

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna applauds fans after the match
    While no one expects the 18-year-old to immediately displace Delap from the starting XI, signing One would add depth and competition to the forward line, providing another promising option for McKenna.

     

  • Middlesbrough want to sign “excellent” 23 y/o after Whittaker and Edmundson

    Middlesbrough want to sign “excellent” 23 y/o after Whittaker and Edmundson

    Middlesbrough are now believed to be interested in completing the signing of an “excellent” player in the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

    It has been a positive month for Boro on the transfer front, not least because they have secured the permanent signing of influential centre-back George Edmundson. The 27-year-old has been on loan at the Riverside Stadium this season, but he will now remain there for the foreseeable future.

    Meanwhile, Morgan Whittaker has also joined Michael Carrick’s team midway through the season, signing from fellow Championship side Plymouth Argyle earlier in the week. The Englishman will hopefully give Boro the added firepower required to inspire them to promotion to the Premier League come May.

    On the pitch, Carrick’s men endured a frustrating afternoon at the office on Saturday, losing 2-1 away to Preston North End, in what could prove to be a damaging defeat come the end of the campaign.

    Boro are still looking healthy in sixth place in the Championship, but rivals are queuing up behind them, looking to take their place in the playoff positions in the coming weeks and months.

    According to the reliable Nixon on Patreon [via The 72], Middlesbrough are targeting a move for Slovan Bratislava attacker David Strelec in the January window.

    A £5m move has been mooted, and the 23-year-old would reportedly “jump” at the opportunity to join Boro this month, as he waits for an agreement to be reached.

    This could be another exciting piece of business for Carrick, with Strelec a player who has proven himself at a high level over a sustained period now.

    He has scored seven goals in 28 caps for Slovakia, so Boro would be signing an international striker with genuine pedigree, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “excellent” in the past.

    This season, Strelec has scored twice in seven outings in the Champions League, making his presence felt in Europe’s greatest club competition, and he also has 10 league goals in just 11 starts for Bratislava, further outlining his quality.A top-quality striker can be a priceless asset for any team at any level, and if Boro manage to snap up Strelec, it may well be a signing that could make the rest of the Championship sit up and take notice.

  • Ipswich Town: Forward Joshua Pitts joins from Southampton

    Ipswich Town: Forward Joshua Pitts joins from Southampton

    Young forward Joshua Pitts has signed his first professional contract at Ipswich Town after joining from Southampton.

    The 17-year-old has been with the Saints since the U9s and became a full-academy player at St Mary’s Stadium in the summer of 2023.

    Pitts has been a regular goalscorer for their youth teams, making his U18s debut last season, but now joins Town on a deal until the summer of 2026.

    He spent time with the Blues before Christmas, featuring in games and scored for the U18s in their 2-0 win at QPR in November.

    The Portsmouth-born Pitts is a Maltese U18 international, winning his first caps during the last international break. He scored in a 1-0 friendly win over Latvia

  • McKenna’s next Hirst: Ipswich make enquiry to sign “explosive” Delap rival

    McKenna’s next Hirst: Ipswich make enquiry to sign “explosive” Delap rival

    Ipswich Town were on the receiving end of another humbling defeat in the Premier League when travelling to Liverpool on Saturday as Arne Slot’s hosts ran out convincing 4-1 victors.

    It was always going to be a tall order for the Tractor Boys to go to Anfield and topple the might of the Reds, with the Suffolk underdogs remaining in the top-flight drop-zone on goal difference off the back of another heavy loss.

    With Ali Al-Hamadi now loaned out to the Championship to gift him more game-time, Kieran McKenna could now be looking at improving his numbers up top.

    After all, as much as Liam Delap has shown regularly this season he can be an explosive and clinical striker, he is also prone to an off-day in front of goal.

    Indeed, the former Manchester City attacker has drawn blanks across his last three Ipswich outings, with the standard of opposition arguably not helping his case.

    Across the three defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool and Manchester City, Delap has only managed to muster up a weak combined total of 53 touches, with just three efforts registered too as the rest of his teammates also struggled to find the back of the net.

    Of course, you would imagine that the 21-year-old will flicker back into life in front of goal sooner rather than later, considering he can boast eight goals from 21 Premier League games away from his current barren patch of form.

    But, McKenna will know he cannot rely on just Delap to deliver the goods, and with George Hirst only managing one strike from 11 league games himself as an option in reserve, a new striker prospect could soon arrive through the door to shake up the striker positions.

    Ipswich enquire about “explosive” teenager

    As per a report from football journalist Graeme Bailey, interest is beginning to heat up regarding the services of Sheffield United youngster Ryan One, with Ipswich just one suitor looking at the promising Scotsman.

    The Tractor Boys have allegedly made an enquiry to sign the teenager, with other notable Premier League sides looking at the exciting 18-year-old in the form of Liverpool, Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur. That said, One could well be intrigued by the potential of moving to Suffolk with more game-time perhaps on the table for him at Portman Road.

    After all, the teenage hotshot has already begun to make waves at his current side Sheffield United, with this composed finish in the U21 ranks against arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday one reason why he has been bumped up to the first team ranks.

    The “explosive” youngster – as he has been labelled by Scottish football X account Scotball in the past – has since scored just once in the senior fold under Chris Wilder from 13 appearances, with a hope attached here that Ipswich can strike gold again by signing a raw talent that used to call South Yorkshire home like they managed with the aforementioned Hirst.

    As can be seen by looking at the table above, Hirst hasn’t always been known as a goalscoring hero like he is now at Portman Road during his team’s unbelievable back-to-back promotions, as the 25-year-old visibly struggled with his confidence at various different clubs before his big Ipswich switch.

    Therefore, whilst One only boasts five senior career goals playing in Scotland and in Sheffield, McKenna might well be the best possible manager to get the most of him moving forward like he managed with Hirst.

    Nobody will be expecting the 18-year-old to usurp Delap in the starting XI, but One’s purchase would keep the 21-year-old on his toes and gift the Tractor Boys another youthful spark in attack.