FAN'S VIEW: IPSWICH TOWN SEASON PREVIEW

We managed to get a couple of Ipswich Town's fans to give us an insight into the coming campaign for the Tractor Boys. First up, Elliott.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

The 2014/15 season for Ipswich was great; to have the top goalscorer in the league and to finish 6th and get in the play-offs were all great achievements. Mick has been here for 3 years now and he has really got his ideas across to the players and it’s really starting to show. The signings Mick has made have been fantastic; he has strengthened the team tremendously, we've now got 4 top class strikers with Murphy, Sears, McGoldrick and Pitman and they all offer something different up top with Murphy good in the air, Sears speed and McGoldrick quick on his feet. We've signed a couple of top class wingers in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ryan Fraser on the wings, both on loan.  That was an area Town fans recognised that needed to be strengthened, as the new boys on the flanks offer skill, pace and good long shots which will excite the Blue Army this season.  We've also added former Brentford midfielder Jonathan Douglas and trialist Giles Coke to the blues squad. Jonas Knudsen, the Danish left back, invigorates the town fans as a left back needed to be brought in to Portman Road because of the departure of Tyrone Mings who left for 8 million to Premier League new boys Bournemouth.

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

Given the players we have lost and the price tags we achieved for them, I personally think the gaffer has done a great job in recruiting Guthrie and Delfouneso, they bring a wealth of experience to the championship and I'm happy a deal has been agreed with both players. You have to remember we are under a strict transfer embargo so it was never going to be an easy task. Keeping Rhodes has to be key if we are to give a real play-off push which to the credit of the Venky's they have been very firm thus far.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

I think the squad McCarthy has built has depth but if there was one area I would strengthen it would be right back - however since Josh Emmanuel has been brought in I would sign a proven right back so that Town captain Luke Chambers can move to centre back which is his best position and he could link with Cristopher Berra.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I think the fixture most Ipswich fans are looking forward to is Brentford away on the first game of the season as its always a good atmosphere away to the Bees and the Blue Army will hope to get out of the blocks quickly we will be looking to replicate the 4-2 win over them which was achieved on Boxing Day last year.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

The opposition I've got high hopes for this season are Nottingham Forest as Dougie Freedman’s side is quite balanced with experienced and young players.  I think Forest’s number 9 Assombalonga will look to improve on his 15 goals from last term - if he scores 20+ goals I can see Freedman's side challenging.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

The players to look out for this season are Freddy Sears up top and Teddy Bishop in the midfield. If Freddy hits the ground running no one will catch his goals tally up this year; he scored 9 goals in 21 games for the Tractor Boys after signing from Colchester in the January transfer window for a undisclosed fee. He's a quick lad who loves to run at the opposition and he’ll frighten teams all across the country. Watch out for 19 year old Teddy Bishop; he's an academy product who's already played 31 times for the Blues.  He's a midfielder who is a good all-rounder and a future England player.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

This season I think Ipswich will be up  there challenging to go up to the big time I'm not saying they will win it or runaway with the league as anyone who watches knows the Championship is unpredictable and staying top of the league all season doesn't happen. If you look at the teams in the Championship this season there's no one in there that's going to steal the show so if Ipswich start well and build some momentum I can’t see why they can’t replicate the play-offs last season or go one better and challenge for the top two. 

Up next was Hannah who gave us her thoughts for the season ahead.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

The 14/15 season was the most exciting in my memory and our best finish in a decade. I was impressed with everyone - the team, the manager, the staff and of course the fans. Reaching the play-offs was a massive achievement and I hope we can continue on the same track this season.

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

Yes, particularly new left-back Jonas Knudsen. He was looking very lively in our pre-season friendly against FC Utrecht, he has a really long throw. I was also pleased to welcome Brett Pitman and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on loan) who both impressed in pre-season.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

Yes - I would be like an experienced midfielder to join the team.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

All of them! I'm looking forward to MK Dons as my auntie (who made me a Town fan!) lives nearby and one of my favourite Ipswich players, Dean Bowditch, plays for them.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

Middlesbrough. I expect Burnley and Derby to be up there too.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

Daryl Murphy (obviously!), Jonas Knudsen and Teddy Bishop.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

We are going for promotion, I expect us to be up there come close of play. I believe our team has only strengthened over the summer, despite the departure of Tyrone Mings so let's go!