Editor of LFW’s sister site, Ipswich Town’s TWTD, Philip Ham gives us his insight into life at Portman Road, Mick McCarthy’s management and what Rangers can expect on Boxing Day.

Assess Ipswich's season so far for us…

PH: A bit of a mixed bag really. We hit the top in August, which I think flattered us a bit as we beat sides like Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday who were still in their summer state of flux. We then had a bit of a collapse into mid-table during September and October before finding our feet again in November when we took ten points from 12, Mick McCarthy won Manager of the Month and Daryl Murphy - who had gone 13 Town starts, three sub appearances and three starts for Ireland without scoring before getting back to form with his first hat-trick in 11 years - won Player of the Month.

Despite Saturday’s defeat to Derby - we’ve only beaten Burnley of the top five so far - we’re still sixth but seem to have a problem winning games at home, we’ve won just one of the last nine. Conversely, we’re away experts having won the last four.

What do you make of the job Mick McCarthy has done so far? Stretching not a lot of money quite a long way by the looks…

PH: Mick McCarthy’s just over three years in charge has seen a steady growth and gradual building of the squad, largely using the Bosman market, loans and triggering release clauses in players’ contracts. He’s built a squad which should be capable of reaching the play-offs again this year even if it probably won’t compete with the big spenders for the top two places.

What is the financial situation at the club, because Evans didn't seem to shy initially of sticking a lot of money in when you had poor managers and now you've got a good one the purse strings are tight.

PH: Marcus Evans came in at the end of 2007 and initially threw a lot of money at getting the club promoted without success under various managers. Evans has continued to invest around £6m a year via loans he’s unlikely to ever see again.

McCarthy taking over coincided with FFP coming in with Evans a keen advocate and the Blues’ spending was kept within those limits. With so many players available on frees each summer, paying fees for players has tended to be seen as an unnecessary waste of money when an equivalent player will be available on a Bosman.

Having sold Tyrone Mings - who cost £10,000 and a reserves friendly from Chippenham - for £8m in the summer that cash was put into wider squad strengthening, again via the usual routes, although of a slightly higher level than previously, and securing established players on longer term deals. The wage bill will be higher this season but still will be somewhere towards the lower middle end of the Championship.

While McCarthy seems comfortable with the situation and his squad - “I’m not sure where are we going to get better from without spending bonkers money" - some fans have become frustrated seeing the likes of Middlesbrough and Derby splashing the cash on big name signings such as David Nugent or Stewart Downing, particularly with FFP limits having increased this season.

Given that, is last season and this season's push for the play offs but ultimately fall short, either finishing seventh or eighth or losing in the knock outs, the best this group can offer or is there potentially a promotion in them?

PH: I suspect the top two will probably be beyond Town at present. Another play-off finish was seen as a realistic target at the start of the season but hitting the top early on rather increased expectations in some quarters and probably didn’t do McCarthy too many favours with hindsight.

Any names floating around for January? Any potential outgoings?

PH: No one will be sold both Mick and MD Ian Milne have stated and Mick has said he’s happy with his squad. Perhaps there might be someone in if there’s an injury or two.

Strongest players and weakest links in the current team?

PH: Ryan Fraser, who is on loan from Bournemouth, had been the player of the season until he suffered an injury in early October. The Scotland U21 international is now back but will probably be on the bench on Saturday. Daryl Murphy is a danger up front, as you’d expect given his 27 goals last season, while Freddie Sears has also impressed in a role wide on the left rather than up front this season.

While Freddie Sears has also impressed in a role wide on the left rather than up front this season and Brett Pitman has made an excellent start to his Town career, scoring seven goals.

The weakest aspect of our team has been a previously uncharacteristic tendency to give away silly goals after making daft errors. That’s not been down to any individual in particular but most of the defence and midfield at some point over the season.

Short, medium and long term aims for the club?

PH: Reaching the play-offs and ultimately getting in the Premier League after 14 years in this division is the short, medium and long-term aim.

The Twitter @TWTDUK, @loftforwords

Pictures — Action Images

Photo: Action Images

TacticalR added 22:07 - Jan 6 Thanks to Philip. Ipswich sound like they are on an even keel after some serious wrong moves like employing Roy Keane. Not going backward, but perhaps not going forward either?
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