Home Is Where the Heart Is Especially for Ipswich Town Blues

This time last year, Ipswich Town, under a new inexperienced management team, were learning the hard way.

Many wondered how former player David Sheepshanks would get on having been promoted to the manager. Would he have to lose the friendly banter chat in the changing room? Would the players still treat him as "one of the boys," rather than respecting him as a man of authority? Time would tell whether Sheepshanks 's appointment was a stroke of genius, or one that proved that the necessity of money to attract a top experienced manager was hard to come by.

Fast approaching Christmas, and the only festive cheer coming from Suffolk was that which was heard after beating local rivals Norwich. A late brace from substitute Danny Haynes resulted in a slight rise in happiness for the supporters. The topsy turvy results that followed ended up with Town finishing in a solid, if not exciting, 14th position, ironically two places above Norwich.

A steep learning curve in the first year of management for Magilton.

In the summer, the murmurs around the stadium were that full of optimism after the return of crowd favourites Pablo Counago and Tommy Miller. That combined with the emergence of Owen Garvan would surely stand Town in good stead for an assault on the playoffs.

An opening day battering of promotion candidate Sheffield on Wednesday sent Town fans home thinking about a return to the promised land. With the Blues attractive, attacking displays, they appeared unbeatable at home. Seven consecutive home wins later, and Ipswich were in a strong playoff position. Meanwhile, contrasting that with their away record left hem wondering what could have been.

Queries on performances echoed both in local pubs after the games and in post-match interviews. How can a team that plays with so much confidence at home be so lackluster away?

Up to December, Ipswich had a 100% record at Portman Road—but on their travels had only managed to conjure up a draw on four occasions at best.

Why is this? Do they lack a bit of grit and determination that will quiet the home crowd? Do they start slowly and put themselves on the back foot, thus letting the hosts dictate the game?
 
With recent investment by media mogul Marcus Evans being approved, rumours filtering from Portman Road are that Jim Magilton will have up to £12m to spend in January to bolster his squad for a promotion push. Little is known about Evans, although he has been linked with a bid for Trinity Mirror recently, suggesting he does have the money to guide the club in the right direction. 

Only time will tell where the management believe improvement is needed in the squad. What we do know is that while Town is exceeding all expectations at home, they are not giving supporters much to be getting excited about on their travels. If Magilton can add the quality that is needed, and they maintain their unbeaten home record into the new year, then the Blues may be a good outside bet for promotion.