Ipswich vs. Newcastle: Bobby Robson's Ghost To Look After Roy Keane?

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Only days after Bobby Robson's memorial mass, the two clubs where he is most loved meet in a must-win game. Roy Keane's Ipswich career hangs in the balance after only taking four points from the 24 available so far, they welcome high flying Newcastle as they search for that illusive win.

In a week where Bobby Robson was remembered by the footballing community, it is perhaps most fitting that Newcastle should travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich in a top versus bottom clash that sees Robson's two English loves meet.

A Newcastle supporter for his whole life, Robson made his name at Portman Road where he guided Ipswich to FA and UEFA Cup victories as well as only finishing outside the top six in Division 1 only five times in 13 years, four of those were in his first four years at the club.

Most remarkably, Robson only brought in 14 players from other English clubs in those 13 years at Ipswich, preferring to use players who had graduated from their youth system.

To mark those fantastic 13 years at the club, a statue of Robson was erected outside the ground in 2002. And his shadow has hung over every manager since.

Robson then went on to manage England and then moved back into club management that saw him coach right across Europe before he eventually moved back to his spiritual home on Tyneside.

This week has been all about Robson and his legacy, and rightfully so. But the story moves on, and on Saturday the Tractor Boys welcome the Toon Army to East Anglia.

The importance of the game has not been lost on Roy Keane. Ipswich were one of the favourites for promotion at the start of the season, but a disastrous start has seen them claim only four points from 24 thanks to four draws.

Vultures have begun to circle over the former Sunderland manager, and defeat to Newcastle would mean the club's worst start to a season ever. 

Ipswich have had trouble keeping clean sheets this year, so far they have conceded 15 goals in eight games. In trying to rectify that situation, Keane has used no less than 24 players in those eight league games.

Three players have been brought in to bolster the squad in recent weeks. Two from Keane's old club Sunderland, Grant Leadbetter and Carlos Edwards, while the powerful fullback, Liam Rosenior has also come in.

Ipswich have looked a slightly tighter outfit, but they still concede far too many easy chances.

Last weeks 3-3 draw against Doncaster summed up all the good points and all the bad points about Ipswich this season.

Going forward they are a threat to most Championship teams, but they lack concentration and give away silly goals.

Newcastle on the other hand have been completely rejuvenated since their fall from Premiership grace. Nine players have been allowed to go back to the Premier League as the Magpies look to bounce back to the big time.

In a massive contrast to last season, Newcastle have the meanest defence in the league. So far they have only conceded four goals and have kept five clean sheets in eight games.

Roy Keane's fellow Irishman, Chris Hughton, deserves much credit for Newcastle's revival.

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