Ipswich news: Opinion – ‘Realistic hopes of survival finally extinguished’

Saturday’s defeat by Wolves finally extinguished any realistic hope that Ipswich Town had of surviving in the Premier League. While there is not an “R” next to our name yet, it is very much in the post unless something dramatically unexpected occurs.

As for the whys and wherefores for this disappointing campaign, Saturday’s game highlighted another key learning point – competing for the full 90-plus minutes is essential. Whether it be a mental or physical challenge, Kieran McKenna’s side have dropped a whopping 25 points from winning positions so far this season, with a good number in the latter stages of matches as on Saturday.

So what in hindsight could Mark Ashton and McKenna have done differently to give Town a better shot?

Some aspects of Town’s transfer business would likely not be repeated. Failing to target physicality and athleticism in favour of technical ability and long-term potential has been a major criticism – although maybe it will be proved right in the coming seasons?

The local focus to Town’s recruitment geography has also limited options and led to higher fees being paid – the English “talent tax”.

Continuing the point on physicality, could pre-season have been more onerous in anticipation of the significant demands of the modern Premier League? Injuries throughout the squad have severely sapped any momentum accrued from winning one-off matches, as well as testing the reasonable bounds of our squad depth.

Ultimately though, as I have debated a few times in my pieces here, did Town have a fair chance to begin with? Double promotion after 22 years out of the top flight has clearly tested our reasonable capabilities on and off the field. But we are currently the “best of the rest” – it is of minimal comfort but should be acknowledged.

The hope now is that our collective experience this season gives enough insight to react better should we return, hopefully at the earliest opportunity.

Find more from Richard Woodward at the Blue Monday Podcast