Ipswich Town: James Wall on Town surviving in the Premier League

After Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to Brentford, I wanted to be done with Ipswich Town for a few days—you know, take a break from the relationship for a bit. 

But then reality hit: my editor at the EADT would be expecting my column this week, so I was reluctantly pulled back to my desk to ponder our woeful situation in the Premier League.

I know, I know—the lads gave it their all and nearly snatched a draw thanks to Liam Delap’s 86th-minute equaliser. After the dismal performances against West Ham and Everton, coupled with our growing injury list, I was bracing for at least a two-goal defeat.

Defeat at Brentford was tough to take (Image: Ross Halls) Instead, we should have walked away with at least a point after going two up in the first 35 minutes. But then McKenna’s Achilles heel struck again—those blasted defensive frailties that nearly derailed our promotion run last season.

So, the big question looms: can we survive in this league? Well, we’re not dead last, and there are a few teams around us struggling just as much. I won’t say it’s impossible to stay up until we can't. It’s still early days, after all.

That said, I’m genuinely worried about our injury situation. Like many fans, I’m scratching my head wondering how it’s got so bad with us playing far fewer games than last season.

Our manager suspects it might be due to several players having a shortened pre-season, and we all know McKenna’s training regimen is tougher than most.

Next up is Leicester—a club that’s also struggling but boasts one asset we can only envy at this stage: a couple of wins. Can this game be labelled a must-win?

Certainly, the pundits will shout it from the rooftops. But as Kieran has wisely pointed out, it’s a long season, and extended slumps can quickly turn into winning streaks, with a bit of luck.

Harry Clarke had a bad weekend (Image: Ross Halls) If there’s one player dominating the conversation this week, it’s poor Harry Clarke. He’s only the second player in Premier League history to score an own goal, get sent off, and concede a penalty all on his full debut! At least he was - until the own goal was rightly given to Brentford's Yoane Wissa yesterday. 

Still, you can bet Harry's having a tough time emotionally. Here’s where our brilliant fans can step in to help turn the tide.

Although he’ll be suspended for the Leicester game, let’s belt out his name with gusto at Portman Road on Saturday. Show this homegrown lad—one of our own—how much he means to the club. Personally, I love his passion on the pitch and his unmistakable love for the club he grew up supporting.

One person who’s overflowing with confidence about our chances this year is former chairman David Sheepshanks.

Former Town chairman David Sheepshanks is feeling very positive about the Blues I caught up with him recently for a delightful Zoom chat about the club - his chairmanship from two decades ago and our current regime.

Sheepshanks is a jovial chap, easy to talk to and clearly passionate about the club. But here’s what surprised me: without any prompting, he almost always circled back to his tenure as chairman, especially that lingering episode of taking the club into administration.

Sheepshanks seems haunted by those years.

I can only imagine he’s been asked about that period so many times he dreams about all the ways he could answer. I could see the emotional scars on his face when he recounted the club’s financial freefall in 2003 and the eventual sale to Marcus Evans in 2007.

When I asked if he ever regretted the sale, he replied that Evans was really the only game in town - it was the sensible decision to sell.  “The best thing for the club at the time” were his words.

But what truly reveals Sheepshanks' character is his unprompted expression of disappointment over Jim Magilton’s treatment by the new regime - who, let’s be honest, demonstrated loyalty on par with the modern-day Conservative Party. It’s clear that loyalty and integrity are values he deeply cherishes.

Sheepshanks had plenty of praise for ex-Town boss Mick McCarrthy (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976 935738) When reminiscing about the later years of the Evans regime, Sheepshanks praised Mick McCarthy, saying he “performed miracles” without any financial backing.

As for the current ownership and team, Sheepshanks couldn’t sing their praises enough. When I jokingly asked if he’d want to run the club under the current owners, he hesitated for a second, saying he was a bit “past my prime”. But eventually he responded with a hearty “yes.”

As a business enthusiast, he relishes the “learn it all” culture that Mark Ashton champions. He insists he and Ashton are kindred spirits in this regard - both lifelong learners, though I suspect Sheepshanks prefers drawing rooms over boardrooms these days.

When I posed the ultimate question - will we survive this season and stay in the Premier League? - after a moment’s thought, Sheepshanks confidently replied with a resounding “yes.”

So, here’s to hoping our former chairman is right. Up the Towen!