The Championship Thread 2023/2024

[ScowcroftsUglyMole]

37 minutes ago, Clever Fox said:

I think it's inevitable that they will drop quite a few points as the pressures and physicality of the league takes it's toll on their small squad.

 

There is the caveat that they go for broke and through a heap of money at signings in the upcoming Window. 

Lurking Ipswich fan here, can’t resist biting to this because I see so many Leicester and Leeds fans commenting on our supposedly small squad.

 

What makes you think this? Our reserve team knocked out a strong Wolves team in the cup and we have competitive depth in every position on the pitch (with the probable exception of ST).

 

Moreover, expect us to have a busy January. We made four big signings in January last season, who have all been key players this season.

 

In the summer we weren’t an attractive enough option for players that matched our budget and ambition (Auston Trusty and Ellis Simms for example). Hopefully we won’t encounter that problem as much in the transfer window due to our league position, and the opportunity for players to be coached by Kieran McKenna.
 

Will we make top two? I don’t know, probably 50/50. I’d still back McKenna to get us up in the playoffs though.

 

Exciting season though, Boxing Day has all the ingredients for a cracker.

[HitchinFox]

1 hour ago, DJ Barry Hammond said:

I reckon the board will only be one year out with their prediction… but that it will be League One! 
 

Seems Pearson fell out with the higher up’s (Brian Tinnion possibly one of them), but he clearly had a close bond with the squad and had them playing for him, so to go from that father like figure trying to get the best out of what he had to a guy fresh out of college wanting to play the new trendy way with players that are not really up to that - it’s no surprise they’re winless in 4!

 

100% spot on. 

[sm1]

Ipswich are where they are on merit and good for them. I suspect something similar to what happened with Arsenal last season,  will happen with Ipswich. Arsenal had 53pts from their first 21 games, 2 more then Ipswich at the same stage, but ended up with 84pts, only getting 31 pts from the last 17 games. Ipswich will get in the mid 90pts, but I suspect we'll get over a 100pts. 🤞

[Scotch]

44 minutes ago, ScowcroftsUglyMole said:

Lurking Ipswich fan here, can’t resist biting to this because I see so many Leicester and Leeds fans commenting on our supposedly small squad.

 

What makes you think this? Our reserve team knocked out a strong Wolves team in the cup and we have competitive depth in every position on the pitch (with the probable exception of ST).

 

Moreover, expect us to have a busy January. We made four big signings in January last season, who have all been key players this season.

 

In the summer we weren’t an attractive enough option for players that matched our budget and ambition (Auston Trusty and Ellis Simms for example). Hopefully we won’t encounter that problem as much in the transfer window due to our league position, and the opportunity for players to be coached by Kieran McKenna.
 

Will we make top two? I don’t know, probably 50/50. I’d still back McKenna to get us up in the playoffs though.

 

Exciting season though, Boxing Day has all the ingredients for a cracker.

I don't think there was any disrespect meant by the OP and if there was, there shouldn't have been you guys have been great this year and I really hope it continues. 

 

However, you asked why people have the perception that you have a small squad? Simply, only 4 teams in the league have used fewer player than you. That's not a criticism, if anything, it's a compliment to those player but it isn't unreasonable to suggest that it may catch up to them if indeed you don't add a bit more depth in Jan like you say. 

 

Good luck for the rest of the season pal. 

[BenTheFox]

If Ipswich were going to drop off, it would have happened by now. They're here for the long run. If they go up automatically, especially if they do so with more than 95 points, McKenna should get manager if the season. You can't help but admire it really. 

[Lizzibee]

3 hours ago, trabuch said:

Same. They aren't generally a bad bunch. 

We're ok honestly - just living the dream at the moment in some shock! You guys will smash the league - would love to be second ahead of Leeds just because their arrogance but this year was about survival to be honest.   We rode our luck tonight, we didn't play brilliantly, but there is a togetherness with the team I have never seen before.  Good luck (apart from Boxing Day)

[ScowcroftsUglyMole]

10 minutes ago, Scotch said:

I don't think there was any disrespect meant by the OP and if there was, there shouldn't have been you guys have been great this year and I really hope it continues. 

 

However, you asked why people have the perception that you have a small squad? Simply, only 4 teams in the league have used fewer player than you. That's not a criticism, if anything, it's a compliment to those player but it isn't unreasonable to suggest that it may catch up to them if indeed you don't add a bit more depth in Jan like you say. 

 

Good luck for the rest of the season pal. 

Thanks. I didn’t interpret the post to be particularly scolding, it was a case of the straw breaking the camel’s back after seeing the same comments from opposing fans for months.

 

We’re nearly halfway into the season and we’ve accrued more points after 20 games than any Championship club has done in previous seasons. It feels as if our start is still seen as a fluke from the outside, but we aren’t going away.

 

I guess you guys can relate somewhat…

[Lizzibee]

3 hours ago, CrispinLA in Texas said:

How good is Hirst? ..

Was it a mistake to sell him to Ipswich?

He only going to get better...

He is a massive grafter.  he is critical to how we play - he wont be a 20 a season striker but how he holds up play and gets assists is why we have so many different scorers in the team.  He was an absolute bargain

[Lizzibee]

1 hour ago, ScowcroftsUglyMole said:

Lurking Ipswich fan here, can’t resist biting to this because I see so many Leicester and Leeds fans commenting on our supposedly small squad.

 

What makes you think this? Our reserve team knocked out a strong Wolves team in the cup and we have competitive depth in every position on the pitch (with the probable exception of ST).

 

Moreover, expect us to have a busy January. We made four big signings in January last season, who have all been key players this season.

 

In the summer we weren’t an attractive enough option for players that matched our budget and ambition (Auston Trusty and Ellis Simms for example). Hopefully we won’t encounter that problem as much in the transfer window due to our league position, and the opportunity for players to be coached by Kieran McKenna.
 

Will we make top two? I don’t know, probably 50/50. I’d still back McKenna to get us up in the playoffs though.

 

Exciting season though, Boxing Day has all the ingredients for a cracker.

You beat me to it! our squad is as big as all the other clubs and we need to release people in January just to improve in some places.  To have a squad where you bring on Burns and Broadhead shows there is depth.  
I'm glad we didn't get Simms - Hirst is way better IMHO
As you say, we dont know if we make it. What we know is that unless we really feck up we'll be play offs and that is way way more than anyone expected or dreamed of.

 

[ozleicester]

Its the journey, not the destination.

[fox_favourite]

1 hour ago, Lizzibee said:

We're ok honestly - just living the dream at the moment in some shock! You guys will smash the league - would love to be second ahead of Leeds just because their arrogance but this year was about survival to be honest.   We rode our luck tonight, we didn't play brilliantly, but there is a togetherness with the team I have never seen before.  Good luck (apart from Boxing Day)

To be fair, that can get you some distance. We, as Leicester fans know that more than anyone. Our biggest achievements in recent times has been die to this. Most notable would be our prem survival year and the notorious 2015/16 season. 

 

Ipswich have been so impressive and have our respect. You are there fully on merit and not by a fluke. From when I've watched them, the work rate is unbelievable. My only concern would be burn out as you play 100 miles an hour for 90 minutes each game. But so far it hasn't been the case. Christmas fixtures will be a test. But January will be an interesting watch to see who you can attract and sign. 

 

As for us, January will be a big test as well. Will we lose key players to pren teams? Will we be able to replace the quality if we do? We are going to hit by the AFCON with a few players leaving to play as well. We can't buy unless we sell. 

 

Tough games coming up where I hope you create a bigger gap and beat Leeds but I'm afraid boxing day I have obvious bias. Let's go up together and keep the gap to 3rd as big as possible. 

 

Edited 13 December 2023 by fox_favourite

[Chrysalis]

Great news on Leeds result.

[foxfanazer]

8 hours ago, ScowcroftsUglyMole said:

Thanks. I didn’t interpret the post to be particularly scolding, it was a case of the straw breaking the camel’s back after seeing the same comments from opposing fans for months.

 

We’re nearly halfway into the season and we’ve accrued more points after 20 games than any Championship club has done in previous seasons. It feels as if our start is still seen as a fluke from the outside, but we aren’t going away.

 

I guess you guys can relate somewhat…

Well except for one.....

Edited 13 December 2023 by foxfanazer

[Joe90lcfc]

7 hours ago, HighPeakFox said:

But that's their opinion.... so they don't need to agree with you  

It’s the same  arrogance fans directed at us when we won the prem! The man’s right 

[SafewayFox]

6 hours ago, ScowcroftsUglyMole said:

Lurking Ipswich fan here, can’t resist biting to this because I see so many Leicester and Leeds fans commenting on our supposedly small squad.

 

What makes you think this? Our reserve team knocked out a strong Wolves team in the cup and we have competitive depth in every position on the pitch (with the probable exception of ST).

 

Moreover, expect us to have a busy January. We made four big signings in January last season, who have all been key players this season.

 

In the summer we weren’t an attractive enough option for players that matched our budget and ambition (Auston Trusty and Ellis Simms for example). Hopefully we won’t encounter that problem as much in the transfer window due to our league position, and the opportunity for players to be coached by Kieran McKenna.
 

Will we make top two? I don’t know, probably 50/50. I’d still back McKenna to get us up in the playoffs though.

 

Exciting season though, Boxing Day has all the ingredients for a cracker.

Morning Ipswich lurker 😜

 

All joking aside welcome and a good post but the bit in bold is the only part that I struggle with in modern football….sadly money talks.

 

Whilst the 3 relegated sides as an example will simply offer more wages so will still be a more attractive option regardless of the coach in situ.

Edited 13 December 2023 by SafewayFox

[foxfanazer]

2 minutes ago, SafewayFox said:

Morning Ipswich lurker 😜

 

All joking aside welcome and a good post but the bit in bold is the only part that I struggle with in modern football….sadly money talks and the 3 relegated sides as an example will simply offer more wages so will still be a more attractive option regardless of the coach in situ.

Maybe McKenna can hypnotise players to want to play for Ipswich. Oh wait.....that's Paul McKenna 

[CloudFox]

5 hours ago, ScowcroftsUglyMole said:

Thanks. I didn’t interpret the post to be particularly scolding, it was a case of the straw breaking the camel’s back after seeing the same comments from opposing fans for months.

 

We’re nearly halfway into the season and we’ve accrued more points after 20 games than any Championship club has done in previous seasons. It feels as if our start is still seen as a fluke from the outside, but we aren’t going away.

 

I guess you guys can relate somewhat…

We can indeed. Hold on to that feeling. It's glorious to just know in your gut you're proving so many people wrong. Let them be dismissive—it takes the pressure off!—and enjoy the ride. 

[Sir Shep]

I remember a lot of people were saying we would drop off in season 15/16. A lot of those people saying that were so called experts and scared rival fans. Ipswich are just to good for this division it seems and fair play to them. 

[foxfanazer]

There's no rivalry with Ipswich. Hope they come up with us whilst the best team in the league (Leeds) fluff the playoffs 

[Dan]

Good matchday for us providing we do win as there'd be an actual gain. Leeds losing is bigger than Ipswich winning.

 

I do think if Ipswich come out of boxing day top of the league, they will win it. If they can seriously take top spot from us during a run of Middlesbrough, Watford, Norwich and Leeds, three of them away, while we had Plymouth, Millwall, Birmingham, Rotherham, three of them at home I'd have to concede they might be better.

[foxfanazer]

4 minutes ago, Dan LCFC said:

Good matchday for us providing we do win as there'd be an actual gain. Leeds losing is bigger than Ipswich winning.

 

I do think if Ipswich come out of boxing day top of the league, they will win it. If they can seriously take top spot from us during a run of Middlesbrough, Watford, Norwich and Leeds, three of them away, while we had Plymouth, Millwall, Birmingham, Rotherham, three of them at home I'd have to concede they might be better.

Which in all honesty is absolutely fine. Yes you can talk about the differences in budgets etc but we know more than anybody the power of momentum. McKenna had a squad of players buzzing from league one promotion who probably knew they were far too good for that league. Whereas Maresca inherited fractured pieces of a squad on their knees from the pitiful Rodgers regime.

 

Not downplaying what Ipswich have done but make no mistake, Enzo has done a superb job

[HighPeakFox]

1 hour ago, Joe90lcfc said:

It’s the same  arrogance fans directed at us when we won the prem! The man’s right 

And you're also entitled to that opinion  

[HitchinFox]

It's funny, the last time we were in a battle with another club to win the Championship, quite a few of us (including me) developed a life-long dislike of Sean Douche thanks to his silly "market-leader" comments and overall attitude towards LCFC. His anti-football, which made Burnley unwatchable for the neutrals, didn't help either, of course. 

This time, I'm genuinely enjoying Ipswich and us being in the race. McKenna is a breath of fresh air and there are quite a few parallels between us in 15-16 and this Ipswich team. And I would emphasise the word TEAM. There are some very good individual players in that Town team, but the thing that impresses me most is the way everyone has a role – and they play for each other and the manager. Hirst is a perfect example of that. 

Leeds and Soton are still very much in it at this stage too, of course, but those two clubs can go f**k themselves. 
 

[Nalis]

Would have taken last nights results in a heartbeat. Get promoted first then worry about winning the league after that. Fair play to Ipswich this season, they deserve the plaudits.

Edited 13 December 2023 by Nalis

[ScowcroftsUglyMole]

2 hours ago, foxfanazer said:

We'll except for one.....

In a previous season?