A week on from the confirmation of relegation, Ipswich Town have had time to reflect on a terrible season. A 1-1 draw against Birmingham City sealed their long-awaited fate. Their 17 seasons stay in the Championship is over, but not in the way the fans may have wanted. However, it may not all be doom and gloom for Ipswich. A fresh start lies ahead for The Tractor Boys. A new season of hope is not far around the corner.
Fresh Hope For Ipswich Town
Experience is Key
It may benefit Ipswich to have an experienced manager in League One. Paul Lambert’s biggest success came when he managed arch-rivals Norwich City to the League One title. The following season, his Norwich side won promotion to the Premier League. For that alone, you cannot deny Paul Lambert is a fantastic manager to be in League One. The glimmer of hope may shine beyond recognition.
A Need For Stability
Another period of stability is needed for Ipswich. Mick McCarthy’s five-and-a-half-year spell ended sourly and an experiment with Paul Hurst was short-lived. Paul Lambert was appointed to pick up the pieces from the experiment. However, despite failing to keep them in the division, Lambert deserves more time. It is all the more promising that Lambert has promised his future to Ipswich. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Lambert will be at Portman Road beyond the end of the season.
A Squad Already Prepared For League One?
What is perhaps the biggest glimmer of hope is that many of their squad are already familiar with League One. Top scorer Gwion Edwards signed from Peterborough United last summer. His experience of the division may be vital in spearheading Ipswich back to the Championship.
Alongside Edwards, Jon Nolan, Toto Nsiala, Ellis Harrison and Kayden Jackson all joined from League One clubs. None of them have particularly stood out in the Championship. However, their experience of League One will show next season.
Paul Lambert’s Ipswich squad is also filled with experienced heads. Bartosz Bialkowski, Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse are all in their 30’s and have been at the club for a number of years. Captain Chambers believes that ‘maybe they don’t need to spend lots of money’ in a recent interview with the East Anglian Daily Times. Should the crux of their squad remain, it will put them in good stead for next season. It will offer the fans a glimmer of hope for next season.
Verdict
It is very cliche to say it depends on how Ipswich start next season, but it really does matter. If they start well, they could bounce back at the first attempt. However, the play-offs at a minimum should be the target.
A new season, new hope and a new era is on the horizon for Ipswich.
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