It’s been a torrid season so far for the tractor boys, and it looks more than likely their 18 year stay in the second division will be coming to an end.
Just 3 wins from 27 games leave Town with an uphill task to maintain their long stay in the league.
Nonetheless, promise of late in the ranks has been apparent with a squad that seems to be behind their manager.
Things are almost definitely looking up and Saturday’s victory over fellow relegation rivals Rotherham could prove to be the most pivotal of the season – 7 points now the gap between the two sides in a bid for survival.
The transfer window has certainly proved fruitful for Paul Lambert, bringing in a wealth of experience and championship talent.
The only question being is such recruitment looking ahead to a League One promotion bid or a serious shot at survival in the Championship this season?
Here’s my take on some of Town’s transfer business so far this month…
Will Keane
Once on Manchester united’s books, Will Keane has certainly been around the block at just 25.
With goal scoring potential and plenty of experience in the EFL, Keane could be a catalyst for an up turn in fortunes at the top end of the pitch.
The Hull striker has had previous loan spells in the Championship, at the likes of Wigan, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston.
The young forward will hope the loan can be a springboard to some goal scoring form, as a sole goal for Hull since joining the club – a spell mainly disrupted by a serious knee ligament injury.
A match winner for Ipswich on debut last Saturday is certainly a good start in what was a vital team performance.
James Collins
Donned ‘the ginger Pele’, the experienced centre back normally proves popular for his commitment to the cause.
Despite not always getting sufficient playing time at West Ham United, Collins always made an impact at his former club. Judging on is debut for Ipswich he could be a real difference for a suspect defence that has conceded a league high 46 goals so far this season.
His inclusion proved instrumental against Rotherham in which the away team were restricted to just 2 hots on target in a game where they piled on the pressure.
After a difficult end to his West Ham career, and extremely short-lived Aston Villa stint, Collins will be hungry for a new project and definitely has the potential to be Ipswich’s most influential signing of recent times.
Alan Judge
To balance out their transfer business, Ipswich have most recently signed Brentford midfielder Alan Judge.
The Irish international again brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, to a midfield that is mainly youthful.
At 30 Judge still has plenty to play for, however, alike Collins and Keane significant injuries have held him back in the last couple of years.
Whatever occurs in the second half of the season Judge is only on a six month option for now, something that arguably needs addressing at the end of the season – Especially if Ipswich have to mount a promotion push in a lower division.
Whilst not technically an ‘impossible escape’ , Ipswich Town certainly have an uphill battle if they want to steer clear of relegation, and with a win in their last game, this must continue on Saturday as they face Blackburn Rovers away from home, a tough fixture but winnable nevertheless.
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