Ipswich Town webchat with Carl Marston

Ian Harris:

Hi Carl, I must say that up to recently I felt the Town were progressing albeit slowly but certainly in the right direction, although the ongoing saga of inept finishing did worry me. The defeats at Southampton and Preston have in my mind set of alarm bells as to our league position. I do not see us getting clear of the relegation zone now we have started to leak goals again and currently I do not see any positives on which to hang onto. Carl. please reassure me we will not be swopping places with the Budgies?

Reply:

Ian, These are worrying times agreed, but not yet depressing times. Town have four away games on the bounce, and I want us to win at least two of them preferably. We can't afford to lose at QPR tomorrow, otherwise we will probably be in the bottom three. And we don't want to lose at the likes of Sheff Wed and Scunthorpe, because they are real six-pointers. Since you posted this question, we have at least recruited two potential regular goalscorers in Healy and Murphy, so hopefully they will help us not to swap places with those "Budgies"

Ross Southgate:

Hello Carl, Despite our run of just 2 league losses in 16 games we still find ourselves just outside the relergation zone. Has a nice little run come to end and we getting found out again as a team with lack of scoring goals and prone to the odd error at the back.

Reply:

Ross. Our lack of goals has found us out all season, and ironically when we were scoring goals (eg at Doncaster and Sheff Untd), that's when the keeper and defenders were making all those errors. I think this season could go right to the wire, with many clubs sucked into the relegation battle. That includes Ipswich, unless we can start scoring that second and third goal, rather than just one

mike brown:

with the stupid formation of 4-1-4-1 (at Preston)Keane's stupid rotation of the squad all the time, is it not time Keane just picked his first 11 and just stick to it unless injuries say otherwise.

Reply:

Mike, Birmingham City have had the same starting XI for the last few months (no exaggeration), and they're flying high in 8th spot in the Premiership. I always like a settled team, but Keane has never been afraid to make changes. The poor start forced him into changes, and he's struggled ever since to find that winning formula. I would like him to start with the same starting XI tomorrow night at QPR, if Murphy/Healy/Walters are fit enough, especially as we have no game this weekend

Rick Smallman:

This is a test question

Reply:

Then this is a test answer - "Yes and no"

Peter Townes:

Hi Carl.Time permitting I quickly scrawl thru sites to follow fans reactions.For the first time now I notice that critical posts now out number the positive ones.A lot more fans have now become fearful of us 'doing a Norwich'this season as we are only 1 point off relegation zone.This is the longest we have been down at the bottom of second tier since Sir Alf took us up to top division 50 years ago I believe;so have you changed your opinion at all which I believe was that town are still not in danger of being relegated?

Reply:

Peter, One point off the bottom, and with four away games on the bounce, of course we're "in danger" of being relegated. But it's the terrible start to the season, not the form of the last three months, that has left us in this worrying position. Tomorrow will be a big test, mentally more than physically. I'm not surprised that the critical posts now outnumber the positive ones, but I remain behind Mr Keane. I just want us to survive this season, because I believe next season could be exciting. Keane has to see it through, and right the wrongs. At least we're not going through managers like a dose of salts (unlike at QPR)

Susan Wills:

Another draw. Another dull match. Another game where we were void of any ideas. My patience with Keane has finally run out. He took a midtable Championship side, spent more money than the large majority in this division & turned us into relegation candidates. I can't help but think that if he wasn't such a high profile figure with quirky interview soundbites getting fan onside he'd have had his cards by now. Please don't cite the run of games without defeat argument in defence of him - the lack of wins in that run & our league position (not to mention the woeful football on offer) make that defence worthless.

Reply:

Susan, Fair enough. But what's the alternative? Another new manager starting from scratch, after the transfer window closed? And at least it wasn't another defeat, and another dull defeat. Keane is a high-profile manager, but I don't think that's a big factor - Ipswich have a history of sticking with their managers, not sacking them after less than a year. Magilton had three years (and he spent quite a lot of money as well)

Philip Kindred:

Any idea if Daryl Murphy scored the quickest goal on his debut on Saturday or has any one scored faster on debut for Ipswich? Also noted that two of the eighteen on squad duty on Saturday were not even in the squad printed in the EADT , but suppose that Roy Keane just likes to catch you press boys out,mind you glad to see Jon Walters back?

Reply:

Philip, Yep, Mr Keane told us all on Friday that Saturday would be too early for Walters and Brian Murphy. But Keane does keep some things close to his chest, and Walters came through a light training session on Friday morning, so decided to throw him in. A gamble, but these are times when you have to gamble. Keane rarely decides on his team before the morning of the match - he told me this morning that he's going to wait 24 hours before picking his team for QPR. And no, Murphy did not score the quickest goal by a Town player on his debut. Keith Bertschin scored with his first touch as a sub at Arsenal in 1976

FRANK WESTON:

Hi carl and please ignore my questions from last week because it was my fault. I failed to see the warning about there being no webchat until it was too late. Oops! Anyway, on to today and what did you think of the new kids on the block? Murphy scored and played well apparently but is it fair to say David Healey underwhelmed? In fairness to him he has not played much football recently which may explain some iof it.

Reply:

Frank, I was very frustrated last Monday, because I was all geared up for a lively Webchat, only to spend that whole hour wrestling with, and being defeated by, technical difficulties. Murphy was impressive - a goal, neat touches, good control, not afraid to shoot, also more confidence than Priskin certainly! (though I know that's not saying a lot). Healy did not look fit, but he has the potential to get us some goals at this level.

FRANK WESTON:

I was astonished to see that Elvin King had marked McCauley down with a 5 for his performace on Saturday yet according to the man who really should know about these things Kevin Beattie he was by far Town's best player! Does that tell is more about how bad the rest were or the fact that football analysis is very subjective?

Reply:

Frank, You raise an interesting point. I saw Kevin Beattie at half-time, and he was praising McAuley for his superb first half performance. And Beattie should know - he was one of the best centre-halves I ever saw (when I was a youngster in my school shorts! - and no, I wasn't 17 at the time). I had McAuley down for an 8 at half-time, but in my colleague Elvin King's defence, he then went downhill in the second half (perhaps with the rest of the team) and suddenly looked very dicey, a bit like at the start of the season. I gave him 7 out of 10 in the EADT this morning, alongside the comment "terrific in the first half" Football analysis is very subjective, but then that's why we all love talking about it.

FRANK WESTON:

And as we fall perilously close to the drop zone with ever increasing rapidy and the dark clouds gather once more around Portman Road do you really think Healey and Murphy genuinely have the fire-power to make a difference Carl?

Reply:

Frank, I hope so! We now have 4 decent strikers in Healy, Counago, Murphy and Stead. I think Wickham is still too young and inexperienced at this level. We have the potential to score the goals to get out of trouble, but it's easy to write this, and not so easy to translate it onto the pitch

FRANK WESTON:

Bruce appears to be of the view that our new duo will settle quickly and let us hope so. They need to gel well from teh off because the sands of time are against us and with more than half our league games ending in draws I sense that the vultures have landed on the roof of the stand once again - waiting to pounce if things go from bad to worse..

Reply:

Steady on, Frank! You're getting me scared. Vultures on the roof? I'm going to bring a tin hat to Town's next home game. I've been to Africa and I've seen the size of some of those vultures. Keep you head down, is my advice

Ross Southgate:

Hello Carl, A big month of games coming up, with key games against Peterborough, Sheff Wed and Scunthorpe. We really have to pull the 2 later teams into the relegation fight and get above them. Im hoping that playing away might suit us a little better as we seem to be able to defend (resonably well) and are better suited to hitting teams on the break. A big worry is that our squad is a little thin in places and with soo many games this month and next if we were to pick up injuries to vital team players then we will end up in trouble.

Reply:

Ross, I'd rather be playing these games at home rather than away. I know that we've drawn our last two home games 1-1 (v West Brom and Middlesbrough), but we haven't lost at PR since Newcastle on September 26. We have only won once away from home, and confidence is not exactly high, so it will certainly be a nervous next few weeks. A draw away from home is always a good result, but we need more than draws. The squad is big enough - we have cover up front and in midfield, and we can always recall Tommy Smith if McAuley/Delaney gets injured or suspended.

Ross Southgate:

Carl, do you agree with Elvin Kings rating of Macauley 5/10. I thought Gareth and Damien were two of the better performers on Saturday and as of late have devolped a real solid partnership that to rival anyones in the championship.

Reply:

Ross, I actually gave McAuley 7 out of 10 in today's EADT newspaper, alongside the comment - "terrific first half." He was on 8 at half-time but then, as Elvin King felt, he looked shaky after the break. My 4 best players on Saturday were, for the record - Murphy, Leadbitter, McAuley & Delaney,

Paul Pryke:

I thought there were some positive signs against Middlesboro despite the result. Had Murphy, Healey and Walters been completely match fit I dont think we would have faded so badly in the second half as we did. I have to say though that at this stage of the season I think Keane needs to decide his best 11 and stick to it. Constant tinkering is not helping the cause in my view at least!

Reply:

Paul, These are my sentiments as well. At least the defence seems settled, albeit for the left-back position, as does the centre of the park. I think we need a settled front-line now, and Murphy and Healy will be that duo. However, will tomorrow night come too quickly for them? Keane seemed unsure, and was going to consult his fitness coach and medical staff. But I hope they both start.

Tom Pilling:

Hi Carl, in Roy Keane I do still trust but we have got to start being more positive especially with these away games coming up. We have got to kill these games off. At 1-0 up we should have gone for the jugular but it was not a question of if they were going to equalise but when on Saturday. I feel sorry for David Wright he needs a run at right back. Healy and Murphy are short of match practice but should (hopefully) come good. We have still got to look over our shoulder though.

Reply:

Tom, I share your still positive note, but Wright was shrugged off the ball too easily at left-back on Saturday. I don't think the choice of right-back is going to have a huge bearing on whether we avoid relegation this season. The goal-scoring prowess of Healy and Murphy will have a much bigger effect.

FRANK WESTON:

I may sound like a harbinger of doom and gloom but actually I am really ever the optimist! I still have every confidence in Roy Keane to turn things around and like you beleive that if Town can get through this season relatively unscathed we will be all the better for the experience. that siad, for Roy Keane to realise his dream of Preniership football within two seasons, there will have to be sudden and dramtic change for the better and fast!

Reply:

Yes, I'm not even going to think about next season's potential, until we start winning some games on a regular basis this season. Otherwise, there is a giant hole that we could also disappear down (its called League One).

FRANK WESTON:

I am going for a 2-1 win to Town tomorrow. their record at Loftus Road is pretty good even in these barren years but this prediction is solely dependent on QPR not changing their manager in the meantime!!!

Reply:

Frank, I haven't done my prediction for tomorrow's EADT yet, but I'm tending towards a draw - now there's a shock!

Tom Pilling:

Any word on who this player was we just missed out on in the transfer window that Keane is going to chase now the loan market is open? I am guessing a left back?

Reply:

Tom, Yes it was definitely a left-back

Marcus Mulley:

Good afternoon Karl saturdays match was good dispite not picking up the three points we needed we setled for a point. It seems to be looking like our squad has near enough all Irish lads in don't you think haha! its good to see Keane got two good players in before the deadline and to me they make a really good strike force Murhpy & Healy although Murphy has had more games than Healy but once he star playing more games then he'll provide us with the goals. Question Karl do you honestly think we will survive the drop zone into league one or do you think we will be relegated?

Reply:

Marcus, I think we will survive the drop zone and so avoid relegation. But it might be a bit close for comfort.

Marcus Mulley:

Good afternoon Karl saturdays match was good dispite not picking up the three points we needed we setled for a point. It seems to be looking like our squad has near enough all Irish lads in don't you think haha! its good to see Keane got two good players in before the deadline and to me they make a really good strike force Murhpy & Healy although Murphy has had more games than Healy but once he star playing more games then he'll provide us with the goals. Question Karl do you honestly think we will survive the drop zone into league one or do you think we will be relegated?

Reply:

Marcus, Just post your question once, not several times, however good it is!

Marcus Mulley:

I hope your right! but wer'e heading in that direction because i know we got four strikers but none of them have the confidence of shooting on goal i mean why is it that the Premier League Players seem to shoot from anywhere and there not to afraid we won't find none of that here im sorry to say i just can't see it Carl and about the keeper what is it with Barrets kicking? its dodgy he kicks ok when he kicks from the floor but when he kicks from his hands he's terrible i mean im not dissrespcting him i mean i like the lad i think hes a good keeper its just that i want to see his kicking improving.

Reply:

Marcus, Murphy proved on Saturday that he has the confidence to shoot from anywhere, and I think that Healy is a selfish striker (someone we need), so I have high hopes for this strike-force. And Stead was in good form before his harsh red card. Lee-Barrett has done quite well, and has perhaps exceeded expectations, but we also have Brian Murphy waiting in the wings, so the keeper position should be well covered.

Pencil Pete:

Carl, Whats your opinion of this football Club ? Oxford Utd.

Reply:

Pencil Pete, Oxford United has never been my favourite football club, and for this reason - I was covering an Ipswich Town game back in the early-to-mid 1990s, and had parked my car down a well-to-do leafy lane in suburbia. Town lost the game, my colleague had a spat with a steward after the game, and when I walked back to my car, I found that my car-radio had been nicked, with the passenger window smashed! That was one of the coldest journeys I have ever had, back to Suffolk with an open window and no music to play!

Ian Harris:

Carl, The real concern I have with our current position and form? is that those around us do appear to be scoring regularly and winning which is more than we have done and continue to due the Town,s trend is downwards whereas others around us is opposite? You look at the fixture until the ret of the season there are an awful lot of 'six pointers'?

Reply:

Ian, I'd rather be playing the teams down near the bottom, than at the top, for obvious reasons. I'm not looking forward to Forest and Newcastle away, because we'll struggle there, but we have to fancy our chances of getting some points off the lower teams. Reading will get free, I fear, but there's always Doncaster, Derby, Scunthorpe etc

SAMUEL DAVIS:

Hi Carl I was away in Poland when Priskin signed for QPR, any idea if there is a clause in the deal that says he cannot play against us? I can't help feeling a sense of forebodeing that he will come back to haunt us and score against us if he plays. I don't want to be one of the Vultures that Frank is so concerned about but I think it optimistic of you to hope that we will win 2 of our 4 away games but I am keeping my fingers crossed that you are proved right!!

Reply:

Samuel, I like to be an optimist - though perhaps not as optimistic or as self-confident as the always positive-talking Liam Rosenior. Priskin can't play against us tomorrow - but is that a good thing?