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Ipswich Town: 2008/2009 Season Preview | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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On the eve of the new Championship season, Paul Bloomfield looks at the prospects of Ipswich Town and which players are likely to feature in the upcoming campaign.Marcus’ millions have brought about a new sense of hope at Portman Road; perhaps more significantly, it yields greater expectation. Jim Magilton began to utilise the newly injected cash in January, when the Marcus Evans’ takeover was completed. The £2m acquisition of Super Jim’s long-time target David Norris was the most expensive new arrival. Veliche Shumulikoski was brought in for a fee believed to be around £600,000 rising to £1m based on appearances, with Alan Quinn yet another midfield buy, arriving from Sheffield United. Having narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, Town fans and everyone connected with the club will be hoping that the team can go at least one step better, and reach the play-offs. Town would have won the league last season if the table was based on home form. Sadly, it is not, and contrastingly, Ipswich would have been relegated to League One had only away form counted, by finishing second from bottom. The fact that Ipswich came within a point of a play-off place, with such an abysmal away record, leaves Town fans agonising over where the club might be if they had just picked up as little as a few more draws away from home. Ipswich will therefore be looking to maintain the excellent home form, and eradicate the incredibly poor and contrasting away form. Gareth McAuley and Pim Balkestein have been brought in to try and ease the defensive woes that have troubled the club in recent seasons. Richard Wright will resume his position between the sticks for the first time since 2001, with Shane Supple having to once again settle for a place on the bench. Kevin Lisbie’s arrival with provide ever-important pace up front, keeping the duo of Pablo Counago and Alan Lee on their toes as they compete for places. Summer departures have included Gavin Williams leaving for Bristol City and Gary Roberts making the move to Huddersfield Town. Fabian Wilnis has decided keep on playing football after leaving Town and has signed for Grays Athletic. Jason De Vos will be another absentee, having retired from the game. Another experienced campaigner who left the club following the expiration of his contract was Sylvain Legwinski. The Frenchman is likely to retire from the game although this has yet to be confirmed. David Wright emerged as an early candidate to take on the role of captain, which became vacant following the retirement of Jason De Vos. However, following the arrival of Gareth McAuley, the Northern Irish defender has been appointed the new first-team captain. Richard Naylor will take on the role of club captain. It remains to be seen if there will be any further new arrivals in the coming days, but we could see Pim Balkestein playing in a left full-back role this season, as opposed to his preferred centre-back position. Gareth McAuley and Alex Bruce are almost certain to be the first-choice centre backs. Bruce can of course also play at right back, which he did on a few occasions last season, but is far more effective in a central position. Town boss Jim Magilton has plenty of options at his disposal in midfield with David Norris, Veliche Shumulikoski, Owen Garvan and Tommy Miller the main contenders that are likely to battle it out for places in the centre of the park. Ivan Campo’s imminent arrival only adds to the competition for places. The wings are likely to be occupied by last season’s player of the season Jon Walters and Danny Haynes. There will be competition up front too, with Pablo Counago, Alan Lee, and Kevin Lisbie likely to be the three main men for boss Jim Magilton. Danny Haynes and Jon Walters are other candidates to play up top, though both have been utilised as wingers in recent times and are considered to be more effective in those positions. The trio of Jordan Rhodes, Billy Clarke and Dean Bowditch are likely to be considered backup, and will be looking to grasp any opportunities that come their way. Paul Bloomfield (8th August 2008) Click to view author Paul Bloomfield's profile Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |