Turmoil ahead of Tractor Boys
2016/17 was Ipswich Town's lowest league finish in 58 years. It was a season of turmoil and torture for the long suffering Ipswich fans who are now preparing for their 16th consecutive season in the Championship.
That's a run that could be set to end this season if nothing signifciantly changes at Portman Road quite quickly. It's hard to know where to place the blame for the clubs current demise and predicament. You could argue that Mick McCarthy needs to play more adventurous football, and the fans would certainly like to see something a bit more pleasing on the eye, but he has rarely been able to field sufficient quality to attack their opponents in any real way.
The signings the club have been acquiring have probably been the most disappointing aspect for fans - particularly this season and the noises coming from the club don't sound like there is likely to be a whole lot more activity to come.
Having finished four points clear of the drop zone last season, fans have so far see Joe Garner added from Rangers and Tom Adeyemi join from Cardiff. Hardly big impact players without any disrespect. Emyr Hughes (Cardiff) and Dominic Iorfa (Wolves) have joined, but were already part of the squad in a loan capacity last season. The only really bright signing is Bersant Celina - the Kosovan whizkidd from Man City who has come in on loan. It's hard to see him getting the opportunities he needs in the current system however.
Marcus Evans has shown real loyalty to McCarthy, and if things go south, its hard to see him blinking too early in the season to make a chance - although judging from Town's preseason catastrohpe at Charlton - losing 6-1 - on the eve of the season, the alarm bells really need to be ringing. The fact is, the season will get going later this week, and the boo boys are already preparing their songs in the Portman Road crowd. 10/3 about them being relegated looks too long this time around.
Ipswich to be relegated at 10/3