Ipswich Town: Karl Fuller on team selection debate

Following the defeat, I have read and heard some considered and well-constructed views, amongst some more absurd stuff.

As always, whilst it is important to reflect on the bigger picture, a healthy debate on where we can improve is not a terrible thing.

We have had one inferior performance in seven games so far. That would average out to five or six bad games over the course of the season. As a newly promoted team, who were in league one two seasons ago, is that really that bad?

Town were well-beaten at West Ham (Image: Ross Halls) I think that we should be able to accept that number of games where we have little to shout about.

Naturally, we must learn from those lessons where we did not perform against the Hammers.

We must also learn that there is a balance to be found in our feelings that were generated from different performances against Aston Villa and West Ham.

One thing that is obvious in these initial stages of the season is that we are a stronger outfit at Portman Road. With Everton and Leicester next to visit, we must capitalise and get as many points as possible out of these games.

But what should we expect to see in personnel changes? There seems to be four areas that have been much discussed.

Christian Walton impressed against Liverpool (Image: Ross Halls) Should Christian Walton return in goal? Does Ben Johnson get another chance at right-back? How about a recall for Luke Woolfenden? And should there be a change in the number ten position?

One thing that we can be sure of is that there will be no knee-jerk reactions from Kieran McKenna. We know that he sticks with players as much as possible. I fully expect both Aro Muric and Johnson to continue in their positions.

In my opinion, Woolfenden deserves another chance. But, it is the three behind Liam Delap that I am not too sure about. Personally, I would like to see Sammie Szmodics selected from the start.

When he previously started, he was not out on the left as such. He was involved more centrally. The debate must be if he starts with Jack Clarke on his left.

That would mean moving Omari Hutchinson to the right. I would be happy enough with this. We saw what he could do in this position last season. Cutting in and firing shots off on his left foot saw success for him too.

It is on the left where I feel torn. I like what I have seen of Clarke so far. Especially at Portman Road.

But I am waiting with interest to see how Nathan Broadhead will perform when selected. It remains to be seen how soon it might be when McKenna brings him into the team.

Karl wants to see Luke Woolfenden get another chance at the back (Image: Ross Halls) The bottom line is to back whatever McKenna deems best for now. With October providing an opportunity to get points on the board, let us trust whoever is selected to deliver.

Last Wednesday, it was a pleasure to attend the recording of Life’s a Pitch. If you have not seen it yet, Mark Ashton was the guest.

It' great to have such a club figure willing to attend and engage with presenters and supporters alike. It continues that togetherness that is etched through the very core of the club.

He provided a fascinating insight into the work that has gone into the stadium. Equally, he talked of what is yet to come, particularly at Playford Road.

Most touchingly however, was his thoughts on the moments back in May when other clubs courted Kieran McKenna.

It was very much evident that there was a lot of emotion from all parties when McKenna knew that he wanted to stay. Thank you Mark for taking the time to attend. 

Karl hopes to see Sammie Szmodics start (Image: Ross Halls) I cannot wait until Saturday. After the limp atmosphere at West Ham, I am looking forward to getting back to a proper football stadium that looks more beautiful than ever now.

Hearing an atmosphere and seeing the place rocking will get the juices flowing again.

Let us continue to make the place difficult for our visitors. Uppa Towen!