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The Resurgence of Ipswich town

From Fallen Giants to Rising Stars: The Remarkable Resurgence of Ipswich Town FC

Once a formidable force in English football, Ipswich Town FC experienced a dramatic fall from grace that left fans heartbroken and the club struggling. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Tractor Boys have staged an incredible comeback that's captivating football enthusiasts across the nation. What's behind this extraordinary turnaround? How has Ipswich Town managed to transform its fortunes and reignite the passion of its loyal supporters?

History of the Club

A. Club's founding and early years

Ipswich Town Football Club was founded in 1878, initially as an amateur side. The club turned professional in 1936 and joined the Southern League. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Tractor Boys, as they're affectionately known.

B. Periods of decline and challenges

Like many clubs, Ipswich Town has faced its share of ups and downs. The club experienced relegation from the top flight in 1986 and struggled to regain its former glory for several years. Financial difficulties and managerial changes added to the challenges faced by the club in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

C. Notable achievements in the 20th century

These successes were largely due to the contributions of legendary managers and players. Alf Ramsey, who later led England to World Cup glory in 1966, guided Ipswich to their first major trophy. Bobby Robson, another future England manager, oversaw the club's most successful period in the late 1970s and early 1980s.Key players who became club legends during this time include:

Alf Ramsey

Bobby Robson

Mick Mills

The Fall

Ipswich Town experienced a few play-off runs in 2004 and 2005 under Joe Royle, but the club spent many years struggling in the Championship until Mick McCarthy achieved a similar feat in 2015.The 2018-19 season marked a significant low point. Paul Hurst was dismissed after securing just one win, and the team, under Paul Lambert, gradually slipped into relegation to the third tier for the first time in over six decades.Fans expressed their frustration with boos, as performances were poor and there was dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of investment from owner Marcus Evans. The club’s infrastructure had also deteriorated significantly.However, things took a positive turn in April 2021, when Gamechanger 20 Ltd took over ownership of the club, ushering in a new era at Portman Road.

The Rise

Ipswich finished the 2020–21 season in ninth place, three places outside the play-offs. Expectations were high ahead of the following season, but following a series of disappointing results, Paul Cook was sacked in December 2021.On 16 December 2021, Kieran McKenna, first-team coach at Manchester United, was appointed to replace Cook. Ipswich finished the 2021–22 season in 11th place.With McKenna's first full season in charge, the following season proved more successful. After an undefeated streak of 18 league games, with several club records broken, Ipswich were promoted back to the Championship as runners-up.Ipswich finished the 2022–23 season in second place, with 98 points and scoring 101 league goals.After winning their final league game of the 2023–24 season, Ipswich achieved back-to-back promotions, becoming the fifth team to do so, and were promoted as runners-up to end their 22-year absence from the top tier. They sealed the runner-up spot with 96 points, boasting the highest goal tally of 92 in total.

Kieran Mckenna : Tactical Analysis

McKenna's tactical expertise is a key factor in his success. Initially, he implemented a back three with a double pivot, later transitioning to a 4-2-3-1 formation. In the 2022/23 season, Ipswich had the most possession, most passes, and third-lowest long-ball count in the division, using a short-passing style that built through the thirds. The double pivot was crucial, adapting to support wing-backs and maintain possession.

In the final third, McKenna's team merged their formations, with the left-back advancing high and wide while the left winger moved inside. This created a temporary back three supported by the double pivot. The team's attacking play was characterized by crosses from the full-backs and dynamic movements from forwards, making Ipswich particularly threatening from cut-backs and set-pieces.

Without the ball, Ipswich employed a high-pressing strategy, with wingers pressing opposing full-backs and the team aiming to lock play on one side. The double pivot and number 10 played key roles in screening passes and applying pressure. In the Championship, Ipswich maintained high pressure while also organizing into compact blocks when needed, demonstrating McKenna's ability to adapt his tactics.

Players to watch out

• Leif Davis (DEF)

• Liam Delap (FWD)

• Jack Clarke (FWD)

• Kalvin Philips (MID)

• Omari Hutchinson (FWD)

• Axel Tuanzebe (DEF)

• Arijanet Muric (GK)

• Connor Chaplin (FWD)

Ipswich have already drawn 4 out of 7 league games, and the loss against league 2 side AFC wimbledon in the 2nd round of the carabao cup shows the difficulty of playing in the top flight. Life hasn't been great so far for the tractor boys, but having said that they have shown so much resilience and the fighting spirit injected by Mckenna can cause danger for top clubs. They are likely to avoid relegation. But we never Burnley who were a dominant side, winning the championship with over 100 points went down the very next season. Where do you see Ipswich Town finish this season?

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