Column: I’m Tired

Originally, I had planned for this week’s column to focus on the impact of the European Super League. I spent most of my Tuesday afternoon constructing a scathing review of these elitist owners, only for them to pull the plug on the whole thing before I had the chance to publish. I’m sure we can all agree that this injustice is the biggest take away from the fallout of the Super League.

Instead, rather unfortunately, I should talk about Ipswich Town. The cruel mistress with better days in sight hellbent on making the road as bumpy as possible. As I said in a Tweet after Town’s miserable loss to Northampton: I’m tired of being disappointed, I’m tired of being angry, and I’m tired of expecting these players to show any fight. On the pitch, a lot of people haven’t been proud to call themselves Ipswich fans for a number of years, and that must change.

Last Thursday, I received a phone call from Paul Cook (no, seriously). After sending a message of support to Cook and his staff, Town’s answer to Batman gave me a call to give his personal gratitude. Whilst only lasting a couple of minutes, the gesture showcased the meaningful steps that are being made for Town to reconnect with their community, and I’m incredibly grateful to Paul for reaching out. I am amazed that the vibrant and excitable atmosphere that currently festers within the fanbase doesn’t reflect onto the players. For months, we were told that our negativity has an effect on the players, but is the same sentiment forgotten when we are all positive about a fresh start under exciting new owners and a relatable manager? Despite all the positivity surrounding the club, this group of players continually stalls our momentum.

I’m tired for berating the players. At the end of the day, I understand the circumstances surrounding this season. Covid has impacted us all, they’ve lost a long-term manager, and many of them are facing the chop in the summer, but none of that excuses the lack of effort they have displayed over the past few weeks. I know that Cook has heavily criticised them, but do you really believe that contracts weren’t there to be earned? If certain individuals cared about this club, they would have fought tooth and nail to stay. However, they have shown no such desire and whilst mindset is credited as being the biggest flaw, I would argue that a bigger problem lies in their attitude.

When Paul Lambert banished Kayden Jackson to the U23’s, Jackson quickly took to social media to reassure everyone of his professionalism. Whilst I don’t doubt his ethic, where is that same level of attitude for 90 minutes on a football pitch? This doesn’t just apply to Town’s number 9, it applies to every single player who has represented the club since Paul Cook took over. New investment is coming into the club, so why on Earth are players determined to play themselves into oblivion? Their recent performances aren’t just damaging the reputation of this club, they are damaging their own careers. Without an ounce of irony, I fully believe that many of these under-performing players will struggle to stumble their way into League Two sides. You can have all the talent in the world, but if your attitude stinks, you’re never going to make it.

I feel sorry for Cook. Of course he should carry some level of criticism, we haven’t scored for five games! But we must also be realistic. This McCarthy/Hurst/Lambert hybrid of a squad with different levels of skill, ethic and ability must be near-impossible to manage. It’s clear to me that some players simply don’t care, and it’s getting to the point where I’d struggle to wish any of them well in their future endeavours. Of course, I respect anyone that has donned the shirt, but I’m not sure if I can bring myself to thank the men that have significantly damaged its reputation.

Like many fans, I feel let down. Off the pitch, the club is in the most exciting place it’s been for years. On the pitch, it’s a soulless shell of an average third tier side that can’t defend and can’t attack. These players have had their final chances and I hope we start to see some younger players take their place as they slowly edge towards the exit door. Paul Cook was right when he spoke of pain, us Town fans know that feeling all too well. As I continually state, all we want is a team that we can be proud of, but right now we have anything but.

My recent detachment from football has been compounded by the past 48 hours. Witnessing greed at the top and ineptitude on the pitch as enough to send anyone’s head into a spin. I’m tired of thinking these players can show fight, I’m tired of watching awful loan players clog up our squad list, and I’m tired of continual false dawns. These final four games will feel like a slow and painful death, but I find myself desperate for transfer silly season and to finally feel excited about the future of my club.

I am excited to watch Paul Cook’s Ipswich Town, not this version of our club that’s being represented by those who possess no care for the value of the shirt.

Thank you for taking the time to read my column. If you enjoyed, feel free to share it around. I’ll see you soon!