‘

 

Don Goodman, left, believes Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town can get a draw from their clash with Newcastle United today

Don Ipswich have fight and tenacity’ – Goodman’s prediction for Town v Newcastle Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town can get a draw from their clash with Newcastle United today

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes Ipswich Town’s tenacity can see them hold big-spending Newcastle United at Portman Road today (3pm).

 

The Blues are bidding for their first home win of the season – and first in the top tier since April 2002 – while also looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this term.

 

Newcastle will pose a stern test, with striker Alexander Isak in red-hot form and the side buoyed by two big wins – 4-0 over Leicester City in the Premier League and 3-1 against Brentford in the Carabao Cup – in the las week.

 

“It really depends on what type of Newcastle United team are going to show up,” he told CoinPoker.

 

“They blasted Leicester City away at the weekend but were humbled by Brentford in the game previously. They also drew against Liverpool and Crystal Palace recently.

 

“They’re a very capable team but you just don’t know what you’re going to get from them.

 

“Ipswich, meanwhile, have fight, and tenacity and rarely find themselves out of games. It won’t be easy for Newcastle.

 

“Due to Newcastle’s unpredictability, I think Ipswich will come away with a point.”

 

They might not necessarily have the points to show for at the moment, but Ipswich Town have looked good enough to remain in the Premier League this season.

 

Kieran McKenna’s side are just about still in the relegation zone, but with wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, plus draws with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion, they have given their fans reason to be optimistic.

 

Unfortunately, there is no time to rest in the top flight, and this afternoon poses yet another significant test for the Tractor Boys as they play host to Newcastle United.

 

mckenna-ipswich-town

Worse still, they’ll be without a star striker, Liam Delap, as he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday and, as such, is suspended for today’s game, but one of McKenna’s other star players could be the solution to this personnel issue.

 

Liam Delap’s season so far

We aren’t too far off the midway point of the Premier League season at the moment, and so far, it would probably be fair to say that Delap has been one of, if not the most crucial player for Ipswich this year.

 

 

The former Manchester City prospect joined the club for around £20m in the summer, and while there was an element of risk in spending so much on someone with practically no top-flight experience, he has since put any doubts firmly to rest.

 

He didn’t necessarily hit the ground running, scoring just once in his first five league games, but since then, he’s added another five and provided an assist in 16 appearances, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 2.28 games in the competition.

 

However, it’s not just his output that makes the 21-year-old so brilliant; it’s also his ability to act as a focal point at times, bringing his teammates into play and generally giving opposition defenders something to worry about during games.

 

So, with all that said, his absence for the game against Newcastle is undeniably a big concern for McKenna and Co.

 

Liam-Delap-Ipswich

However, there is no need for doom and gloom just yet, as another of his impressive summer signings can step in for a game and potentially do a job for the side.

 

The Ipswich star who could stand in for Delap

So, we’ll get straight to the point: the Ipswich star who could step in for Delap at centre-forward this afternoon is Sammie Szmodics.

 

 

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we know that this might not be the first solution that comes to mind, but with George Hirst out injured and questions remaining over Ali Al-Hamadi’s actual level, starting the Irishman may be McKenna’s best option.

 

Furthermore, while he has primarily played out wide and in midfield over his career, he spent a handful of games playing up top for Blackburn Rovers and did reasonably well when doing so.

 

Szmodic’s CF record for Blackbur

 

For example, the “ridiculous” talent, as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, made 14 appearances as a number nine for Rovers across the last three campaigns, in which he found the back of the net on ten occasions, equating to an impressive average of a goal every 1.75 games.

 

On top of that, his tally of three goals in 14 appearances this season isn’t too bad either, especially considering the team’s struggles to create chances and the fact it’s his first time in the Premier League.

 

Ultimately, Delap’s absence this afternoon is an issue, but in Szmodics, McKenna has an experienced attacker who has experience playing up top and putting the ball in the back of the net, so he should put his trust in him and start him.

 

 

 

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea in action against Manchester United

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea in action against Manchester United (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

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As a player who was clocked as the fourth fastest in the Premier League last season, Dara O’Shea relishes “when I’m up against a striker and it’s me and him”. The Ipswich Town defender doesn’t, however, necessarily love what the races mean.

 

“Obviously, I am quick, but I don’t really want to use my pace because I’m using it in a way where, nine times out of 10, I’ve been in the wrong position.”

 

It’s a modern spin on an enjoyably old-fashioned sentiment. O’Shea laughs when the vintage Paolo Maldini line is put to him, that if you have to make a tackle you’ve already made a mistake.

 

“Yeah, if you come off and your shorts are dirty, you’ve made a few mistakes!”

 

That fine line between relish and tactical responsibility is all the tighter in a system as proactive as Ipswich’s, and under a manager as perceptive as Kieran McKenna.

 

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“The gaffer will point out, if you were like a yard there or two yards there, the whole passage of play is different,” O’Shea enthuses. “To have someone like that, it keeps us all on the same page.”

 

O’Shea uses the last three words a lot when discussing Ipswich, but it’s made good reading for him. The 25-year-old quickly got both the club and the team’s idea on moving from Burnley in the summer, to the point he was already putting in eye-catching displays after just a few games. O’Shea has been commanding at the back while helping Ipswich launch so many of those lively attacks with his searching passes. He is one of a few signings to have made the team admirably competitive, when many expected McKenna’s side to drop straight back down.

 

Some of that shouldn’t be a surprise, given the consideration that O’Shea put into his future. The Dubliner had approaches from Wolves and Brentford in the summer but chose Ipswich due to the excitement around the club from rising out of League One, as well as the man most responsible: McKenna.

 

“Even on the first day, it was a different feeling to clubs I’d been at before. I probably didn’t realise the magnitude until I came here just because, growing up, Ipswich were never really in the Premier League. Obviously, when I came here I realised how big a club, how good the fans are, how happy the fans are, and there’s a lot of admiration for the group.

 

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea in action against Brentford

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea in action against Brentford (Action Images via Reuters)

“There was obviously the journey they’ve been on and the gaffer.

 

“That’s why they’ve done so well as a group, because they have those same beliefs and values the club had in League One.

 

“The club wanted me a lot and the gaffer made that clear. I’ve now come to learn the best place to be is where they want you most, and that’s where you flourish.”

 

There was also the clarity of McKenna’s idea.

 

“It’s how he plays the game and sees the game. After working with various managers, I have an idea of how I think football should be played, and that’s how he plays football, so that’s what I enjoy. I think that’s important. To buy into a system yourself is massive.”

 

It isn’t just the way McKenna plays, though. It’s the way he does the rest of it, too.

 

“He’s probably one of the best managers I’ve had as a man-manager. I think he gets it. I’ve had managers before who just don’t speak to you, and it almost has you scratching your head. Because, as a footballer, you’re so lonely at times.”

 

It’s a notable phrase, that invites more questions given the hundreds of millions that watch the Premier League. That’s part of the point.

 

O’Shea has lauded Kieran McKenna’s man management

O’Shea has lauded Kieran McKenna’s man management (PA Wire)

“Obviously, football is quite a black and white sport in a way, great when you’re playing well, and then when you’re not playing well or not playing… it’s really tough, and there’s no in-between. I had it at Burnley at the start of last season, where I was taken out of the team and wasn’t spoken to. You’re just looking for that reason.

 

“So that bit of clarity – even if it’s needing to have a dig out – you need that at times. You need to understand where you stand and I think he’s really good at that. He has been for me. Communication is obviously massive in football, to play your best football. I always say you need to have a clear mind and just know what you need.”

 

O’Shea feels it’s all the more important to Ipswich’s competitiveness, as it keeps them – that phrase again – “on the same page” in terms of commitment as well as tactics. The team are so well drilled that even those on the sidelines for a while, like O’Shea’s various centre-half partners, are ready and willing to come into the team.

 

“We’ve been in every game. And look, I’ve been on the other end at Burnley where I’ve been wiped out by teams in the first 20, 30 minutes. But here it’s quite different, and that feeling within the group, even though we probably haven’t got the points to show for it, we’ve caused a lot of teams problems. You hear it from other players after the game, ‘you boys are tough to play against’. We’re one of the hardest-working teams in the league and I don’t think other teams will enjoy coming up against us this season.”

 

Newcastle United may find that on Saturday.

 

Dara O’Shea heads the ball clear during a Nations League fixture against Greece in Dublin

Dara O’Shea heads the ball clear during a Nations League fixture against Greece in Dublin (PA Wire)

It’s also why their first win, a 2-1 away to Tottenham Hotspur, was so satisfying.

 

“One of the hardest working teams as well, to just run all over them and show what we were about was nice,” O’Shea adds when recalling the game.

 

It’s why O’Shea’s attitude has so synched with McKenna’s.

 

“I love the battle most. My mentality as a player is that I just want to win my battle and I don’t want to let them get one better than me. I’ve had it a lot in recent weeks where we’ve gone a bit man to man and stuff like that.”

 

O’Shea actually puts it down to his background in Ireland, and playing Gaelic football with local club St Jude’s.

 

“I think that is the Gaelic in me coming out, you have your man, you stick to him and that’s that. A huge part of how I play is that front-foot mentality, wanting to get to the ball first, not being afraid to put your body there. It’s definitely helped me.”

 

O’Shea was actually so good that it was considered likelier he’d play for Ireland’s repeat Gaelic football champions, Dublin, rather than be a professional footballer. He even continued to play for St Jude’s right up to joining West Brom as a 16-year-old.

 

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea celebrates after team-mate Jack Taylor scores the winning goal at Wolves

Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea celebrates after team-mate Jack Taylor scores the winning goal at Wolves (Nigel French/PA Wire)

“I played right up to the end, county final,” he says. “If something went wrong, it wouldn’t have been the wisest decision!”

 

O’Shea is particularly proud of being Irish, having been such a committed match-going fan of the national team that he followed them to Euro 2016 with his family. The win against Italy, settled by current international teammate Robbie Brady, brought “one of the best weeks of my life,” adding: “It’s unmatched.”

 

He finds it funny now that there’s such an Irish contingent at Portman Road, including the manager, that “the lads are calling it Republic of Ipswich or Republic of Town”.

 

O’Shea believes that will only aid Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Irish team now. The 2026 World Cup will mark a decade since the country’s last tournament qualification.

 

Like with everything else, though, O’Shea relishes the challenge.

 

Chelsea have reportedly had contact with Ipswich Town regarding a potential transfer deal for talented young striker Liam Delap, according to Simon Phillips.

 

Delap has shone for Ipswich in the Premier League this season, having finally started to really make a name for himself after a challenging spell at Manchester City as a youngster.

 

The 21-year-old showed some promise in his time on Man City’s books, but he couldn’t get much playing time and he’s now reaping the benefits of more opportunities at Portman Road.

 

Delap is now being linked with Arsenal and other clubs, but Phillips suggests Chelsea have made a move to steal a march on a possible deal for the English forward.

 

The report stresses that the Blues are not necessarily prioritising Delap as they also have other names on their list of targets, but it seems discussions have at least taken place to understand his availability and possible asking price.

 

Liam Delap transfer: Will he move to Chelsea or Arsenal?

Liam Delap warming up for Ipswich Town

Liam Delap warming up for Ipswich Town

It remains to be seen if Delap is really good enough to make the step up to playing for one of the big six just yet, but it is also true that Chelsea and Arsenal could both do with new strikers.

 

The Gunners lack a real out-and-out finisher in their ranks, so there could be a role for Delap there, even if some fans will want a bigger name.

 

Chelsea, meanwhile, already have Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, though there could be room for an upgrade.

 

 

 

Ipswich Town have been on an incredible roller coaster over the last few years.

 

Kieran McKenna took the reins in late 2021 and led them from League One all the way to the Premier League in just two and a half seasons.

 

The Tractor Boys repaid the Northern Irishman for his brilliant efforts in the summer transfer window by bringing in talented additions like Liam Delap, Sammie Szmodics and Jens Cajuste, who are all vitally important to the club’s goal of beating the drop.

 

Kalvin-Phillips-Ipswich

However, while the majority of the summer additions have already paid off, it would be fair to say a few have struggled, including Kalvin Phillips and someone else, someone who might have been a mistake.

 

Phillips’ Ipswich struggles

Following a diabolical short-term loan to West Ham United last season that saw Phillips make ten appearances, lose six games, pick up a red card and then return to Manchester City early, there were serious questions about his next move.

 

 

Fortunately for him, Ipswich thought they saw an opportunity to bring someone to Portman Road with plenty of Premier League experience and a point to prove, so in mid-August, they signed the former Leeds United captain on a season-long loan.

 

Initially, while he wasn’t anywhere near his impressive best, the 31-capped international looked like he’d be a useful enough player to have in and around the squad, but then away to Leicester City, he got himself sent off and essentially cost the club what would have been their first win in an early relegation six-pointer.

 

The Leeds-born midfielder hasn’t featured at all since that incident, but there is a feeling that, given his incredible experience and undeniable talent, he could still play an important role as the season proceeds, even if it’s not as a regular starter.

 

However, while there is reason to be hopeful about Phillips’ future in East Anglia, the same cannot be said about another of the club’s significant summer signings.

 

The Ipswich signing worse than Phillips

So, with most of Ipswich’s summer signings already accounted for, it should come as no surprise that the potential flop in question is Jack Clarke.

 

Jack-Clarke-Ipswich

Now, we say ‘potential’ as it’s still probably a little early to say anything with absolute certainty, but as things stand, it’s not looking good.

 

The Tractor Boys agreed to pay Sunderland £15m for the “unplayable” attacker, as pundit Adrian Clarke dubbed him, and considering he’d scored 26 goals and provided 18 assists in just 92 games for the Black Cats across the last two seasons, it looked like a brilliant deal.

 

However, since making his move to Suffolk, the former Leeds United gem has not looked anything like the utterly sensational player who had been tearing Championship defences to shreds for the last two years.

 

For example, in his 14 appearances to date, which amount to 559 minutes of action, the 24-year-old has failed to score a goal and has provided just a single assist, which isn’t good enough.

 

Clarke at Sunderland vs Ipswich

 

Moreover, it’s not just the lack of output that’s worrying, but also his general play, with the defeat to Crystal Palace a good example, as the East Anglian Daily Times’ Alex Jones awarded him a 5/10 match rating and lamented him for how he ‘lost the ball too often.’

 

Ultimately, Clarke’s exploits for Sunderland over the last few years were nothing short of extraordinary.

 

That said, he has been immensely disappointing for Ipswich so far, and considering the fee he cost, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if McKenna regrets his decision to sign him.

 

 

From League Two to the Premier League – Conor Chaplin’s goalscoring journey

45 mins ago

Conor Chaplin has scored at every level in the top four leagues in England. <i>(Image: Ross Halls/PA)</i>

Conor Chaplin has scored at every level in the top four leagues in England. (Image: Ross Halls/PA)

Ipswich Town forward Conor Chaplin scored his first ever Premier League goal against Bournemouth on Sunday, joining an exclusive club of players to have found the back of the net in each of English football’s top four divisions.

 

The 27-year-old became the third Town player to hit this landmark in the 2024/25 campaign after Sammie Szmodics and Sam Morsy, who joined the list with their goals against Man City and Southampton respectively.

 

Ross Halls takes a look at his journey from League Two to the top flight…

 

Conor Chaplin celebrates with Portsmouth fans after winning promotion.

Conor Chaplin celebrates with Portsmouth fans after winning promotion. (Image: PA)

 

LEAGUE TWO

 

The first goals of his senior career were for his boyhood club Portsmouth in the fourth tier, netting his first professional goal in a 3-1 defeat at Morecambe.

 

Chaplin went on to notch a further 16 games at that level as he helped Pompey win the League Two title in the 2016/17 season under Paul Cook.

 

Conor Chaplin netted 26 goals during Ipswich Town’s League One promotion campaign.

Conor Chaplin netted 26 goals during Ipswich Town’s League One promotion campaign. (Image: PA)

 

LEAGUE ONE

 

The forward scored five goals for Portsmouth at this level before moving on to Coventry, finding the net eight times during his spell with the Sky Blues.

 

He dropped back down to the third tier to sign for Ipswich from Barnsley in the summer of 2021, notching nine goals in his first season.

 

The following campaign saw him score an impressive 26 goals as Town won promotion back to the Championship in 2022/23.

 

Conor Chaplin helped Town win promotion back to the Premier League last season.

Conor Chaplin helped Town win promotion back to the Premier League last season. (Image: Ross Halls)

 

CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Chaplin first found the net at this level for Barnsley, scoring 15 times during his two seasons at Oakwell, where he helped them reach the play-offs in 2020/21.

 

He went on to score 13 goals for Town last season as they secured back-to-back promotions to return to the top flight.

 

Conor Chaplin celebrates his goal against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Conor Chaplin celebrates his goal against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. (Image: Ross Halls)

 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

The forward completed the four-league scoring feat when he hit a trademark first time finish from the heart of the box to put the Blues ahead in the 21st minute against the Cherries, who came from behind to win late on at Portman Road.

 

Despite the defeat, Chaplin will remember this goal forever after so much hard work and sacrifice. It is something that nobody can take away from him.

 

He also follows in the footsteps of Town greats in Ted Phillips, Jimmy Leadbetter, John Elsworthy and Morsy to score in each of the top three leagues for Ipswich.

 

Sam Morsy joined the list after his goal against Southampton this season.

Sam Morsy joined the list after his goal against Southampton this season. (Image: Ross Halls)

 

 

 

The other players to have scored in all four leagues are:

 

 

 

I don’t understand how we can perform so well against the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa but then come up so short against teams like West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace – all of which are around us in the table. It’s so frustrating.

 

Tuesday was poor. Really poor.

 

Perhaps we’re not used to it after going three years unbeaten on a weekday night match, but I was so disappointed.

 

Ipswich Town fan columnist Joey Sadler

Town have impressed this season and won the hearts of many with their high-tempo, aggressive style of play.

 

However, that was nowhere to be seen on Tuesday and I can’t work out why.

 

The Blues have taken more points off the current top half teams than they have the bottom. We seem to be playing a lot better against so called ‘bigger sides’ but coming up short against those around them.

 

Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric in action against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night at Portman Road. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric in action against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night at Portman Road. Picture: Barry Goodwin

And if we are going to stay up, it’s going to be what we do against those around us that matters most, so it is a worrying picture.

 

I think that’s what frustrates me most, the fact we know we can perform so much better than we have done these last two, but defeats in these games hurt so much more.

 

 

One shining light was the performance of Nathan Broadhead.

 

Blues boss Kieran McKenna. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Blues boss Kieran McKenna. Picture: Barry Goodwin

I was really excited by the signing of Jack Clarke and couldn’t see a world where ‘Broady’ would get too many minutes. But it really hasn’t happened so far and to be honest, he has looked out of his depth at this level.

 

Here’s hoping Nathan’s form not only helps us, but also Jack kicks on and does better.

 

Onto Sunday now and we simply have to see a reaction.

 

Bournemouth are better than Crystal Palace and perhaps that will suits us.

 

Either way, Town need to be better and I think we will be, as Kieran McKenna won’t allow it.

 

It’s been a difficult week for Town, both on and off the pitch. We need a big push on Sunday. I hope we get one.