Target Practice #1

Paul Cook’s axe is firmly swinging, and it would appear that no one is safe. After the EADT revealed that most of the Town squad were up for sale, much debate was had amongst the ITFC community. Whilst some may disagree with Cook’s approach, one thing is for sure: there are going to be plenty of new signings this summer.

In 2019, this blog launched ‘Town’s Transfer Targets’ but now, two years removed, we’re re-launching and re-branding, attempting to create a witty title that relates to the beautiful game, whilst also highlighting the endless list of players that could potentially move to Portman Road this summer. Hence, ‘Target Practice’.

In this instalment, we’re going to look at three potential additions to the Town back-line, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, how they’d fit into Cook’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, and what long-term benefits they’d provide to the football club. Let’s begin…

Callum Connolly –

A familiar face to Town fans that haven’t managed to scrub their minds of the past five years, Callum Connolly has already spent some time donning the Ipswich blue during his loan spell in the 2017/18 season. Connolly mostly played as a holding midfielder during his time under Mick McCarthy, playing 34 games in a largely unforgettable season. I’m sure most fans would agree when I say that I would have happily taken him back at the club, having shown a reliable head during his brief stint at Portman Road.

I was pleasantly surprised to see his name linked in an article published by TWTD a few days ago. Now out-of-contract after departing Goodison Park, Connolly has shown leadership qualities since his loan spell at Town. Turning out for Fleetwood last term, Connolly made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice (once against Town!) and providing two assists. He captained the side for much of the season and with an average rating of 6.86 (stats according to WhoScored.Com), Connolly showed a consistent head throughout a mixed season for The Cod Army.

Connolly’s also a familiar face to Paul Cook, with the Everton academy graduate having turned out for Paul Cook’s Wigan during the 2018/19 season. Mostly deployed as a centre-half during his time at Fleetwood, Connolly has a versatility that would permit him to play at centre-half, right-back and as a holding midfielder. A confident head at such a young age, Connolly will be looking for a permanent home after many years out on loan.

Connolly’s confidence on the ball and general maturity would see him fit seamlessly into Cook’s side, rekindling the form he found during his time at Wigan. His age and pedigree also make him an attractive target, with Town looking to significantly decrease the average age of their side.

Paul Cook is building a scouse army this summer, and Callum Connolly could well be one of the troops leading them into battle.

Jack Sparkes –

I mentioned in my recent column that Myles Kenlock is unlikely to be Cook’s number 1 left-back next season. Whilst that may upset his devout fan group, it might be time to accept that ‘King Kenlock’ is destined for another season playing understudy.

Paul Cook’s sides have a reputation for flying full-backs and with KVY already ticking that box on the right, Town could look to Exeter City hot-shot Jack Sparkes to fill that role on the opposite flank. Sparkes, 20, is a dynamic defender who can operate anywhere along the left-flank. Whilst his predominant role has been as a left-back for Exeter this term, he has also been pushed higher up the pitch, allowing his pace and range of crossing to flourish.

Slight injury issues have knocked his progression, but he’s still one of the most promising full-backs currently languishing in England’s fourth tier. His contract runs until 2022 and I’m sure The Grecians would be looking for a decent fee. Alas, Town’s pockets are deeper than they have been for many years and Sparkes could prove to be a worthy investment in the long-term.

Adding to his range of qualities, Sparkes also has a good pedigree, having been nurtured in an academy that has produced the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Watkins in recent years. Scoring three times and providing four assists this term, Sparkes hasn’t fully showcased his talents. However, as he matures, I am certain he will develop into an intelligent, tenacious defender.

Town are clearly recruiting from a very different market this summer, and Sparkes could provide an example of intelligent investment with short-term advantages and long-term profits.

Ian Maatsen –

An alternative option to Sparkes, Ian Maatsen could well be another player on Paul Cook’s radar. Another dynamic left-back with an ability to play further up the pitch, Maatsen has spent this season on loan at Charlton Athletic. Whilst his return of a single goal and three assists may not set the world on fire, it’s only his first full season in English football.

Not only does his Dutch nationality mean he will be an immediate hit with the Town fans, Maatsen could also benefit from working in Paul Cook’s system, much like Chelsea teammate Reece James did at Wigan. If this move came to fruition, it would almost certainly be a loan deal. Maatsen is highly rated at Stamford Bridge, but we all know that the Chelsea loan list rivals the bible in terms of length.

Maatsen has made 34 appearances this season for Charlton, and another season on loan at a League One club fighting for promotion could once again benefit his growth as a player. Whilst there is every possibility that Chelsea will look to loan him to a Championship side, Paul Cook and Mark Ashton (who brought in Tammy Abraham at Bristol City) could work their sweet talking magic in order to re-direct the Dutchman to Portman Road.

His dynamism and defensive qualities fit the mould for Town and whilst I’m no great advocate for loan deals, this one could certainly prove worthwhile.

And those are my picks! Feel free to let me know your thoughts and get in touch if you have any recommendations for players that you would like to see become part of Town’s new look side for next season! Thank you for taking the time to read this piece; I’ll see you again soon!