A trip to bottom club Coventry City may seem like one of the easier games Paul Jewell’s men could have wished for on paper this weekend, but hardened Blues followers will know it never seems to work out like that for Town! The Sky Blues have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks to close the gap between themselves and safety to seven points, with their last scalp at the Ricoh Arena being promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough a fortnight ago.

Fortunately for Paul Jewell, he will have the luxury of being able to pick an unchanged side for the trip to the West Midlands. Loan keeper Alex McCarthy returns to the fold after serving a one-game ban but is likely to have to make do with a place on the bench following Arran Lee-Barratt’s reliable display against the Hammers.

January signing, Ryan Stevenson has admitted he will have to bide his time to force his way into the midfield reckoning but the Scot could be named on the bench at the Ricoh Arena today having spent a full week training with his new team mates.

In attack, Jewell would be a fool to drop Michael Chopra after the 27-year-old notched his first goal in eight games on Tuesday night. Chopra has always been renowned for scoring in streaks during his time at Cardiff and if I were a betting man the smart money would certainly be on Chopra to add to his season’s tally this weekend.

Jason Scotland can certainly feel hard done by to drop out of the side having worked hard in the last couple of months, but it shows that Paul Jewell does have plenty of attacking options at his disposal.

Ones to watch:

Coventry’s Sammy Clingan is a seasoned campaigner at Championship level. The Northern Irishman, a former Norwich City schemer, is one of the more competent ball-playing midfielders in the division and is always a threat with great delivery from set-plays. Youngster, Conor Thomas has come onto the scene this season for the Sky Blues and his pace and trickery have made him a firm favourite with the City faithful.

Thomas had looked set to depart Coventry last term having joined Liverpool on loan with a view to a permanent switch, but the deal fell through and their loss is Andy Thorn’s gain for the time being. The teen did suffer a knock at Blackpool however, and may struggle to pass a late fitness test.

Ipswich could also face former favourite Hermann Hreidarsson with the 37-year-old stalwart joining Coventry last month on a short term deal until the end of the season. His will-to-win and bravery know no bounds and despite dislocating a shoulder in the defeat to Middlesbrough in midweek, the Icelander is hopeful of winning his fitness battle to face his former club.

Defender Richard Keogh is another interesting player to keep an eye on. Formerly an Ipswich academy scholar, the Irishman was released by Town and was forced to work his way up the Football League ladder via Carlisle United and has cemented his place as a key figure in the Coventry rearguard.

Expected Town starting XI:

Lee-Barratt, Edwards, Sonko, Smith, Cresswell, Drury, Hyam, Martin, Murphy, Emmanuel-Thomas, Chopra.

Expected Coventry starting XI:

Murphy, Keogh, Cranie, Christie, Hreidarsson, Clingan, McSheffrey, Deegan, Norwood, Tchuimeni-Nimely, Platt.

Former Blues skipper Holland was interviewed about his playing career, spanning West Ham, Bournemouth, Ipswich and Charlton and spoke passionately about his time at Portman Road to the I AM PLAYR team. Take a look below:

Town’s failure to secure Portsmouth trio, Jason Pearce, Joel Ward and Stephen Henderson was glossed over by a magnificent team performance against Sam Allardyce’s under-performing Hammers. It was a win that will certainly appease the Blues faithful for the time being, with supporters now less likely to attack messrs Jewell, Clegg and Evans for the lack of January signings.

The unlikeliest of scorelines

It would have taken the most blue-tinted of fans to predict such a scoreline in the pre-match build up, but by no means did the scoreline flatter Ipswich as time and again they harried and harassed West Ham into surrendering possession, maintaining a fierce tempo throughout.

There were many positives to take from the contest. It was extremely pleasing to see the return of striker, Michael Chopra, who took just two-and-a-half minutes to register his name on the scoresheet with a cracking finish from 12 yards. It was Chopra’s first goal in eight games since the spectacular comeback at Barnsley and the former Cardiff ace showed signs of returning to his best with some excellent diagonal runs into the channels that pulled apart the West Ham rearguard throughout.

JET-propelled

The midfield trio of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Andy Drury and Luke Hyam was another plus point for Paul Jewell. Emmanuel-Thomas is clearly relishing a regular run in the starting XI and was involved in three of the goals, setting up Chopra’s opening goal with a slide-rule pass before notching two of his own, the first a stunning 30-yard effort off the inside of the near post. JET certainly doesn’t score tap ins and his link-up play with Chopra and Martin was worth the admission fee alone.

Fellow wide man, Lee Martin has looked like a man reborn under Paul Jewell, one of the few players to have visibly improved under the Liverpudlian. Martin’s energy and skill tied Hammers left back, George McCartney in knots for the full 90 minutes and was arguably Town’s man-of-the-match for the way he helped defend from the front.

Homegrown talent, Luke Hyam has also returned to the fore in recent weeks and has shown just why former boss Roy Keane persevered with him last term. The beauty of both Luke Hyam and Andy Drury’s games is that they both keep the game incredibly simple. They are equally efficient in their use of the ball and have great stamina to get box-to-box, complementing each other very well in the process.

Full marks to Sonks

For all his faults in the recent disappointments against Blackpool and Leeds, centre back and stand-in skipper, Ibrahima Sonko stood up to be counted last night and defended resolutely up against England ace, Carlton Cole. Sonko clearly relished the aerial battle and worked well in tandem with Tommy Smith who also put in another error-free shift.

The three points lifts Ipswich seven points clear of the relegation zone with a real six-pointer at Coventry awaiting them at the weekend.

A view to the summer…

Arguably Town’s failure to secure the services of the Portsmouth trio could not only be due to personal terms but their precarious league position. Therefore a strong second half to the season is needed now to show prospective summer signings that not only Jewell is here to stay but that the existing squad is capable of so much more.

Let’s not beat around the bush – reinforcements are still needed and badly. But last night proved what can be achieved with honest endeavour, tempo, no lack of skill and an end product.

The Jambos’ goalscoring midfielder is out of contract in the summer and the SPL outfit have granted the 27-year-old’s request to leave the club after a controversial last few weeks. Pre-Christmas, Stevenson refused to train or play for Hearts in protest at the running of the Tynecastle club, citing Hearts’ uncertain financial situation as the cause of undue stress on his partner’s unborn child.

Stevenson, who was also linked with a move to Bristol City to link up with compatriot boss, Derek McInness, has a Scotland senior call-up under his belt back in November and a switch to the English Championship is likely to be viewed as a step up in class at this stage in his career.

Known for his goalscoring from midfield, Stevenson’s arrival at Portman Road suggests that a move for Blackburn’s Keith Andrews now looks out of the equation with top flight Wigan Athletic still thought to be keen on snaring the Republic of Ireland international.

The former Chelsea trainee certainly knows where the back of the net is, having scored 25 times in a three-year spell at Ayr United before becoming a fans favourite at Hearts as Jim Jeffries’ first signing back in 2010. Stevenson is expected at Portman Road today to finalise terms and visit the Playford Road training ground before becoming a Blue on Monday.

This bargain buy signifies a major shift in the type of signings Paul Jewell is looking to identify. Not a big time charlie or a Premier League has-been, Stevenson certainly has something to prove and will be keen to cement a place at international level having had a taste of the senior squad last year.

Talks regarding a move for Portsmouth trio Jason Pearce, Joel Ward and Stephen Henderson continue to rumble on, although Town are likely to have to up their bid to at least £3m in order to meet Pompey halfway at the negotiating table.

With this in mind Town’s spine is likely to have a very different, concerning look to it this weekend. With a new face between the sticks in Alex McCarthy preparing to make his home debut, Tommy Smith likely to partner Ibrahima Sonko in central defence and Andy Drury and Luke Hyam in a potential central  midfield partnership, Blues supporters must surely be worried.

By all accounts Tommy Smith had a steady game at St Andrews on Wednesday night, as did Alex McCarthy on his first start. Meanwhile Andy Drury has shown signs of promise since his return from Crawley. Luke Hyam was largely quiet in Town’s 3-1 defeat to Hull in the FA Cup. Nevertheless, if Town supporters were surveyed on the likely starting XI to face the Tangerines a month ago it is highly likely none of the quartet mentioned would even figure on the bench let alone the pitch.

Jewell admits the debilitating virus that has rocked midfield playmaker Jimmy Bullard will mean a bench place is the best he can hope for this afternoon. Much is expected of 21-year-old frontman, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who has become more of a regular fixture in the side over the festive period. The former Arsenal reserve team skipper admits Blues followers have yet to see the best of him. Fitness is the key for JET – an issue that has plagued him throughout his youth career and his lack of pre-season has undoubtedly played a part in his slow start for Ipswich.

Jewell also has a difficult decision to make in attack with Jason Scotland expected to shrug off a tight hamstring to throw his hat into the ring. Meanwhile out-of-sorts Michael Chopra surely needs time on the pitch to play himself back into goalscoring form.

With reclusive owner Marcus Evans visiting the players at the training ground yesterday it would appear Jewell has the backing of the multi-millionaire businessman – at least for now. Blackpool arrive at Portman Road having never won a league match on Suffolk soil. Given Town’s charitable showing against a Nottingham Forest side that hadn’t scored a league goal in seven games it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Holloway’s men finally break their duck.

The recent sacking of Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock immediately led to calls for Town owner Marcus Evans to dispense with the services of Mr Jewell and recruit fiery Warnock to haul Town clear from the drop zone.

Personally I would rather see a long term approach to Ipswich’s next managerial appointment – assuming our current form continues and the Portman Road hierarchy decide enough is enough (a big if, if recent votes of confidences are to be believed!)

I thought I’d take a look at four potential long term replacements for Paul Jewell who have already enjoyed success and shown signs of potential in their early careers.

Karl Robinson – MK Dons

The 31-year-old Liverpool-born boss has taken to management like a duck to water at MK Dons. His brave footballing philosophy appears to be paying dividends at Stadium:MK with the Dons nicely placed in the top six with potential for a tilt at automatic promotion.

Despite a journeyman playing career in the non-leagues, Robinson learnt his trade as a coach at Liverpool’s famed academy and then as a coach at Blackburn Rovers before cutting his teeth in management. Whether Robinson is still perhaps too young and ‘green’ to take on the Portman Road mantle is up for debate but he is certainly one to watch.

Paul Tisdale – Exeter City

Another young manager who benefitted from a career-ending injury, Paul Tisdale is one of the hottest properties in the Football League at present. The 38-year-old who masterminded the rise of university side Team Bath through the non-leagues, has also enjoyed considerable success in his current position at League One Exeter City.

The affable Tisdale catapulted the Grecians from the Conference into League One with successive promotions. Another young manager who preaches attractive passing football, Tisdale has an eye for a bargain and has the ability to develop a winning mentality. A step up to Ipswich would be a serious test of his capabilities.

Paul Peschisolido – Burton Albion

Peschisolido fits the bill as a young manager showing potential cutting his teeth in the lower leagues. The Canadian boss has stabilised Burton Albion as a Football League outfit and this season the Brewers look set to push for a League Two playoff spot.

A well-educated, charismatic personality, Peschisolido may have the drive and tools available to revolutionise the Blues over a long-term period. Note: I didn’t even have to mention that he is married to the gorgeous queen of the boardroom, Karen Brady! Oh…

Paolo Di Canio – Swindon Town

Undeniably the riskiest of my four suggestions, enigmatic Italian, Paolo Di Canio has breathed new life into Swindon Town since taking over the Wiltshire club last summer. The 43-year-old would probably be viewed as an appointment similar to that of Roy Keane. A fiery winner with a penchant for throwing his toys out of the pram when things don’t go his way, but his charisma and will to win have won the hearts of the Robins faithful.

Swindon look set for a promotion push for League One this term, while Di Canio also masterminded a fantastic FA Cup 3rd Round victory over top flight outfit Wigan Athletic just a week ago.

On another managerial note I was delighted to see Town legend and former boss, Jim Magilton return to management last week. ‘Magic’ has taken the interim managerial vacancy at Australian Premier League outfit, Melbourne Victory and having watched his interview with the local Melbourne press his drive and enthusiasm have certainly not waned since disappointing spells at Portman Road and Loftus Road.

Despite a strong showing at St Andrews, Town only have themselves to blame after again conceding two soft goals at crucial periods of the game. If things don’t improve the Blues are in danger of conceding an eye-watering 100 league goals and that can only spell one thing – relegation.

While Jewell must shoulder some of the blame for his side’s alarming season so far, the glaring lack of leadership and direction from the very top must also be addressed and quickly.

It has been many months since Blues supporters have heard from their club’s reclusive owner, Marcus Evans, who seems happy to allow the club to idle badly in the hands of chief executive, Simon Clegg.

The motives of messrs Evans and Clegg have come under scrutiny on more than one occasion by supporters that I have come into contact with on a regular basis.

Is Town merely a PR/marketing machine for the Marcus Evans Group? Are we really meant to believe that Simon Clegg, one of the driving forces behind London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, wasn’t employed at Portman Road to be used in an advisory capacity for Mr Evans’ Olympic hospitality plans?

Lord knows Clegg has been forced to endure a considerable learning curve as the executive leader of a football club. But in reality, Clegg has no real power or say in proceedings. As a mere puppet for the Evans’ operation, Clegg is an easy target for disgruntled fans to shoot at and too often this has taken the heat off Marcus Evans himself.

As supporters we have always been grateful for the level of investment to attract a better calibre of player to Portman Road, but the complete lack of a coherent strategy other than ‘promotion at the earliest attempt’ has left Town wandering aimlessly in the Championship abyss.

With League One now a realistic possibility and supporter apathy at an all-time high, now is the time for Marcus Evans to step out of the shadows and take charge from the top.

Former supremo, David Sheepshanks, for all his faults never hid throughout the dark days of administration. Evans would do well to remember his privileged position at the helm of this once proud footballing town and breathe new life into a club that has been dormant for far too long.

Barnsley 3-3 Ipswich Town – March 9th, 1996

Ironically Oakwell was the venue for this fantastic late fightback from George Burley’s playoff-chasing Blues. Following a strong late surge towards the top six Burley took his players to South Yorkshire looking to keep pace with the top six in their first year back in the second tier.

A brace of goals from long-serving Tykes midfielder Neil Redfearn and the now Ipswich Town fitness coach, Andy Liddell saw Barnsley breeze into a three-goal lead. However, with just five minutes remaining, Ipswich launched an astonishing fightback. Midfielder, Simon Milton and talismanic frontman Ian Marshall plundered a trio of goals to send the visitors wild with delight.

Ipswich Town 3-2 Sheffield United – February 8th, 2003

Following the passing of former Blues assistant, Dale Roberts, Ipswich provided a fitting tribute to George Burley’s former number two against Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United. On a horrific Portman Road playing surface, the teams served up a five-goal thriller which saw ten-man Town fight back from 2-0 down to prevail 3-2 in the birth of the Tom Hark goal celebration song at FPR.

A brace of goals either side of half time from Dean Windass and Peter Ndlovu handed the Blades a two-goal lead after Pablo Counago had received his first half marching orders by referee, Richard Beeby following an altercation with Michael Brown. However it was academy graduates, Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose who raised the roof with three second half goals against the odds to see off their high-flying South Yorkshire rivals.

Coventry City 2-4 Ipswich Town – April 12th, 2003

Just two months after the memorable win over Sheffield United, Joe Royle’s Town – who had a habit of being involved in high-scoring affairs – fielded yet another wonderful comeback to move to within three points of the playoffs with just four games remaining.

The Blues again slipped two goals behind thanks to two goals before half time from Matt Jansen and Dean Gordon. However, Gary McAllister’s men were left shell-shocked after a spell-binding period of attacking from Ipswich in the second half, resulting in four goals in 17 minutes – a brace apiece for Marcus Bent and Pablo Counago.

Keep your eyes peeled later in the week for some exclusive video footage from former Town skipper, Matt Holland.

A 15-minute half time battle cry later, Ipswich not only had the audacity to haul themselves level, but to go on and romp to an unlikely 5-3 win – buying their under-fire boss time to re-assess and reinvigorate his troops.

In a thrilling display of desire, tenacity and clinical finishing, the Suffolk side stunned the Oakwell faithful into silence to lift the gloom and the team three points clear of the drop zone with a game in-hand.

Remember Oakwell 1996?

There’s no getting away from it; the first half was as abject as that night in Burnley. Defensively a shambles at set plays, second to every 50/50 challenge and a shot-shy frontline – even the most blue-tinted of followers could not have envisaged such a response in the second 45.

Many supporters will have fond memories of a spectacular Ipswich fight back at Oakwell back in 1996 when George Burley’s men clawed themselves level from 3-0 down thanks to three goals in the last five minutes. In many ways, Saturday evening’s recovery was just as good an achievement and more, given the current circumstances.

Contrasting performances

Never have I seen such a transformation in an Ipswich side. A comeback fuelled by Keith Andrews’ brace of goals within three minutes of the restart left Barnsley shell-shocked and the Blue Army galvanised.

However, the such contrasting performances between both halves does beg the question – where has that kind of effort and commitment been in the last six weeks? A side that played the Hammers off the pitch at Upton Park, was disappointed only to draw at third-placed Middlesbrough, had suddenly become the butt of every single joke from Championship supporters up and down the land.

Whether it genuinely was a dramatic loss of confidence, or if it lies somewhat more deep-rooted within the psyche of the club, Saturday night’s miracle suggests these players are still more than capable of pulling up trees at this level.

Plenty to ponder for January

The win over the Tykes looks almost certain to buy boss, Paul Jewell more time to prepare for the upcoming January transfer window. Loan duo, Danny Collins and Keith Andrews are set to return to their parent clubs after largely successful loan spells. Holding onto the pair on a permanent basis will prove difficult, not only in financial terms, but geographically a move to a side closer to the North West may suit Welshman, Collins.

Meanwhile very reliable sources informed me last week of interest from rivals, Norwich City in Town’s current stand-in skipper, Keith Andrews.

The Republic of Ireland international’s pre-Christmas haul of eight league goals is almost certain to have caught the eye of many sides in the lower reaches of the Premiership, who may be tempted to take a gamble on the midfielder. For me, Andrews is a player very much in the mould of Tommy Miller in his pomp, doing very little over the course of 90 minutes but has a fantastic knack of being in the right place at the right time in front of goal.

If messrs Collins and Andrews do depart Portman Road for good, replacing these will be a must, with Jewell admitting he is also eyeing up more youthful faces to add to his squad of experienced campaigners.

Time to look long term?

Saturday’s remarkable turnaround certainly proved that the players remain firmly behind Paul Jewell and perhaps January is the time to start looking long term towards hitting the ground running for 2011/12.

The general consensus I read on a daily basis is that we would all be far more patient and supportive if we were working toward a long term plan or strategy.

Bringing in young, hungry players in the New Year will not only add competition for places and keep the senior pros on their toes, it will help bed them in for a genuine challenge this time next year.

It is sad having to write this season off already, but moving clear of the drop zone, striving for a return to the top half of the table and restoring some pride in the shirt has to be the goal over the coming months.