Forest v Ipswich

I

ipswich preview writer

A. Trialist
Hi. I'm Rob and I write the match previews on an Ipswich Town fans forum. Part of the preview includes an interview with fans of the opposition. Would a few of you be so helpful as to answer these few short questions for me?

Many Thanks

Hi (Insert Name). I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?


There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davis and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?

What's the squads strengths?

What's your squads weaknesses?

Who would be your one to watch?

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?
 
Hi Winnits. I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?

We didn't sign any more players, thus whilst we've retained a talented squad it's a small squad - and as such we are vulnerable to injuries or suspensions - which you'll see on Saturday when we don't have a left back again due to Bertrand's fifth yellow card coming against Boro. We are habitual slow starters though and are showing some signs of promise still.

There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davis and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?

Speculation, and little more. Billy utilises it to divert attention away from him and his players - and generally the fans are content to accept that and turn on the board. He knew the score when he took over, so shouldn't really gripe about it now.

What's the squads strengths?

On our day we have a tight first eleven capable of hurting teams with slick passing and deadly finishing - we've yet to have our day this season. McGugan is on a great run of scoring memorable goals, and has been a stand-out performer in recent weeks - without his input we'd probably be in the relegation zone. When they 'click' then Majewski and Earnshaw are both capable of producing something special. The rest of the team work hard for one another - and seem to have a great team spirit.

What's your squads weaknesses?

We lack width in midfield so can be over-run on the flanks. Our defence has looked shaky in the middle, as our fullbacks can either get easily exposed or caught upfield supporting attack. We can run out of ideas when teams try to 'spoil' against us by packing midfield and closing us down quickly. We struggle with defending (and attacking) setpieces (although the defensive element of this was largely improved against Boro on Tuesday).

Who would be your one to watch?

At the moment it's Lewis McGugan - 6 goals so far from midfield, and all of them quality finishes. This lad doesn't do tap-ins. He's always been a hope for Forest fans but sometimes appears lazy - hopefully he can really fulfill his potential this season.

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

I don't really have a strong opinion - a decent club who I take marginally more interest in due to Roy Keane's presence. Always hold a slight grudge that you got £3.5m for one-season-wonder David Johnson from us, but that's quite childish!

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?

Connor Wickham looks set for stardom, really impressed with the little I've seen of him - and our strikers have been struggling to put away chances of late.

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?

We've not had a 1-1 for a while, and it's our scoreline of choice, so I'll go for that!
 
Hi Kier. I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?
We failed to strengthen the squad which I believe is the sole cause behind our faltering start to the season, we have such a small squad that we can't rotate players really or leave them out when they lose form. As things stand I think we fall some way short of being promotion contenders.

There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davis and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?
Speculation, no-one can say for certain what may or may not have gone on between Billy and the board. Having said that I firmly believe Billy is being forced to manage with one hand tied firmly behind his back so sympathise with him. I have very little time for the current board.

What's the squads strengths?
Some very good young talented players who should get better and better over time with the right guidance. On our day we play some wonderful football, a slick passing game but we haven't seen this enough this season.

What's your squads weaknesses?
As previously mentioned complete lack of depth. I also think we lack enough fire power up front, Earnshaw is the only prolific striker in the squad and we really could do with a better partner for him. Blackstock is a very average footballer and the rest are either unproven or simply not good enough.

Who would be your one to watch?
Lewis McGugan has been on fire in recent weeks, there are few better technically gifted players at this level than him. At his best he is a joy to watch and has a real touch of magic about him capable of turning a game on its head as he has done numerous times in recent weeks. Definitely starting to fulfil his potential at long last.

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?
I have a big soft spot for Ipswich, my best friend at university was a massive fan so always look out for their results and am happy to see them do well. Portman Road is also one of the best away days in a league, in a proper stadium, not a hideous flat pack as well.

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?
Conor Wickham looks a brilliant prospect but I think Jason Scotland would benefit us more now. Good scoring record and would be a good partner for Earnshaw.

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?
Our impressive home form will give us the edge so a 2-1 victory for Forest.
 
Hi Chriscl. I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?

We've played well, but drawn too many matches, through a combination of not scoring enough goals and conceding too many soft goals

There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davis and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?

Billy is a bolshie scotsman who has an idea of what he wants, and expects to get it. However in Nigel Doughty the Forest Chairman, he has someone who is as pragmatic as he is. However a former long-serving Manager of ours was also renowned for wanting - and indeed getting - everything he wanted

What's the squads strengths?

We have good strength in midfield, and in Robert Earnshaw we have the best striker in the Championship

What's your squads weaknesses?

Our squad is small, too small, and we lack depth in critical areas, mostly up front and in defence

Who would be your one to watch?

At the moment, Lewis McGugan in midfield, with six goals in seven matches

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

Always got a soft spot for your manager, although not all Forest fans have. And I remember them playing some decent football under Bobby Robson back in the day

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?

Roy Keane (does he count?) or, if I could borrow Forest-fan Matt Smith (Doctor Who)'s TARDIS, Arnold Muhren

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?

We're not playing well, but Ipswich don't seem to be either; I'd go for 1-0 to Forest, although it will be a tight game.
 
Hi Marshall. I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?

Well we haven't started too well but actually not that bad considering we've won more than we've lost & we've only lost 2 games. We always start seasons' off poorly, like last season for an example.. We will go on an amazing run very soon and hopefully sneak into the top 6.

There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davies and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?

This hasn't really been spoken of for about 2 months now, so we've really just but the rumours to bed.

What's the squads strengths?

Nothing that sticks out too much, we sometimes play beautiful football & sometimes play shit football like the other 23 teams in this league.

What's your squads weaknesses?

Low morale at times, probably due to the sudden death of our promotion dream that passed away in mid May.

Who would be your one to watch?

Lewis McGugan. He's played absolutely fantastic so far this season. Goal after goal! I'm wondering if we really need Pratley or Whittingham now as we have probably the best midfielder in the league at the moment.

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

A team that's spent a lot of money so far this year, with a great manager at this level & a team that I'll be expecting to be there or there abouts come May.

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?

Jason Scotland. I remember the 07/08 season where Forest & Swansea got promoted to the Championship & he was a goal machine!

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?

2-0 to the reds.
 
chriscl said:
Hi Chriscl. I predicted Forest to be one of my automatically promoted teams although you've had a faultering start. Whats been happening?

We've played well, but drawn too many matches, through a combination of not scoring enough goals and conceding too many soft goals

There has been various rumours of a rift between Billy Davis and the Boardroom. Whats your take on it?

Billy is a bolshie scotsman who has an idea of what he wants, and expects to get it. However in Nigel Doughty the Forest Chairman, he has someone who is as pragmatic as he is. However a former long-serving Manager of ours was also renowned for wanting - and indeed getting - everything he wanted

What's the squads strengths?

We have good strength in midfield, and in Robert Earnshaw we have the best striker in the Championship

What's your squads weaknesses?

Our squad is small, too small, and we lack depth in critical areas, mostly up front and in defence

Who would be your one to watch?

At the moment, Lewis McGugan in midfield, with six goals in seven matches

Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

Always got a soft spot for your manager, although not all Forest fans have. And I remember them playing some decent football under Bobby Robson back in the day

If you could have one Ipswich Player who would it be?

Roy Keane (does he count?) or, if I could borrow Forest-fan Matt Smith (Doctor Who)'s TARDIS, Arnold Muhren

Thanks. Finally, Whats your match prediction?

We're not playing well, but Ipswich don't seem to be either; I'd go for 1-0 to Forest, although it will be a tight game.
Click to expand...

Chris, I think your point about Earnie being the best striker in the championship is a little O.T.T. I would go for for any of Cardiff's strikers over him. He is one of the top ones but his injury niggles also count against him. I also like Mackie, Connor Wickham, Steve Morison, and the likes of Danny Graham, Billy Sharp, Waghorn and Iwelumo are also very good at this level
 
That said Earnie does have, I Believe, a real feeling for our club and a connection with the supporters which is nice. (Or does he just love to be loved?? I'm not sure)
 
Many Thanks for your help with this.

My preview will be availiable from this evening until Sunday on the Town forum, Tractor-Boys.com. Feel free to register if you so wish. We do have fans from various other clubs on there.

Thanks again and enjoy the game.
 
Whats you opinion of Ipswich Town?

My mum once brought me a Ipswich Town Rug for my bedroom from Scoop in Clifton, She knew I liked football and seeing as they didnt have any Forest ones I had to make do, Times were hard in 1980 Clifton. lol
 
Hi I'm an Ipswich Town employee, here we are a little more clued up than at NFFC and appreciate the intelligence and knowledge of fans. We also understand the Internet and how perceptive some of the forums are.
In preparation of our forthcoming match not only have we watched and made a few videos but have stumbled upon a cunning plan of simply blatantly asking folk on forums for the answers, this saves our researchers hours of effort. There's always a kind soul who'll happily tell us Achilles' weakness for a little massage of the ego. Roy says thanks for the info and enjoy the thrashing on Saturday!!
 
lollollollol:D
Shippo said:
Hi I'm an Ipswich Town employee, here we are a little more clued up than at NFFC and appreciate the intelligence and knowledge of fans. We also understand the Internet and how perceptive some of the forums are.
In preparation of our forthcoming match not only have we watched and made a few videos but have stumbled upon a cunning plan of simply blatantly asking folk on forums for the answers, this saves our researchers hours of effort. There's always a kind soul who'll happily tell us Achilles' weakness for a little massage of the ego. Roy says thanks for the info and enjoy the thrashing on Saturday!!
Click to expand...
 
Shippo said:
Hi I'm an Ipswich Town employee, here we are a little more clued up than at NFFC and appreciate the intelligence and knowledge of fans. We also understand the Internet and how perceptive some of the forums are.
In preparation of our forthcoming match not only have we watched and made a few videos but have stumbled upon a cunning plan of simply blatantly asking folk on forums for the answers, this saves our researchers hours of effort. There's always a kind soul who'll happily tell us Achilles' weakness for a little massage of the ego. Roy says thanks for the info and enjoy the thrashing on Saturday!!
Click to expand...

Anything to help an ex-Forest player! lol
 
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