599: Kings of Anglia: Tangerines toppled, FA Cup draw chat and Town transfer round-up

22:07Stuart Watson:And as a defender, that must be an absolute nightmare to deal with. And I'll tell you what, something that gets overlooked is he can pick a pass as well. He can see a pass and he can execute a pass. And all those qualities make him a very dangerous number 10. and I thought he looked that in this game. Have they found a solution to getting them both in the team? Is it going to suddenly happen every week? Probably not because Marcelino Nunez has been doing really well in that position and getting loads of assists. But it's a nice option to have in the armoury, isn't it?

22:44Stuart Watson:I think we might have lost Ross. I know the answer went on a bit, but you don't have to completely shut down on me, Ross. Oh, dear. Well, Ross, I think, might need to come out of this and come back in. Shall I talk a bit about Jack Clark then, in terms of my thoughts with him? I agree that he probably isn't going to be the answer in that number 10 role, but I think that the low block point could be quite interesting. Could he be that kind of key to unlock a low block a little bit more? we've seen that Nunez maybe has struggled in some circumstances to do that. Is there the opportunity for him?

23:25The way that he manipulates back lines, I think, is something that stands out a lot. Again, limited times that we've seen this so far, but the way that he moves and can drag defenders out, opens that space up. I think that Jack Clark could be a really useful option to have and something different that teams don't expect. something that then makes it hard to prepare for. One of the things that Kieran McKenna referenced as well that could lead to us seeing this a little bit more was the fact that we've not really... We've got this back five, this run of games against back fives coming up. I had a little look because I hadn't really thought about that one.

24:02But it's four of the next five that will be against teams that operate with the back five. Five of the next seven. So this has obviously been Town's kryptonite. Someone's phone's really going there. Is this going to be the answer? So can they find a way to now break through that low block? I'm not sure it will be the silver bullet for it all, but I think it could play a big part in breaking down low blocks, which is something that Ipswich have really struggled with.

24:27Stuart Watson:Well, the goal is a prime example of that, isn't it? The opener in this game. And you're right, he's different to Nunez, who is a crafter, he's a creator, he's a pass picker. and you've got Schmodix and Akpom who are second strikers. Schmodix likes to play right on the last shoulder and likes to have a bit of space in behind to work with. Akpom I think is more of a link player, but certainly not a dribbler like Jack Clark. So he's just a different type of player. And yeah, for these sort of games, and you heard it in the clip, Kieran McKenna saying this was actually tactically a useful game because we're going to come up against similar sort of things.

25:17Stuart Watson:That's why he's tried Clark in that position. Can he work against this sort of opposition? I think the evidence we got from it suggests yes. I'm not sure, as I say, we're going to see it from the start any time soon, but I think it might be something they turn to within games, certainly.

25:36Ross Halls:Okay, we shall wait and see. My internet has been a bit iffy, I have to admit, ladies and gentlemen. I just went off a bit there. If you're watching the video, you saw me disappear. I'm probably freezing in a very awkward stance. I don't know what I look like, boys, but it's probably not great. I won't be enjoying looking at back. But yes, Town, though, in this game, needed that second, that killer second, didn't they, boys? Because Blackpool had their moments. I did have moments. I was like, oh, God. And yeah, at halftime, it was 1-0. but for me we needed that second killer goal AJ because yeah Blackpool could get in and they're going to have that momentum big shout out to their Blackpool supporting fans while they weigh in they're really really loud a long trip for them I know they got I think free coach travel but they were really loud in that away which is good but yeah that killer second goal was needed An inability to kill off games at Portman Road this might be harsh to say But looking back at it, I'd argue that the last four Portman Road games, we've seen that, to be perfectly honest.

26:42Stoke, they weren't able to go and put them to the sword after scoring early doors. Stoke only had one shot on target in that game. But they were still in it right until the end because it was 1-0 because Town essentially had that 1-0 lead for almost the entire match. Sheffield Wednesday was that late scare. The fact they conceded from the set piece, they did go and get the third to make it more comfortable. So you could see that as an exception, but still it always did feel quite tight at times. Oxford never felt comfortable on New Year's Day, did it really. It did feel comfortable, but maybe there never was that kind of assurance that they would be able to see it out.

27:19It always felt that there was that opportunity for them to go and get the goal. Having scored the equaliser through Lancashire, there was always that risk. And then again in this one, again, didn't really feel like there was a huge threat from Blackpool, but they had their moments. There were good chances there. CJ Hamilton forced a good save. Imre forced a save. It was Fletcher who had a shot blocked by Jacob Greaves, referencing his hot yoga to get his leg up, which I thought was quite good in the post-match. So they did have opportunities and maybe harsh to say, but you could say that a better team maybe would have taken one of those and then you're in a very different situation.

28:03ultimately it wasn't really needed despite what happened towards the latter stages but yeah, you've got to take your chances at this level because good teams will punish you and it took right until the end for Town to get that second one to make it feel like a more comfortable match which they've not really had at Portland Road recently.

28:21Ross Halls:No, it's probably, yeah, Sheffield United, of course, that 5-0, they were rubbish, they weren't, they were the Blades. But yeah, Stu, how are you going into that second half? You know, with Town, I've had depth on the bench, They could bring on some big players. But, yeah, we just needed to get that extra goal just to calm the nerves a little bit.

28:38Stuart Watson:Yeah, always felt largely in control of this game. And that's been the case in a lot of matches. But while there's only a goal in it, you know, something can happen out of nowhere. And Alex has mentioned a couple of moments in there where they had the odd wobble. And it tended to be from, well, I say the odd wobble. It wasn't like a wobble in terms of a period in the game. They were just moments, moments out of nowhere that would be long balls. One of them, I remember, was just a big kick out of the hands of the goalkeeper that suddenly ended up with CJ Hamilton in behind and forcing a save out of Palmer.

29:16Stuart Watson:That looked like their most likely route was Hamilton's pace getting in behind Ashley Young.

29:24Stuart Watson:thankfully it didn't it didn't lead to anything but on previous occasions we have seen that happen so yeah I don't know if this game told us huge amounts that we didn't already know Ipswich are they've got good individual players they've got good depth they can score good goals they can control games of football and as Kieran McKenna keeps saying there are things that they can prove on in terms of just being a bit more clinical and killing off football matches. I mean, the two goals at the end are probably worth mentioning. Great to see Ipswich score from a set piece. I think that's, we talk about sharing the goals out.

30:08Stuart Watson:I think Ipswich can and should score more goals from set pieces. So it was good to see Jacob Greaves bulldozing his way onto an Ashley Young corner to finally kill it off in the 87th minute. question marks, certainly from a Blackpool end, whether it was a foul on the goalkeeper, having watched it back, not for me. Goalkeeper can jump and use both his hands to come and claim a football. If you can't do that over someone who can only use their head, then I think goalkeepers are protected too much. So not for me. And then I'm not sure it's a penalty either. Kieran McKenna talks about it in his clip.

30:44Stuart Watson:Jacob Greaves, who this might be a good segue to come on to him and his performance. but I think he gets enough of the ball to be honest you can argue it's slightly man first and then ball but that's not a penalty either for me so I don't see that as a black mark on his name from what was an excellent performance from Jacob Greaves

31:06Ross Halls:It was indeed and we're going to hear from him first of all and then AJ I want to get your thoughts on him he does mention the penalty and I don't know if it's controversial what he says in terms of like the ref didn't have much to do so you just like give him a penalty I was a bit worried. I was like, can we play that? That's fine. He's just having a little joke about it. But yeah, let's hear from Jacob Greaves on his goal and his overall performance. Over to you, my friend. And of course, Brenner from BBC Suffolk. Jacob, how did you view that performance and result this afternoon? Yeah, it was an enjoyable one.

31:37Ross Halls:Individually, I thought I'd done okay to prefer in the game. I thought the lads were good. We're probably missing that second goal. To kind of kill the game a little bit and make it a bit easier for ourselves because the longer it's 1-0, they kind of smell out the opportunities a little bit. I think they cause a few problems with the long direct kicks that we probably need to be a little bit better and can learn from moving forward in the league. But overall, I would say three points, but it's a cut game. So it's a win and we're into the next round. Got to be pleased with your own performance.

32:06Ross Halls:Kept it with a goal as well at the end. Yeah. Obviously, I was happy with my own performance, but disappointed with the pen. I have to see it back. I felt like I got the ball. kind of the ref just maybe wanted to give something at the end of the game as he didn't really have anything to do all afternoon but it is what it is at the end of the day we've won so I don't want to dwell on it too much kind of focus on the the positives yeah I was really happy with where my game was at today. Nice to chip in at that end of the field as well. Yeah I think my last one was Derby so yeah it was obviously nice to kind of score and relax take a bit of the pressure off ourselves with the goal and make it a little bit easier.

32:44Ross Halls:But obviously, two minutes later, we kind of conceded a pen. So, nah, yeah, if I can help the lads out in any way, obviously, I'm delighted to do that. I need to cause a few more problems in their box anyway. So to kind of do it today, I thought it was a great ball by Ash. He kind of puts it on the money every time. He's got unbelievable quality. Even at 40, he's not lost his quality. So, yeah, buzzing. And a couple of terrific blocks as well. Do they give you almost as much of a thrill as the goal as a defender? Yeah, I think so. I think the two blocks, I wouldn't say as good as the goal, but the two blocks are there to help the lads out.

33:19Ross Halls:The first one was probably at an important time as well. I think it was 0-0. Just kind of free yourself. I don't know too much about it. I think the second one was more. I did hot yoga last week with my missus, so I think that's why I managed to get my leg up into that position. So I'll give her a bit of credit for that. But yeah, I think the second one was probably a little bit better. Palms after said that that was the best he'd seen to me so that made me feel like a million dollars to be honest but yeah if I can help the lads out in that way I will Indeed Jake agrees good lad as well Yorkshire accent coming through there which is lovely AJ thoughts on Jake and Greaves performance man of match display great blocks goal at the end good performance all round yeah love him for starters great funniest guy to talk to in the squad.

34:10I think the whole wheels and doors thing from before was brilliant. And of course, the 100 men versus guerrilla debate that we had, I believe that was last season, wasn't it? Yeah, one of the highlights of last season, I think. When you look at the performance, I mean, just some of the stats you can rattle off regarding it. Had the most passes in the game, had the most tackles in the game, one of the most duels in the game. From a defensive standpoint, excellent. big tackles. He stopped attacks from turning into, he stopped moments from turning into attacks even, where there were times where Blackpool maybe had some space to work into the final third, get into good crossing areas.

34:49And he was there and pressing high up and going in hard to make sure that they didn't even get to that point. When they did, it felt that he was always well-positioned. First time, of course, we've seen him play alongside Cedric Kipresnit as well, at least in a competitive game. So that was a relationship that seemed to work well, was a threat from set pieces. In terms of his build-up play as well, he spent a lot of time on the ball, highlighted by that passing number. I like the way that he can kind of push up the lines and he almost forces opposition, especially when it's a team like Blackpool, to sit deeper because of the way that he will move up and that then allows opportunity for the likes of Ben Johnson to play into a more central area and Taylor to find those pockets and Clark to find those pockets.

35:35Centre-backs are crucial in this Kieran McKenna team. They have a much more creative burden than I think people realise and actually a lot of other teams have. So, loved what he did defensively. Really impressed by what he did from open play. He's taken an opportunity, hasn't he? We'll have to see what's going to happen with him in the next few weeks. Probably helps that there is a midweek game. I would not be surprised to see him start at least one of the next three, even though I'd hope the chopping and changing doesn't come back anytime soon.

36:05Ross Halls:Yeah, but he played really well at left-back, didn't he, still against Coventry. But yeah, Jake Greaves, I think, you know, had a tough season in the Premier League last year. I think most of the defenders did. But yeah, thoughts on him, my friend?

36:19Stuart Watson:He did have a tough time in the Premier League, as you say, like everyone else. But how good was he on his debut against Liverpool? And then he had a bit of an injury setback, didn't he? I think it was his hamstring, which set him back a little bit. And then by the time he sort of come back into the team, things were getting a bit difficult. So I think there's some mitigating factors behind that. And then at the back end of the Premier League season, he came in at left back for a while when Leif Davis was suspended after the Red against Arsenal. Did really well there. And then, like you say, it was the sort of rotation with Kipre for the first part of the season.

36:53Stuart Watson:That started to slow down with Kipre sort of taking the shirt. But the times that Greaves has dipped in, he's done well. He started in the 4-1 win at Swansea, was unfortunate to get dropped after that. Started in the 2-0 win at Hull, was unfortunate to get dropped after that. Yes, he started at Blackburn where no one sort of covered themselves in glory that night and then comes in for the Coventry game away and is brilliant at left back and now we're sort of waxing lyrical about him after this cup game and rightly so. So Kieran McKenna afterwards just said we've got three top, top, top, top, top, top centre-backs as he likes to say.

37:35Stuart Watson:Yes, it's a nice headache to have. We're having similar conversations about Jack Clark. The depth there in so many areas is incredible, isn't it? Yeah, it's a balancing act, isn't it? With Kipre being a lone player, but someone they can potentially buy, but Greaves is someone they've invested heavily in and someone that I think they believe can grow into a real Premier League high-level asset for them in the longer run.

38:05Stuart Watson:does Kipra keep his shirt for the foreseeable? Can Greaves put some pressure on him? We'll have to see.

38:13Ross Halls:Ooh, do we have that discussion quickly, boys? AJ, do you want to chime in? Do you want to have your say on it? I wouldn't go away from what has worked so well for Ipswich at the moment, given the fact that they're unbeaten in one, two, three, four, five games now in all competitions. There will be opportunities. As I said, I do think that Jacob Greaves deserves to start one of the next three. I don't want to see it chopping and changing every week. I will stand by that. But giving centre-back rotation once in a while, I think, is absolutely fine. So if Greaves was to start on Saturday, I'd have no qualms about that at all.

38:48And I'd probably expect Kipre to come back in for the next two. Likewise, if Kipre started against Blackburn on Saturday, I could easily see Greaves coming in for that Bristol City game a week tomorrow. So I think that there will be a balancing act to it. It's a good headache to have, isn't it? As I said in a previous podcast, I do wonder if Ipswich can make their way back to the Premier League. Will we see all three together? I wouldn't be surprised. Okay, we shall see.

39:17Ross Halls:Alright then, boys. Any other business from the game? I just want to say a big shout-out to the B-Strogonoff we had before the game, which is very nice indeed. Shout-out to Kelsey, who is a lovely girl that helps us out and stuff like that. and gives us the food for the game. She's become a listener as well. So Kelsey, if you're listening, hello. Thank you for listening. Shout out to you. And yeah, that was very nice indeed. But any other thoughts from the Game Boys before we look ahead? Ashley Young, by the way, oldest town captain in history at 40. Wow. I actually said to my missus, I went like, how old do you reckon Ashley Young is?

39:52Ross Halls:Because she doesn't know much about football. And she was like, I don't know, maybe 26, 27. I went, wow. I'm sure Ashley will be very happy to hear that. But no, 40. and yeah he became the oldest town captain in history which is uh incredible but yes do any

40:05Stuart Watson:other business my friend um less of the kind of wow shock and awe at someone being the age of 40 please someone who is about to turn 41 in the next few days which is quite scary um slipped into an aj there haven't i calling something scary that's not scary yeah um Back three Let's talk about that Now we're talking about three centre-halves Being all really good and in form And is there a way to get them all in the team And maybe Leif Davis as a wing-back Works a bit better for him The issue is You can't get any wingers in the team there We've just talked about What do you do with Jadon Philogene If you start playing with wing-backs And back threes and things Certainly as a front-footed promotion-chasing championship side.

40:57Stuart Watson:I can't see that anytime soon, but I see what you're saying. If and when they can get back to the Premier League, is that something that they need to work on? But what is the knock-on effect of that? Is Kieran McKenna prepared to sacrifice the attacking numbers that he loves to play with? That would be fascinating. I think you have to, to be perfectly honest. I think there have to be sacrifices that are made. You've seen the big example of these leads at the moment, the way that they came into the season. They played a 4-1, 4-1, the one that did so well under Bielsa, and they were terrible. They were really bad, and everyone was like, oh, they're going to go back down now, and then they went to the Etihad, and Farker changed it, and they played a 3-5-2.

41:37And I think since then, they've lost like once, and they're well above the relegation zone, and they will stay up this year. And I genuinely think that tactical change has changed their whole campaign. And you can see that it is more of a thing, that this different style of play with more centre-backs, with playing more direct, it ultimately is the way that football is going. It is the way that teams are being more successful. It's the reason that some of the quote-unquote smaller sides as well are able to punch a little bit more above their weight by being more direct. And we spoke about this in the Premier last year, of course, so we don't need to bang on about it.

42:11But I think there will be lessons learnt from that Premier League campaign. I would be interested to see how they would take that into next year. If they give, of course, they go up.

42:19Stuart Watson:Yeah, the pennies dropped, I think, for some teams. that they went through a little era where everyone was trying to be Pep Guardiola and trying to play a certain way and got a little bit sniffy and snooty about being a bit more defensive and deep blocks and long ball. If you haven't got the resources to compete with the best in terms of going toe-to-toe, then you have to find other ways. Football's always been that way and it's good, I think, now that that cycle has returned. We're seeing it now. Ipswich has one of the big boys with the target on their back. We've just spent, how many times have we spent talking about issues against deep blocks and back fives and long ball football and stuff like that?

43:05Stuart Watson:The boot then becomes on the other foot if, again, big if they can get themselves up to the Premier League.

43:14Stuart Watson:Yeah, I know what people enjoy watching more. It's attacking players and exciting play and possession football. that can be boring as well. How many times have we talked about that this season, about the possession without a purpose and it's a bit too slow and not enough of a cutting edge? So I like to see a bit of variety in football. I have no issues with other teams being defensive, being direct. You have to do what you can do to win games of football, don't you? So, yeah, interesting debate. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. There's still a lot for Ipswich to do this season before we can even start thinking about all that sort of stuff.

43:52Ross Halls:Yeah, very true. And a lot of new centre-halves will be recruited as well because there's the three starters, but if there's injuries or suspensions, we're going to have to bring in some other centre-halves. Is it the three starters? Wow. Wow, true. A debate for another day. A debate for another day. Let's hope the town can get promoted first. But there you go. Throw you that curveball. All good fun, though. All good fun. Let's mention, boys, as well, in that 2-1 win, Kieran McKenna hit a milestone. He's 200th game in charge of the club. I want to ask you your favourite town game in that time.

44:27Ross Halls:94 wins, 56 draws, 50 defeats in total. He's got a 47 win ratio as manager. Stu, you've seen a lot of those 200 games. Myself as well, League One days. AJ's seen a lot as well, but of course he came in the championship season. But what sticks out? Any games in particular? I know there's the promotion days and stuff like that, but there's been some other key games where you're like, oh, that was a really good game as a full 90 minutes.

44:55Stuart Watson:You can't look beyond the obvious, can you? The key games in the promotions, the League One charge, Derby away, Bolton away, Peterborough away, but Barnsley is the one that I think will always stick in my mind the most during the back end of that season and the George Hurst goal and the incredible noise from that single-tier away end that night. And then Championship, Coventry, Southampton. You can't look beyond those, can you? I think probably the best game just as a pure football match is probably the 3-3 at Hull, isn't it, at the back end of that season? I mean, that was an incredible game of football.

45:43Stuart Watson:moments in the Premier League as well that we shouldn't forget winning at Tottenham etc but what a ride he's up to 8th now in the list of all time permanent managers in terms of numbers of games

45:55Ross Halls:yeah incredible AJ because it started with that 1-0 win against Wickham at Port Monroe just before the end of 2021 it would have been 2021 he's going to be hitting his 5 year anniversary potentially you just never know in the summer links and links and stuff but AJ anything that sticks out with you he came the first town manager and you know god knows how many years to beat Norwich that's up there as well yeah thank you for taking that one off me as I was about to say no it's okay we'll mention that one um you've spoken about the Tottenham one I know there weren't that many wins in the Prem but Chelsea 2-0 under the lights stands out um the promotion run in we've mentioned saints i don't want to forget bristol city uh how hard that was to cover that game when the wi-fi went out we were on print deadlines but as a game um that is i think the first time i ever turned to stew and said i think we both need to lie down in a dark room after that one with how crazy that was um and i'll mention one more and it pains me that i wasn't there i was off for this game but i watched did i watch i think it was on sky red button i ended up watching it um rotherham 4-3 rotherham score at the death and that says a huge blow in the promotion race which is going to be a 3-3 draw and then i believe who was it who scored the the winner in that game do we remember of top of our heads anyone please help me out no i'll have to grab it uh it was uh amari amari hutchinson scored 90 plus 5 after the 90 plus 4 rotherham penalty um like what mental kind of sums up a Kieran McKenna game in that championship season with how crazy that was late goals, loads of goals, huge drama.

47:38Yeah. I want to give that one a special mention as well. Yeah.

47:42Ross Halls:I want to mention the, it's not a great game really, but it's still mental that happened, you know, the Cholton 4-4, which is just, just crazy. That was just, I don't know. That just still comes to my mind during the McKenna early era and stuff like that. But yeah, so many games to talk about. But yeah, Kieran McKenna 200, hopefully another 100 more to come. But yeah, let's segue, boys, on the FA Cup, which has been up and down under McKenna. You know, we had the Mainstone, you know, game, you know, last championship season. Big shout out to Macclesfield, by the way. Beat Palace to become the, you know, that's probably the biggest cup set in history.

48:18Ross Halls:You know, Town Mainstone game was massive. I think that was like 90 plus places, but I think the Macclesfield Crystal Palace is about 100 plus places. 117. 117 to be exact. And of course, Chris Palace are the holders and a Premier League team, which is incredible. But yeah, who would you want, boys? The draw is tonight, 6.45 or 6.35 on TNT before the game tonight. Barnsley and Liverpool, was it? Barnsley and Liverpool tonight? And yeah, town of ball number six. Who would you like? By the time people may listen to this, they will know who we got. But as we record this, just midday, On Monday, who would you like to do?

48:57Ross Halls:There's a few candidates out there. I want a home tie, as always, but there's a few new grounds we can go to. Mansfield beats Sheffield United 4-3. That's a new ground for me, so wouldn't mind that little trip. But anything particular for you, mate?

49:12Stuart Watson:First thing I'd say is I think there's no reason they can't go on a little run, and I don't think it can be harmful to the priority A, B, C and D, etc. of getting promoted to the Premier League. But every season is different. And there's an argument that when they went out to Maidstone, it was a blessing in disguise and it helped them get over the line, not having the extra games. But that was when they went through a bit of a sticky winter period and there was a few injuries and stuff like that. The season before, if you remember, they took Burnley, who were running away with the Championship, to a replay and gave them a bit of a scare at Turf Moor as well.

49:57Stuart Watson:And I think that really was a big moment in injecting belief into getting that League One promotion over the line. And I think something similar could happen this year. And I think that's why you hear Kieran McKenna say, at some stage, I want us to take on a Premier League club because it will give them an idea of where they're at against teams at a higher level. Has this team improved? You know, we've been saying all season, haven't we? Is this better individually, but not better as a team? There's constant comparisons to the team of old. Is this team better prepared for the step up? That sort of mid-tier Premier League club at some stage.

50:40Stuart Watson:I'm just looking at the list of who's gone through Premier League clubs. I don't know. I'd like to see him take on a, I don't know, maybe one of the teams that went up last year, like a Sunderland or a Leeds or someone like that, just to see where they're at in terms of a comparison. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the next round. Maybe a home, a winnable, inverted commas, home draw. And all of a sudden you're into round five and then it's another victory to get you to the quarters. And before you know it, you could go quite deep into this competition, couldn't you? So, yeah, a winnable home tie next and then maybe running into a kind of a mid-tier Premier League side after that.

51:25Okay.

51:26Ross Halls:Well, our last 16, of course, last season. Although we beat Coventry, Stu, and we were like, okay, we're going to boss the championship then. Because at that point, we sort of knew we were going to go down and we, of course, won 4-1 against Coventry who are doing really well. And then, yeah, this season has not turned out as well as we're hoping for. It's still doing well. We're still bloody third on the table, which is, you know, still very good. But yeah, AJ, who would you like? Anybody in particular that you're marking? I don't care because I'm off. So I'll be, yeah, if they ended up getting something like really good or like a West Ham away or something like that, I'd be a little bit disappointed.

52:02Unless we can have a word with the FA and the TV broadcast companies to put it on a Friday night maybe. I agree with Stu in terms of the pathway. I think that would be quite nice, both in terms of like from a personal preference with my time off and also from how I think it would work for Ipswich. I think coming up against a similar test again would not be the worst. A Port Vale at home, a Wigan at home. I don't want to say a Macclesfield at home because that brings back some horrible memories of a couple of years ago. let's not go that that low down um you know a league one team would be absolutely fine another repeat of this because as kieran mckenna said they learned some valuable lessons from this game it proved to be a really beneficial game and something like that would be good that they can hopefully then go on and win and then find a a bigger test in in the rounds to come stu's mentioned um you know the promoter teams for example but also you could take on a fulham again for example their squads not the deepest uh how would they cope with the game against sips which in the cup um that was also a bit of a benchmark in the carabao cup wasn't it when they came to portman road they won that one 3-1 and it was like well this is the levels you need to reach to be in the premier league um maybe another one like that where the expectations would be a little bit different would be quite nice so um yeah i agree that would be the pathway i'd want to go with let's have I mean, I don't want to say easy or winnable, really, but a kind of home draw in the next round, and then we can ramp it up further down the line.

53:37I have a weird feeling it will be championship team at home, though.

53:42Ross Halls:Lovely. Just not Blackburn away, although they're out, thankfully, because they got beat in the hole, which, of course, the game has been rearranged. Sorry, Stu.

53:49Stuart Watson:Sorry, Ross, to jump in. In some ways, getting a championship team, I know it's not sexy and exciting, and we'd be like, oh, it's Blackburn at home. Did they get through? They went out, didn't they? So at least that's taken the hat trick of trips to Ewood Park off the table. But something of that equivalent wouldn't set the pulses racing, but equally there's not kind of neutral eyes on it looking for an upset, isn't it? It's not Macclesfield or Mansfield or whoever else. You want something that a bit like the weekend, Blackpool kind of flew under the radar. No one was really thinking about that game, were they?

54:28Stuart Watson:So something like that. And then at some stage, yeah, run into a Premier League side that you go into it thinking this is a tough test, but on their day, Ipswich could win it. And before you know it, they've got the squad depth to deal with the extra games, haven't they? And it's without replays this year, you haven't got to worry too much about it getting really congested. And also when you look at when the games are being rearranged, It's a home game against Hull on Valentine's Day that now gets moved. And then if they go further again, it's a home game against Leicester in March that gets moved.

55:04Stuart Watson:So it's not like they're suddenly having to do a big away trip in midweek. It's two more games under the lights at Portman Road, which arguably helps the promotion push because there's always a little bit of extra electricity in the air, isn't there, for a midweek game at home. So why not? Dare to dream.

55:25Ross Halls:of course you got the factor of Norwich as well he's only a derby in the FA Cup

55:30Stuart Watson:would you take that, would you want it, yes or no

55:36Ross Halls:no no yeah okay yeah I cannot think of anything really that would be good about it, they're stronger than they were it would be another championship tie, there would be eyes on it and again selfishly I wouldn't be here, I'd be a bit gutted fair play fair play um but yeah we shall wait and see as i said town number six in the draw but you may you know i've already seen the the outcome of that when you listen to this so uh yeah we'll find out uh we'll get into the um the perfect hour boys we're just going to quickly just do a snap transfer latest um as standard as we record last podcast i sort of jinxed it and said oh there'll probably be stuff that will break when we uh you know release this podcast and they did break and that is a few little moments.

56:23Ross Halls:Cameron Humphries has gone to Huddersfield Town. Me and AJ have done a piece on that, sharing our thoughts on that. He's linked up with Lee Grant. He started Stu quickly for Huddersfield. They lost 1-0 though, which is not great. But he was straight in the 11, but a good move for him.

56:38Stuart Watson:Yeah, I didn't know that. That's good to see. He needed minutes. We've discussed it plenty of times. I can see why there's been various times which have decided to keep him around for his low maintenance, for his personality, for his leadership, for his versatility. But he's at a stage of his career now where he needs to play. The last few months have felt like a bit of a waste off the back of what he did at Wickham. A few wondered whether getting him to a championship side would have been the next good step for him. But I can see the logic for him going to a big club in League One that's in a promotion race and working with someone that he knows.

57:18Stuart Watson:So, yeah, we'll keep an eye on how Cameron Humphreys does.

57:22Ross Halls:Yeah, and AJ, talking about another lone player, Connor Chaplin has been a bit of a seesaw, sort of a yo-yo sort of thing with Messina coming out, sound one thing, Kieran McKenna sound one thing. Connor Chaplin played for Portsmouth in their defeat against Arsenal in the Cup. Yeah, what do you reckon with him? Yeah, all a bit up in the air this one. I think Messina has come out and said, we've had some conversations and we expect him to stay. it's nothing finalized but that's how we think it's going to go mckenna's replied and said well i haven't been privy to any of those conversations they'll take place you know next week and we'll see how things uh develop from there but no decision has been made um so a little bit back and forth as you mentioned that probably in my mind i really wouldn't be surprised to see him back at portman road it just depends on how he would fit in um how how that's going to work squad-wise, how that's going to work with his minutes, things like that.

58:20Yeah, not too sure, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him back.

58:24Ross Halls:Okay, and Harry Clark, Stu, to talk about another potential loan exit. Kenneth said, yeah, there is interest from him. Stu's frozen, I think, AJ, is he? I don't know. It looks like he might have done. He has just messaged to say he's lost us all and he's got some pinwheels. I think he might have some signal issues as well. he might have to come out and come back in. Do you want to ask me instead? Yes. Harry Clark. McKenna, of course, said about it. Yeah, so Harry Clark was one that we kind of thought would go out. McKenna had mentioned it as an option earlier in the window and then was asked about it after the win against Blackpool and said yes, that there is something lined up for him potentially to happen over the weekend.

59:08Hasn't been finalized anything over the weekend, but since been reported that Harry Clark could be off to Charlton from what I've heard about this deal, I'd say it sounds quite likely that Harry Clark is going to be heading that way. There is competition for him, I've been told. This isn't just a one-horse race. Sheffield United are obviously the ones that we reported as interested. It would have been just before the window opened, but they've gone down a different route, signing Key Yana Hoover on loan from Wolves instead. but yeah Harry Clark was obviously Chris Wilder's a big fan of him they've gone down a different route though will be there is a lot of interest in him but at the moment it looks like the Valley will be his destination for the second half of 2025-26 could change but that's how I see this one going from what I've heard

1:00:01Ross Halls:Okay then Stu to wrap up the transfer talk Tom Kearney Kearney Kearney Kearney Kearney I'm going to have a Darnell Furlong situation here. But yeah, Talon approached the experienced Fulham man, midfielder captain of the Whites as well. McKenna, once again, just flat bad out. But then Silva, Marco Silva sort of said, yeah, there's been an approach there. What do you think about that?

1:00:27Stuart Watson:Yeah, as you say, Kieran McKenna, I think, is never going to be drawn on individual names. But Marco Silva has confirmed the interest. It was broken by Sky last week, was it? Made our inquiries and got that backed up that, yes, there is interest there, but it's no more than an inquiry at this stage, and there's no guarantee that Fulham will let Tom Kearney go or whether Tom Kearney will want to go. He's a modern-day club legend at Fulham. Out of contract in the summer. It depends what he wants to do. Is this how he wants his Fulham career to finish, kind of midway through a season? Or does he want to at least see this one out?

1:01:18Stuart Watson:He's not a million miles away from the team, albeit not a regular starter. So we'll have to see how that one pans out. If Ipswich, you know, what Ipswich are looking at him as potentially is quite interesting. Is it to be another number 10 option? We've been talking about how many Ipswich have got at the moment with Nunez, now Clark, Atpon, Schmodix. Egelli came on and played some minutes there at the weekend. So do they need another 10? Probably not. What they really need is a bit of cover for Matasiwa. Could Kearney use his experience and his passing ability to play a little bit deeper? a rotation option competition option for Kuyusta and Taylor possibly he's a versatile player I mean he's been a top end championship player hasn't he in his time and he's still capable in the Premier League so I could see why Ipswich are looking at him as a potential short term option not quite sure where he fits in but gut feeling is I'm not sure if this one is doable from some of the phone calls that I've made so we'll see.

1:02:32Stuart Watson:I'm in the same kind of boat I think with Tom Kearney I do think this will be a stretch there was a report that came out from Team Talk on Saturday night again make of what you will with the source but they said Fulham will not sell their star midfielder, I think it's a bit of a push, star midfielder in January Ipswich Town are set to be left frustrated in their approach to sign Tom Kearney could certainly see that being the case i i don't know whether this would be the best move for him or for fulham who are light in midfield as well they've got players away at aftcon and i think that marco silver's quite frustrated by some of the incoming transfer business at fulham so i would imagine more likely he will end up staying and town might have to look elsewhere and in their search for a midfield recruit would be interesting again is it going to be a matter to see recover will it be someone to play in the left-sided role and compete with Kjusta.

1:03:27Jens Kjusta and Jack Taylor, will it be someone to play more advanced? We'll have to wait and see. It's good that they're setting the net high for these kind of players, because that's a hell of a player to try and attract to the Championship. But you don't want to then maybe have a repeat of the summer where they went after Hayden Hackney and took quite a time getting a player that I think we were all a little bit dubious as to whether or not he would actually end up coming to Portman Road.

1:03:52Ross Halls:Okay then and yeah gone over the hour now but I want to quickly mention Stu McKenna mentioned about whether Town will sign a striker this window there's been a few players linked Bamford signed a new Dill Sheffield United Callum Wilson links has been out there but yeah McKenna may go maybe I don't need one

1:04:14Stuart Watson:I think Saturday's game would if there was a if there was a needle in terms of do we need to go and sign a striker? I would say Saturday's game pushes it more towards yes. I thought Akpom did all right as a striker. He's got some neat touches. Azon didn't do great when he came on, if I'm honest. His touch was pretty off and he had several loose moments that were frustrating. George Hurst will hopefully be back this weekend from his recent little groin setback but there's always that question mark with injuries with him now there's a few different ones isn't there with his knee, his hamstring, now his groin can you hang your hat on him fitness wise first but also in terms of his form in the first half of the season hasn't hit the heights that we hoped after he was handed the number nine and Kieran McKenna said all the right things when I quizzed him about what he's after in the press conference prior to Blackpool in terms of we've got three strikers, I've got full faith in them, but every team wants to add goals to their side in a January transfer window and will be no different.

1:05:36Stuart Watson:And he did go on to say, and that could come in different positions, that could be wide, that could be 10. but I think more likely than not, it will be someone that can play as a striker. They might be able to play multiple positions, but yeah, how that all then shakes out in terms of exits and getting the right balance of the squad and not being overstocked in certain positions is a conundrum. But I think if you polled most of our listeners now saying, should Ipswich sign a striker, I think the majority would be saying yes, wouldn't they?

1:06:12Ross Halls:yes me too so yeah we shall see obviously the window closes on the 2nd of Feb which is it's a January transfer window but because the game falls on the 31st on the Saturday the window will close on the 2nd of Feb on Monday so yeah we shall see what Kieran McKenna and Co does for the rest of the next few weeks in the transfer market but boys there we go job done podcast in the bag AJ shout out the sponsors I'll let you give them Oh, God. Stardust Spirits, 20 % off. Use the code KOA. I've just done it for you. I don't know why. But what can they give the listeners? I saw they actually had a stall in Bury on the weekend.

1:06:53Ross Halls:Good old Gary. Really? So that was nice. Wow. Getting about, yeah, award-winning spirits. Award-winning Stardust Spirits. Doing dry January. Great. But you know that when you get to the end of this month, you're going to want something, aren't you? So this is the place to go. Get yourself stocked up. Drink responsibly, of course. but what better time of year if you're not doing dry january then um this this is definitely the time of year isn't it and if not then february is the month for you to go and and use our our code and get something ahead of that one and also molecular discount code is what for how much ross koa 10 10 off there you go for all your car needs no use for ross but for me and stew plenty for us to get stuck into um hoping to get our hands on a few bits soon which will be really nice my car is an estate she's mentioned his car i believe is also in a state um so that'll be really beneficial for us um especially as well i found i've just driven back from luton you're going around in the winter it's raining it's horrible your car's getting covered in mud like my car not just the inside the outside is in an absolute state as well salt gritting's all over the place yeah if your car's like that go on to to uh not on star the spirits that's for something else for molecular deary me go on to molecular uk dash uk and um go and get yourself some bits to tidy tidy your vehicle up with indeed uh stew hope you enjoy your birthday because you are got a birthday this week so enjoy that thanks joining me any business from you no other business all right love it well let's uh end now then ladies and thank you for listening as standard.

1:08:32Ross Halls:Follow us on all our socials. Leave us a five-star review as well. Let us know your thoughts. But thanks for listening. Bye for now.

1:09:09Thank you.

1:09:40Thank you.

1:10:09We'll be right back.

1:10:31operated in the USA.

1:10:32Ross Halls:Moto Casino is a free-to-play social casino. No purchase necessary. 21 plus to play. Void or prohibited. Sign up today for a generous welcome bonus. Moto Casino. America's social casino. Download the Moto Casino app today.