Archive for July, 2010

Carlton Cole’s 30th minute goal proved the difference as West Ham narrowly beat Ipswich 1-0 in Town’s penultimate pre-season friendly. It was Cole’s fifth strike of the summer – and how Ipswich would love to have someone as prolific in their ranks. Once again the home fans went away wondering how their side didn’t score with Tamas Priskin and Tommy Smith the biggest culprits in an otherwise encouraging display.

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Newmarket, Histon and Leiston helped with match fitness, but today’s pre-season friendly against West Ham is the real deal. Just seven days before the Championship starts with a tricky visit to Middlesbrough, an overall performance is surely more important than a win, lose or draw. Roy Keane said: “We will be looking to move up a level in terms of preparation for what really counts and that’s Middlesbrough next weekend.”

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Roy Keane has made it clear that he bought Cardiff’s Mark Kennedy in to add experience to his youthful squad, including current left-back Shane O’Connor who may now lose his place to the 34-year-old. Another intriguing option is O’Connor moving more into a midfield role. While Town fans will hope Kennedy’s support of Michael Chopra could lead to something special.

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Ipswich Town fans will be heartened by the news that Luca Civelli should recover from his latest setback within the next two weeks after jarring his knee in the friendly win at Leiston. Elsewhere, Roy Keane predicted another busy few days but warned supporters to expect players leaving, rather than new faces on the horizon. Messrs Bruce, Garvan and Stead could all be waving goodbye to Portman Road in the very near future with only personal negotiations apparently standing in the way of the trio exiting IP1.

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Ipswich’s final match of a tour of East Anglia’s non-league sides failed to raise too many hopes for the season ahead with the Championship side having just Gareth McAuley’s 63rd minute goal to show for their efforts. Good chances were spurned by the likes of Tamas Priskin and Jon Walters, chances that cannot afford to go begging either against West Ham in Saturday’s friendly or, more importantly, at Middlesbrough in the season opener in just ten days.

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“I want to keep playing at the highest level possible for as long as I can. The Championship is a great league and this move will help me do that.” Mark Kennedy explains the reasons behind his switch from Cardiff to Ipswich on another busy day of transfer news. Back to the football pitch tonight for a visit to Bury Town.

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Ipswich Town’s preparations for next season have been dealt a blow after young gun Connor Wickham was ruled out for six weeks. The youngster admitted: “I took a shot at goal and felt my ankle give way. It’s very frustrating.” Frustration is one word for Town fans, disappointing and worrying are just two more.

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“We’re getting closer to the start of the season now though and there will be players looking to perform well against West Ham and Spurs and book their place in the team for the start of the season.” While some fans have been less than convinced by the quality of Ipswich’s pre-season schedule, Roy Keane has left his players in no doubt about the importance of them.

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Roy Keane has finally given some much-needed excitement to Town fans with the news today that new signings are close. With an offer agreed on one and a season-long for another also muted, the only question is who the manager is going for. Keane said: “The players concerned include two that I had in mind at the end of last season. I had a target list of four or five players and while you rarely get all five, if I get two out of the five I will be pleased.”

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“I’m happy playing for Cardiff, but I’ll be off if this continues. I’m ambitious and I want this club to meet those ambitions. If they can’t, what’s the point?” Are these the last words of Michael Chopra as a Cardiff City player? Only time will tell, but Ipswich Town fans haven’t given up hope yet of securing a man who scored 18 goals in last season’s Championship.

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