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Episode 135 - Daily Ipswich Midweek Wrap Up
29 Plays5 days ago
On today's show Tom and James give their thoughts on the latest transfer news concerning Ipswich Town as well as assessing how the rest of the season looks for club.
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is the home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Tom Crack
Guests: James Bennett
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Transcript
Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome back to another edition of the Daily Upswich here on the Global Sports Podcast Network.
Ipswich Town's Recent Challenges and Chelsea Match
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is Wednesday, it's midweek, maybe some midweek blues for the town fans after last weekend, but we are just trudging along as the season goes on as we look ahead to Chelsea this weekend.
Show Topics Preview and Guest Introduction
00:00:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Today's show we're kind of be looking at the news around Upswich Town the past few days, transfers and a few things like that, as well as just looking at the Premier League and the state of it.
00:00:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
as its current format to help me do that. I'm delighted to say I'm not my own this time that I'm joined by Mr. James Bennett. how are you doing James?
00:00:40
James
Yeah, not too bad. Thank you, mate. How are you?
00:00:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, really good. Really good. Thanks. Like Saturday's recap was a bit tough on my own. Looking back at quite an unfortunately bleak affair, we don't like to look back too much on this podcast.
00:00:48
James
don't know.
Emotional Aftermath of Ipswich's Defeat
00:00:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But considering I'm the only one who's sort of given their views on Saturday and you know how it how it means for us now, just not necessarily plays or like moments within the game, but just you know emotionally, what are your thoughts after Saturday's defeat?
00:01:08
James
look, I mean, now it it's now Wednesday, so like you said, we've had a little bit of time, I guess, to get over it, but it was it was heart-wrenching, to be honest, mate. It really was, because we were wanting to look for so long, really, like in the games, you know what i mean? So the hope was there.
00:01:25
James
It was absolutely there. And then to crumble like that, so it was, yeah, like I say, absolutely heart-wrenching, so disappointing. I mean, there's...
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:36
James
Well, I'll tell this, actually.
Premier League Insights with Wolves Fan
00:01:37
James
So, where I work, obviously, you know, in in Manchester, there's a delivery guy who comes when he brings the beer and everything, and he's a Wolves fan.
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:01:49
James
So, that wasn't that's not been the greatest, obviously. So, we got delivery before the game, and we were talking about... And in fairness to him, he was saying how much he hates the Premier League anyway. So, that was nice.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Why was he saying that?
00:02:01
James
Just because what it's become, you know I mean? Because, obviously...
00:02:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:04
James
it's just a struggle for the lower teams now. And he's saying he can't be bothered with it. And I completely agree. Not that I'm, you know, biased because we've had a poor season, but yeah, I don't like the Premier League. But, so yeah, that was obviously nice to have a conversation with him, with a fellow sort Wolves fan, but...
00:02:19
James
Yeah, just just pure disappointment, I think it was, mate, because they didn't see there wasn't enough there, do you know what I mean? it was with it was It's and obviously a huge game that we need to win to stay up or to have a chance of staying up. And, yeah, we didn't show enough. We weren't strong enough. We didn't battle hard enough.
00:02:36
James
We clearly didn't want it enough. So, yeah, I think just disappointing all round, really, mate, to be honest. Yeah.
00:02:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
Ipswich Town's Struggles and League Impact
00:02:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
one One of the things I said on Saturday's show, which the stat actually got worse after I recorded it, was how we've given away at the time, I think weve before the game, we gave away 22 points from winning positions in the league this season. And it was 25 after this past weekend, which I think I sent someone, someone made like a graphic on online. I sent it to you guys a couple of days ago. Yeah.
00:03:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
if that If those wins were to be held, we would have been in first-game position. Obviously, know it's ridiculous to say that you can keep clean sheet every game or hold it to a lead every game. But I think defensively, that that was definitely a big issue this year.
00:03:11
James
course
00:03:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just like one of the one of the sort of things that's and another stat that stood out to me ahead of today's show, which I found, was that In the nine home games against teams currently outside the top six this season, Ipswich, we've only managed to secure two points in those games. That was against Man United and Fulham. Both.
00:03:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Fulham at the start the season, that was a really good draw because we kind of said our season started there. and We thought from that draw onwards, look, if we can play well against, you know, we didn't know at the time, but Fulham have been one of the most impressive sides of the season, beating Liverpool of all teams this past weekend.
00:03:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So getting two points again against them this season, almost four, which we could have got win at the Cottage at the turn of the year.
Home Game Performance Issues and Pressure
00:03:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, it shows we've been able to compete against few sides. But I think in those games, you those two draws against at home, we were kind of on the front foot or attempted to be on the front foot.
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's those games where we sat back and absorbed pressure or invited pressure like we did against Wolves this past weekend is really what scuppered us. But what why do you think, you know, it's poor reading that, isn't it? Two points against sides we always thought we could get.
00:04:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we've said how we haven't performed against those sides.
00:04:12
James
yeah
00:04:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
We could have got something against that. What do you put that down to? You know, we' kind of played most of those teams now outside the top six, haven't we, at home and it's not gone well.
00:04:21
James
Honestly, mate, it's a really difficult one to kind of answer as if you know what the answer is. Do you know what i mean? Because... I have absolutely no i have no idea. I really don't know why we've been so poor at home this season. i read I just don't understand it.
00:04:37
James
I mean, you get you can say the easy sort of answer. Yes, I know it's Premier League. Obviously, the hard you know opposition and everything like that. But the fact of the matter is we've we've won, was it?
00:04:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
ye
00:04:47
James
Is it three away games?
00:04:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
00:04:50
James
Well, yeah, we've won three away.
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, sorry. Three. Yeah.
00:04:52
James
Three away games, obviously, one at home, which is, if you want to stay up, that's mental. Fair enough, the away form's not the worst because three away wins when you first go up, that's not too bad. It's nothing to be sniffed out.
00:05:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. few draws as well.
00:05:02
James
OK.
00:05:03
James
Yeah, exactly.
00:05:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fill apart Brighton away from home.
00:05:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fulham. Yeah.
00:05:05
James
Absolutely. Yeah. And so the away form was there for a relegation team.
00:05:10
James
But the how we couldn't do that at home with all of our fans, especially first season of Premier League for, what, 22 years? just I just can't get my head around it. I really don't know what it is.
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:21
James
The only thing I can maybe think of is pressure.
00:05:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:05:25
James
Maybe it pressure's come into it. But if that is the reason, that's that's insane. That's ridiculous. right You're professional footballers. You're in the Premier League. Go and play at home in front of your fans and play well, for God's sake. And we've we've not had that, I don't think, this season.
00:05:40
James
So it's it's been a huge shame. And yeah, i think I think it's the pressure because... He made good signings. We've still got a good manager. We had a good team on paper. Yeah, I just don't think they could come together at home.
00:05:52
James
And that's the hardest thing to take, I think, from this season for me.
00:05:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think the the home the home form is definitely the reason why
Relegation Talks and Transfer Speculation
00:06:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
we've we're not staying up. I think, yeah, as you said, they're redit redlegate but reading our our stats away from home, you know, albeit we've collected around more than half our points totals obviously come away from home, like are almost like 15, 16 points worth.
00:06:00
James
Yeah.
00:06:11
James
Yeah.
00:06:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's just really good amount, isn't it? Yeah.
00:06:13
James
Yeah.
00:06:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, I think just defensively, we've really struggled at home.
00:06:18
James
yeah
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really, really, I think almost maybe you could argue fitness-wise could have been a factor, like the pace we set in those first halves. There's a reason that 25 points dropped from winning positions. A lot of those games have come at home, know, like your Fulhams, your Leicesters, Wolves now, for example, as well.
00:06:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's plenty of games like that where, you know, that could have been a potential nine points of those three there and they've all led to two points out of potential nine. So I really think the issue there, isn't it? But, you know, i said on i said on Monday's show after recapping the game, like, well we'll we'll get into more of this, so I imagine, and around May time when the season's done.
00:06:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But,
00:06:52
James
Yeah,
00:06:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
right There are positives looking ahead, aren't there? I think, like, you know, relegation, like, it's it's like it's it's a shame to relegated, but, you know, it's a different feeling of being relegated for the Premier League, I think, compared to being relegated for League One. So I think that's definitely something to look at, isn't it?
00:07:03
James
yeah.
00:07:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just before we go to the next break, just as said on today's show, it's it's not doom and gloom reflecting on Saturday's game.
00:07:07
James
Definitely.
00:07:09
James
Yeah.
00:07:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we're kind of past that now. So we'll we'll look we'll look ahead and, you know, with... although Although not mathematically confirmed or actually confirmed yet, relegation very much does seem on the cards. and With that, the news now of the lapsed departure is coming thick and fast with the amount of clubs that are interested.
00:07:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've seen reports of, you know, Everton, Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, which Liverpool, I'm not really sure they necessarily need him. few clubs there on United and Spurs, which I think, mate, please avoid those clubs because you know it's right now it's not the place to be.
00:07:36
James
and
00:07:41
James
yeah yeah
00:07:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just just on that, like you know obviously we'd love him to stay at Switch, but if it being like realistic, it's it's not really going to happen. you know And also for his his career, he needs to be in the Premier League and pushing for a potential and in a World Cup season as well.
00:07:53
James
yeah yeah
00:07:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He needs to be pushing for that. like Not that we're it for his podcast, but what clubs would you think he would potentially suit at and Where do you think he could get could end up come, let's say, July, August?
00:08:09
James
yeah No. Yeah, he's going to. I mean, and know if any sort of Ipswich fans hold anything against him for that, you shouldn't you should like a different sport because he needs to go.
00:08:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's horrible to talking about this, but I think, you know, he will be out.
00:08:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:08:21
James
He needs to go. like Fair play to him. We've not had a good season, but he has. So, absolutely fair play to him. And we'll always remember him as well for this one season. So, fair play.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:31
James
It's a tough one, that. Where should he go? Because, like you say, i would avoid United. I'd avoid Spurs. Why would you want to go? In fairness, the only reason I'd maybe think about United is because it's Ameren's first full season. So, he might have a full plan in place and it might be okay for him to go there.
00:08:49
James
But he's got Hogan and Zerxley.
00:08:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I
00:08:51
James
You just don't know. Spurs, avoid like the plague. Absolutely avoid like the plague. Because nothing's going right there, is it? It's insane. For me, looking at the teams, I think Everton would suit him very much right now.
00:09:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
i agree. i agree.
00:09:08
James
Liverpool, like you said, is there any point? i don't think so. I know he's still a young striker, but I don't see him at Liverpool. I don't think he'll get the game time. And if he does go, he'll probably get sent on loan, maybe.
00:09:19
James
And I don't see the point in that. But Everton, especially on the David Moyes again, I think he'd...
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
New stadiums.
00:09:26
James
Yeah, at new stadium. they're They're on the up. And he could be their number nine. you what mean? Starting. Absolutely. Easily. And I just think the way Everton kind of play, even under Moyes now, he's he fits it perfectly. hes He chases everything. He's strong.
00:09:42
James
He wins. know what mean? And yeah, I would say Everton, to be honest. But will a bigger name of a bigger club come calling for him? Maybe. But if I was in, go Everton.
00:09:52
James
Have another season. See how it goes. Yeah.
00:09:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think it very much, like, you look at teams who need number nine and, you know, no disrespect to Beto up top, I feel like that's a position that could be improved upon as well. And, you know, it's it's it's a level above in terms of, you know, kind of surety within the Premier League.
00:10:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Moyes has come back and really steady the ship. I think it'd be good move. Plus, he'd still be playing in blue as well. So, god yeah, we got that as well.
00:10:12
James
will take that.
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
With the lap's most likely departure, I think, you know, I'm not necessarily saying... this player will be leading the line come next season. i The club may want to get in another striker to replace him, but this obviously does open the door for George Hurst to potentially come back as the starting striker for us. He actually...
00:10:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
sat down with Stuart Watson of what is it is that East Anglia daytime sorry is england Daily Times about you know his how the season's gone. yeah He's made 19 appearances this season, just one of them as a starter.
00:10:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we've said, I think Hurst has kind of the moment he's had on the pitch has really like put in a good performance here and there. He's scored against Brentford, scored against Forrest as well, albeit you know kind a...
00:10:51
James
Yeah.
00:10:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
consolation goal but Hurst has kind of said how this season's kind of you know he wanted to you didn't want to improve as a substitute but he's kind of matured knowing you know he's got to be part of the team and you know De Lapp's made him try and push himself further and I think he's improved his game as well as he can this season and the limited minutes he's had but Do you see Hurst being our our main guy next season or would you think just even a league below that we'd need to bring someone else in? We'd need some, obviously need two strikers, but would you see that person coming as Hurst's understudy or someone to be above Hurst again like the lap was?
00:11:29
James
No, I think he's going starter. I don't see why not. Because when he was, obviously, he got injured, didn't when we went up and we had to get Kiefer Moore in fair play.
00:11:37
James
But before he got injured, he was unbelievable. He was was quality. and i see And like you say, he's improved this season with having a season in the Premier League. like Whether that's starting the one game or he's come on in a few games. But every time he has, he's looked good. Yeah.
00:11:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:54
James
Yeah, I think Hairst deserves that chance to be our number one again. And i absolutely, I don't see why not. Because and we could i don't know if we'll have to really sign too many in that position either, because obviously Al Hamady will come back.
00:12:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep. Yep.
00:12:09
James
And he looked he I've not seen too much, I'll be completely honest, but he's he's definitely grabbed a few goals while he's been at Stoke. Yeah.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:12:17
James
So, I think he'd be a good backup to have again. And it'll he'll get more minutes in a Championship as well. So, I think them two will get a chance. But definitely George Hurst. Yeah, he'll be our starter. He's a top, top Championship player. So, I'm looking forward to seeing him starting a few more games next season, definitely.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'm going to agree with you. And I think, yeah, Alhamdadi as well, like if he is the start of the secondary striker again, he obviously got a taste of starting football recently. But, you he's bagged a couple of goals at Stoke as well.
00:12:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's only 23 years old.
00:12:42
James
Yeah.
00:12:44
James
Exactly.
00:12:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he didn't necessarily expect to even be, he didn't expect to be a Premier League player.
00:12:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And, you know, he kind of get came a bit too soon for him, didn't he? But, you know, i think at the age he is, there's still room for improvement, there?
00:12:50
James
yeah
00:12:55
James
it
00:12:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
going take our first break now and we come back.
00:12:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's still a lot more transfer news, which we're getting to that time the season now where
Ipswich Town Transfer News and Rumors
00:13:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
reports start coming through. So we'll dissect those in the second part of the show.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back here on part two of the Daily Express Wednesday, sort of looking through transfer news, all things town. One of the news stories that kind of reared its head, I think late Monday, and it was very much all over the place on Tuesday, James was.
00:13:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And surprising, to be honest, because I thought if we do go down, this would play that would stick about. But like Like many, his performance has impressed our podcast and it seems other clubs as well.
00:14:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Cameron Burgess, our centre-back, 29 years old, has been linked with a move to Girona in La Liga. And obviously them having a... Not as great season as it did last obviously qualifying for the Champions League. And I think that's obviously that amount of games has kind of caught up in them a bit this year.
00:14:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, it's still the top. It's still a top league. And, you know, i think the limited performances he's had this season, in my opinion, he's been our best centre-back. And 29 years of age, you know, he might want to still compete at the top level in terms of playing in the first division in a certain country.
00:14:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Firstly, do you see this move happening and just thought to move in general? I would hate to see him go, but I'm chuffed for if that's the case. He'd be playing Madrid and Barcelona a couple of times in a season, which would for him, wouldn't it?
00:14:48
James
Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, it's a strange one. I'll be completely honest. If you'd have said to me make a link between a player and any team that you can think of, not once would I have thought Burgess and Girona.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:15:02
James
To be honest, it's a very strange one. But fair play to Do you know what i mean? like Take the opportunity. Take the opportunity. I would hate to see him go. I really would. I don't want him to go because, like you say, he's been one of our better performers at the back this season. And that's and I'm not saying a you know it's been that difficult, I guess. But he has been, when he's played, he has been very, very solid.
00:15:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:24
James
Whether or not... I'm also thinking about, it would it be the right move for him? I know he's going to La Liga. If he did go La Liga, he would play, obviously, the likes of Barca, Madrid, Atletico Madrid and all of these.
00:15:37
James
But Girona are making a name for themselves. that the getting a you know the They're getting better. they're getting better is he Is he the right choice for them? I don't know if he's...
00:15:49
James
if he's cut out for them. do you know what i mean? I don't know if he's good enough. and And I mean no disrespect to Cameron Burgess. I love him, but i I don't know if he'd fit in playing in Spain, to be to be completely honest. But if the opportunity's there, why wouldn't you take it?
00:16:06
James
Yeah, why wouldn't you? Especially like you said, he's 29. He obviously wants to stay in the Australia squad as well. So yeah, stay stay a stay in a top league. But completely selfish,
00:16:18
James
Stay at Ipswich and fight for promotion again next year.
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i think I think with him, the the argument might be, i don't think it's necessarily the case because, you know, even the Championship, he was making Australia's squad. And obviously, like I said, with being a World Cup season, and everyone's going to want to kind of impress, aren't they? And, you know, with him being 30, the World Cups will be less and less as he goes on now.
00:16:37
James
Yeah,
00:16:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, looking at, again, I'm not a huge aficionado of Girona, but they they've this past season, and he's played like 25 games for them.
00:16:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
at centre-back is, remember Daly Blynn was at United for a bit? He's 35 and he's played, yeah, 25, 30 games for Gironde this season.
00:16:47
James
yeah.
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he's got six years on him. And I think the quality of where he's at now is almost relatively similar, if not slightly better. So I think, to be honest, obviously, yeah, where they're 16th in a sixteenth from the league.
00:16:57
James
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. right
00:17:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's not clear where they want to be considering how good their season was the year before. As I said, I think, honestly, I think European football and just managing that was a bit difficult and they've kind of struggled a bit. they did't I don't think they even played... Actually, there might have been Stad Rennes or one of those sides. that what Or Lonn. One of those teams in the Champions League of the season didn't play in their home ground because it wasn't like UEFA certified. I don't know if that was Girona.
00:17:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, Girona got that connection to City, haven't they, in that sort of weird football umbrella way as well.
00:17:25
James
yeah
00:17:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think City's owner's own Girona as well.
00:17:29
James
Hmm. Hmm. Hmm.
00:17:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, I'll echo your point as well. be It would be a shame to see Burgess go... My my sort of sentiment with transfers has been like... You know, like, I don't really, with the exception of the lap, there's not many i think who maybe deserve to stay in the Premier League come next season.
00:17:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think, you know, playing on a team with a bit more surety and not being in relegation scrap, they might be tempted to do so. Because I think maybe the likes of O'Shea, who's now had two consecutive relegations, I don't think he'll be up for going to, let's say, Sheffield United or Burnley if they go up again, for example.
00:17:58
James
I think so.
00:17:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think he'll be up for that. I think he'll want to you know, focus on winning and try and stay in a team and improve on them. hopefully be about a year after. But yeah, it'd a shame if Burgess does go, you know, obviously you know he's not English and yeah he's not from the area.
Player Departures and Future Career Moves
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously he's built an allegiance to the past few years, but career his career and he might want to make the next step and hats off to him if he does, because I think he's deserved it. Like I said, he's the few and far appearances he's made, at whether off the bench or as a starter, he's really, really impressed.
00:18:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just staying on departures, again, something I saw online few days ago it was
00:18:24
James
yeah
00:18:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ipswich Town players who are currently leaving the club this summer, whether it's loans or end of their contracts. And the four loans are Nciso, Calvin Phillips, Jens Kiusde and Ben Godfrey. And then the three players who are out of contract is obviously one of them being Cameron Burgess, Massimo Luongo and Axel Twanzabi.
00:18:45
James
Yeah.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
With those loans, I'm not really expecting many, if any, to stick around in the Championship next season. With those three mentioned, we touched on Burgess there, but Luongo and Twanzevi, is there anyone, you can include a loan player if you'd like, maybe emotionally you'd like to see him stick around rather than actually realistically.
00:19:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
But do you see any of those names there sticking around next season?
00:19:03
James
Yeah.
00:19:07
James
and
00:19:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who would you like to see as well?
00:19:09
James
I'd love to see Twan Xavi extend.
00:19:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:19:13
James
I really would because in the Championship, he's ah he's phenomenal. you know what mean? he's He'd be one of our best players again. I'm one of the best defenders, I think. just Maybe not in the Championship, and maybe that's a little bit too far.
00:19:27
James
but you know what? I'm going to stick my neck out and say it because he's unbelievable. He's an absolute Rolls-Royce Twan Xavi. When he's fully fit and he's playing well, he's quality. So, yeah, I'd love to see him stay.
00:19:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:38
James
Luongo, he's been a hell of a servant. He really has. But I think it's his time now. and I don't know he'll go. Whether he might stick around the Championship, he might go back to Australia, you don't know. But the emotional one, God, if we could ever manage to get caduced on a permanent, that would be...
00:19:59
James
Absolutely unbelievable. But of course that's not going to happen because we're not going to stay over, let's be honest. like It's not go to happen, is it? Because he's he's a top league player. You can see it. it he would in some In most of our games, to be honest, obviously a lot of them didn't go our way, but he was still the difference. He was the creative spark. He was the bright spark. He was...
00:20:21
James
He was just quality. He really is. And you can see that. You can see the difference in him, you know, compared to, and like I say, no disrespect to, so to say, Morsi or if Luongo was playing or even Phillips.
00:20:34
James
he's He's got that bit more than them. So if we if we manage to get him, yeah, that would be phenomenal. But yeah, I don't think so. I think that's a wish in the wind.
00:20:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, be interesting where QC ends up next season, regardless whether it's back in Napoli or if he sticks around the Premier League for a club higher in the league, because I think he's he's deserving of that.
00:20:47
James
Hmm. French. Yeah.
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Premier League go a month against Forest is a really well-taken goal.
00:20:57
James
yeah yeah
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just before we go to the next break, like you touched on Luongo and Tuanzeva there. I mean, Luongo, I'll just say, like you know he's 32 and he was great in the Championship. And also that that central part of the field, he might be reluctant to get rid of him just because of the lack of depth.
00:21:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because but that that's an area of the pitch that needs addressing regardless of what what league we're in. Because you've got Phillips, who's going to be gone most likely.
00:21:18
James
well
00:21:21
James
yeah
00:21:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you stay again, he's also going to be gone.
00:21:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Morsi, you know, like he's obviously going to be there. But, you know, with his age and fitness, like you've got to have that.
00:21:28
James
Yeah.
00:21:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think, hopefully, Wickham... They might have fallen off of a lone player, but Cameron Humphries, I think I'd like to see in that position next year, maybe starting in a championship for us because I think he'd be fantastic.
00:21:36
James
you you say
00:21:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
there But maybe Longo just, I think, potentially could get rid of him, but I think that area of the pitch he's bolstering before we decide to get rid of someone in case we can't get people in. And then with Twan Zaby as well, like yeah I agree.
00:21:48
James
yeah
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
you Obviously, he's been like, you know, bar de lappe, probably our best player of season when, as you said, fully fit. But fully fit's such a big asterisk over him because he's only played 16 games.
00:21:58
James
Yeah.
00:22:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
this season. And we've played what, double that now, almost double that now.
00:22:04
James
yeah
00:22:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the championships, you know, yes it's a league below, but the fitness is arguably even harder because you're playing a few more games and it's lot of midweek games as well. I think they'll be reluctant to let them go, but I think they'll also be aware that they might need to get someone in.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Cause you saw like in the championship, that position was always being like fiddled about a bit, like with, you know, Burns playing at right back sometimes because Twan Xavier's out or Brandon Williams at the start of season when he was there because of the exact same reason as well. So I think it's it's a difficult one to look at, isn't it? Because Twan Xavier, with it being one of our best players, like financially, you we'll get a bit of quid going down, but, you know, he's an integral part of the team, but fitness-wise, he is a bit difficult to handle, isn't he? yeah, it will be interesting to what they do with him.
00:22:51
James
Yeah.
00:22:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Before we go to the first break again, like just outside of this list and the lap, do you, like, as I said, I don't think many players really have earned a spot in the Premier League again this season. It may be a harsh thing to say, again, bar the lap, of course. But do you see any players, not to name where they'll go or anything, but do you see any players in our squad who could leave for staying in Premier League? like everyone A lot of people I've spoken to have always said, you know and it's obviously to say, he may not have had the best of seasons, but...
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
At a more concrete Premier League side, someone like Leith Davis, you know, he can then go forward and not have to defend as much like he did for us in the Championship. If he has that freedom at an arguably better club, do you think he might be tempted to leave? when He signed a new contract last year. We always said that's probably just for a release clause issue, wasn't it? But him or anyone else, do you see potentially leaving, if they even if we don't want to?
00:23:38
James
which I could see Davis leaving. I yeah could. and I was going to mention his name anyway because yeah just i just I just could see it happening.
00:23:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:47
James
I really could. what i don't know who it would be. you know what mean? I could only maybe see him because he's still very young, isn't So, he'd he'd have another chance in the Premier League at some point, I'm sure, because he's definitely got that quality about him.
00:24:00
James
But I could maybe see him going to a team that's coming up, maybe. I mean, if Leeds come up, if they don't bottle it again, I could see them going in for him, getting him back. Do you know what I mean? So, it's just one of them.
00:24:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got a least on a link there, hasn't he? Yeah.
00:24:10
James
Yeah, exactly. We got him from there. So, it's just one of them.
00:24:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:14
James
It's one of them. But I could see him doing it, yeah. I could.
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'm in agreement. I think dave Davis is such an interesting... it'll be such an interesting saga over the summer where Leif Davis, if he stays or goes, won't it? Because, you know, he's, he's what, 25 years old. There's, you know, as you said, if if next season goes well, we'll be straight back up. And, you know, he's first in on team sheet, isn't he? But like the quality is there to see and the chances he created this season, I think, you know, in a side that's got more surety at the back, he'll have a lot more freedom to create like he did of us in league one of the championship when we had that sort of sincerity going forward at the back, he was able to go forward and really make a difference in the game. So,
00:24:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that could be kiss. actually just whilst we're talking now, i did just search his name, just put in news to see if there's any links to him. And apparently he, uh, Juventus are eyeing up slightly.
00:24:59
James
invent this
00:25:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have you seen that?
00:25:02
James
Yeah, I've seen that earlier, but I don't know what to make of that one.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. That's funny, isn't it? But no,
00:25:06
James
What's that about? Come on.
00:25:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, big move. Be a big move. Obviously, massive, massive club.
00:25:11
James
you
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
but And if the player pay a pretty penny to get them out Portham Road. But be interesting what happens to Davis for summer, of for sure. We'll take a final break now. And we'll sort of just, like I said, we've done a lot of interest, talent, transfer news and all that sort of stuff.
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll just look at some other stuff around the Premier League. Just some stories that have reared its head over the past couple days as well.
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back here on the final part of today's show. Hope you're enjoying it. So, yeah, as I said there, James, like we've deviated bit from town here as well. And we'll look at, you know, as I said, we we probably are definitely going down now and relegation is not a great thing. But I'm very much of the opinion that there's still some positivity to take from this season. I think moving forward, we've got a great, you know, back room in place. And I think the ambition of a club is still there.
00:26:19
James
yep
00:26:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, i think we, and i've I've said it many times, it's a small flag to wave and it's a small mountain, a small hill to die on.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we have, I think, it's it's no argument we have been the best promoted side this season and there's a of positivity to take from that. Just looking at our two, like, you know, promotion rivals from last season and the two sides who will be going down with us in the form of so Leicester and obviously Southampton, whose fate was confirmed this past weekend.
Relegation Analysis: Leicester and Southampton
00:26:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just touching them a bit as well because, you know, obviously we've still got to play Leicester in a few weeks or so, but watching their game, we're recording this on Tuesday, so watching their game last night against Newcastle, I know we struggled at home against Newcastle as well, but Leicester, it's been shocking for them as in in the past, what,
00:26:51
James
Christ.
00:26:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
four five months. I think it's been 720 minutes since they've scored a goal at home. The last time they scored a goal at home, Gary O'Neill was still the Wolves manager and Russell Martin was still the Southampton manager.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
like just talk this we we are we we but We've been a bit down the dumps with town recently, but just talk about Leicester. I think because them them going down, it's it's different to us where, yes, obviously they came straight back up.
00:27:21
James
yeah
00:27:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I don't see a lot of those players. It's going to be a very different team next season, I think, of them, as as opposed to us next year. I think it's going to be really difficult for them next year. Yeah, just thoughts on them seemingly. Well, they are going down, but just thoughts on their recent form and all that stuff.
00:27:37
James
What? Insane. It's absolutely mental. I mean, for me, they shot themselves in their own foot. Like, I don't know why they brought Vanessa Roy in. but when they Why did they sack Steve Cooper? I don't get it.
00:27:48
James
I just don't understand it. When that happened, I was happy when it happened. Steve Cooper's a good manager. He knows what he's doing. And I... I'm not saying he would have kept Leicester up, because you don't know that. But I think they would have been in a better position than they are now with Van Nistelrooy. So I think that's what their downfall was. it's For me, it seems... Because it was weird when they hired him as well. it was around the time when, obviously, he'd just been appointed.
00:28:13
James
Yeah, he was the same, wasn't it?
00:28:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:14
James
And he'd just got appointed at United sort of like assistant with Ten Hag. And that was a great move for him. because just turned down Burnley as well. That was a great move for him, I think. And then obviously, for some reason, it seems as though Leicester seen that and thought, I know, he's obviously going to be a good manager. Let's just get rid of Cooper now and get him in, see what he can do.
00:28:33
James
And that's, it's ruined them. It's absolutely ruined them. And they've got some very unwanted records for themselves now, do you know I mean, in the Premier League. And yeah, i I do truly believe they have been the masses of their own downfalls this season.
00:28:46
James
Yeah. You might even say, obviously I completely agree with you as well. I do truly believe that is a great positive to have for for us as Ipswich fans. We have been the better the better team that's come up.
00:28:59
James
Obviously, Southampton have been awful. But Leicester, I think they should be really disappointing themselves. I really do. Because they had potential. They they had a good team. They did. They had a good manager at the start.
00:29:11
James
And, yeah, they've absolutely ruined themselves. So, I don't know how they'll fare next season. I really don't. Because, like you say there, Tom, their team's going to be fully deconstructed. They're going to have to have a huge rebuild.
00:29:22
James
Huge rebuild. But, I don't know. Best of luck them, guess.
00:29:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
you You mentioned unwanted records there. they'll go and We'll go on now, a nice segue there, onto Southampton. you so they They were confirmed relegated after losing to Spurs this past weekend.
00:29:36
James
yeah
00:29:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it makes them, I think, with seven games to go, it's the earliest team to get relegated from the Premier League, which you know they've got 10 points. Is it Derby's record point? Is 11 or 12? Is it 11?
00:29:46
James
11.
00:29:47
James
Yeah.
00:29:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, they they need two points at least to either go one ahead of that record, because currently right now they are point behind it.
00:29:52
James
Yeah.
00:29:54
James
what
00:29:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think, you know, it sounds strange to say, but I don't think yeah it's as bleak for them for next season as as Leicester.
00:30:01
James
Same. I agree.
00:30:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's, you know, it's been a very topsy-turvy season for them. You've got Juric departing almost straight away. It's funny as well because, you know, you get like, you know, there's sort of an unwritten sort of rule over lot teams when it's like, even though it's people are kind of expecting renegation. I think even with us, we could wed kind of never mentioned it this season because we didn't to believe it, but you've always it's always in the back of your mind.
00:30:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
But with him, he was like in the press, and I think maybe because their fate was a bit more written, but with him, he was like, oh, yeah, we're going down. Like, we're going down. And with that, I was kind of like, oh, well, him saying that, he must think I've got a plan for next year.
00:30:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the second they were confirmed out, he was gone, wasn't he?
00:30:35
James
Yeah. Yeah.
00:30:37
James
Yeah.
00:30:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, just just thoughts on, like, do you think, really, I mean, the question al for you really, do you think they will manage to avoid... Derby's record and get, you know, it's it's it's strange to say that two points doesn't sound that much, but they've got to get i mean, just looking at their last seven games, they've got Villa at home, West Ham away, Fulham at home, Leicester away, City at home, Everton away, and then they've got Arsenal at home the last day of the season.
00:30:54
James
yeah
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
So do you think they can get two points out of that, two points out of seven games? It seems doable, I guess. Leicester away, you'd like to think can, because Leicester can't score at home, so.
00:31:09
James
I mean... That's the guy who's got it on. Yeah, good point. Look, I mean, it's doable. I mean, it has to be doable. But, listen, the the way they've been playing, like the whole season, I honestly don't know if they're going to do it.
00:31:26
James
I honestly... they They might match it. They might pick up a draw here. know what mean? And the draw might come from a nil-nil at Leicester. Do you know mean? i I'm really not sure. I'm...
00:31:38
James
Genuinely, i do hope that they do it because wants to see that.
00:31:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:43
James
do you know what mean? no Nobody wants to see that. I'm sure Derby fans would absolutely love it. umm I'm sure Nick would absolutely love it you know I mean? He's waiting for it to happen. But is it just as football fans, i don't want to see it happen. and I really don't.
00:31:56
James
I don't. id I'd like to see them at least... get 12 points from another two points from somewhere but I don't know because they are shocking they're poor Jesus Christ it
00:32:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, it's funny. It's like, it's it's strange. Like, despite the fact they've been relegated officially compared to us and Leicester just for the time being. But if they've actually still got something to play for, which is really weird to say.
00:32:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And like, but their fans have actually probably...
00:32:20
James
is yeah
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because like, you don't want to... you don't want to yeah That's such an unwanted record. It's been like, jokes about what? Was it season Derby got that, I think?
00:32:28
James
yeah
00:32:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
So what? That's like...
00:32:38
James
Thank you.
00:32:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
to not have that. But yeah, it's interesting, isn't it? How they still got someone to play for, despite the fact they are confirmed to be going down.
00:32:45
James
Mm.
00:32:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Did you see as well, I've got one more thing to touch on before we go, but did you see as well, Southampton fans, I think it was a halftime of the Spurs game on the weekend.
00:32:49
James
Mm.
00:32:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
They were in like the concourse having like drinks and pies during halftime and they were doing that chant. But instead of like going up, they were going like, championship again, championship again, ole, ole.
00:33:02
James
Mm. Mm
00:33:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's like they were chuffed to be going down. And it's weird, isn't it?
00:33:07
James
and
00:33:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because a year before that, Wembley singing their heads off about going up as they as they were and as we were against Huddersfield almost a year ago now as well. And um'm I'm you know i'm looking potentially forward to winning more games next season. But it's weird, I guess, because their season has been so poor there's really been no chance of staying up really from day to day as they're that they are.
00:33:23
James
so john
00:33:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looking forward to going down again, isn't it?
00:33:25
James
Yeah, I think so.
00:33:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:33:27
James
so I mean, like you say, it's sir it really has been a strange season for them, hasn't it? Because they've had... that For so long, they had nothing to play for because that it was it was in the stars that they were going down.
00:33:41
James
And then all of sudden, of they're not picking up any points from anywhere. So, yeah, to be to still have someone to play for on the last seven when you're rock bottom, fair play to them. I mean, they've I've not seen that before.
00:33:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I
00:33:52
James
And I don't know if we'll we'll sort of see that again for a long, long time. Do But, yeah, just to reiterate, though, Tom, I do hope they manage to do it because... it's, yeah, no one wants to see that. But I do also agree with you.
00:34:05
James
I think they they're going to, I think they'll do better next season back in the championship than Leicester will, 100%.
00:34:12
James
Yeah.
00:34:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
i agree.
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree.
00:34:13
James
yeah
00:34:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. Yeah, before we before we finish up, just it's kind of it's it's not football news, but it's related to Ipswich Town in a way. Did you see it was announced, I think it was over the weekend or start this week, that big Ipswich Town fan and is interim WBA World Heavyweight Champion, Fabio Wardley, finally getting his fight at Portman Road
Upcoming Events and Podcast Conclusion
00:34:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
in, I believe it's in June, isn't it?
00:34:33
James
Yeah.
00:34:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or July? haven't got the exact date.
00:34:36
James
It's one you, yeah. It might be tune, actually, yeah.
00:34:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, one of the two. It's June 7th, Saturday, June 7th at Portham Road against, I apologise here, Gerald Miller.
00:34:41
James
Nice.
00:34:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, 18 wins. I think he's got one loss. 17 of those wins have been by knockout as well. It's kind of cool, isn't i think, you know, it's not, again, it's not football related, but with it being at Portham Road,
00:34:50
James
Unreal.
00:34:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you know he he's read like you know i think it's one of those people like Ed Sheeran done a really good job of putting a club on the map. He wore the home strip at the press conference with Miller, which I doubt he knew this, but praise his team told to wear it with him wearing a Norwich City top at the press conference, which I thought was quite funny.
00:35:01
James
Yeah. Yeah.
00:35:12
James
Yeah, that is good.
00:35:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
So fair play to him for doing that. But yeah, it'll be exciting, wouldn't it?
00:35:15
James
Yeah.
00:35:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's just putting the club on the map in different ways and putting a seat on the map in different ways. It's good, isn't it?
00:35:21
James
It's brilliant to see. It really is. Because like say, and especially for like a boxing event as well, because everyone knows the crowd that comes to that. They're always huge and they're always loving it every single second of it.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:35:32
James
So yeah, for for that to be happening at Portman Road with Fabio as well, quality. I'd love to see it. It's brilliant.
00:35:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
it'd be really good i mean it's obviously with it being people sitting on the pitch with the seating on the pitch of course this will be well most likely not most likely but potentially could be a attendance record break at portland road if you obviously can't sit on the picture in a game can we so There's a chance for the attendance to be broken, that's for sure.
00:35:51
James
Yeah.
00:35:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, hats off to him. I'm sure he he's been talking about it for a few years now as he'll be getting in this fight. And I think with the way the club's been moving and the way he's been moving in the ring as well, it's it was it was definitely a long time coming.
00:36:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, really looking forward to that over the summer. It's something we'll be able to go to Portman Road during the summer for a big sporting event, even if the footballers are not.
00:36:11
James
Yeah. Amazing. Yeah.
00:36:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. So that'd be really good. Wouldn't it? That's good. It's today's show, James. Thank so much for joining me. Obviously bleak start, but you know, i think our, our kindred spirits kind of lifted the mood that didn't mean we got through it.
00:36:18
James
henry
00:36:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Didn't we? we'll have on, I think we'll take it. We won't have the episode come out tomorrow. we'll have a, we'll be back on Friday. Richard will be joining me actually. He's back from his holiday. So we'll hear how his trip went. Um, went.
00:36:34
James
Beautiful.
00:36:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, just want to briefly get his thoughts, not on the game, but just where we are right now in the league and all that.
00:36:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then we'll be previewing our trip to Stamford Bridge, which I think is on this Sunday, maybe Saturday. I apologise that's the case.
00:36:44
James
Yeah.
00:36:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But nevertheless, we'll be previewing that game against Chelsea. Obviously, looking to do the double over them, which should be very, very exciting. And hopefully we can get three points at Stamford Bridge. But yeah, that's to it for today. And we'll see you next time.