There’s a lot of caveats that run parallel to this column, but I’m hopeful that the peddling of positivity will manifest great things for this club… I’m willing to try anything at this point! After a couple of phenomenal days rounding out a sensational window, Town’s squad is looking in incredible shape, and the brunt of the praise for such a feat deserves to be laid at the door of Mr. Mark Ashton.
Bristol City fans advised caution when Ashton arrived and – as I say – the legacy of Town’s CEO will only be written over a prolonged period of time. However, the short term impact at Portman Road has been unprecedented, with the former West Brom goalkeeper doing his best to build Paul Cook’s dream team. On paper, Town’s squad should be the envy of all, with Ashton assuring us all that many long days and sleepless nights have been endured to reach a favourable outcome.
As Ashton clarified in his most recent interview with the club, this is not a money-spinning venture that priorities strength over strategy, this was a meticulously crafted window that saw Town land each of their priority targets… forgetting Sonny Bradley of course. The catalyst signings of Lee Evans and Rekeem Harper set the bar high, but no one could have imagined the influx of talent that followed.
Bersant Celina, Kyle Edwards, Sam Morsy, Christian Walton, the list goes on… These aren’t players that should be playing in League One, they are all players that have been sold a vision by Ashton and the hard-working team that ensured Town could have the most memorable transfer window in recent history. The acquisition of top players hasn’t only supplied hope for the season ahead, but it’s given Town fans something to latch onto after 15 miserable years.
Whilst Town are yet to get a win this season – and with Mark Ashton’s quotes of ‘earning your stripes’ being more relevant than ever – there is this cocktail of caution and excitement swirling around the fanbase. Ashton’s exploits in the transfer market showcases a belief in the management staff and an overwhelming sense of ambition.
Whilst Ashton is the man with his finger in all the pies, it’s worth mentioning the bakers: Town’s new owners. The commitment from every member of Town’s ownership – from Brett Johnson to Mark Steed – has been a total breath of fresh-air following a stagnant and negligent spell under Marcus Evans. In fact, this summer has highlighted just how much change was required, with Ashton and co. tasked with not only changing an entire squad, but also the ethos that surrounds it.
I’ll be publishing a ‘Pitch Inspection’ taking a closer look at Town’s new signings in the future, but for now I want to reflect the gratitude of the fanbase and look forward with an immense sense of optimism. When Ashton arrived, he promised full commitment from himself and his staff, whilst also assuring fans that this club has aspirations to reach the very top. After this summer’s recruitment drive, we can all simply hope that the rest of the ambitions come to fruition.
As I stated at the start, there are many caveats to this column. One swallow doesn’t make a summer, and one transfer window doesn’t make a successful football club. Ashton will have to shake off past criticisms from Watford and Bristol City fans, continuing to be present and transparent with Town’s passionate fanbase; we’ve had many false-dawns, and I’m not sure how many more we can suffer.
Football clubs are delicate puzzles that must be pieced together with patience and care. Mark Ashton and his team have delivered an incredible summer of recruitment, Town’s ownership group have committed the funds they promised, and a seriously strong squad has been assembled. Now, the emphasis falls on Paul Cook, the players, and us. Cook has the unenviable task of gelling together an unfamiliar squad, and all of the signings must quickly adapt to their new surroundings. As fans, we have to keep supporting our club, permitting them time to come together and create something remarkable.
Patience is often the most difficult trait to exercise, but we’ve been given so much and it would be foolish to throw it away. Of course, the season can’t get away from us, but with time permitted to this talented group, I truly believe they can achieve their goal of League One promotion… and then some.
Thank you for taking the time to read my column. If you enjoyed, feel free to share it around. I’ll see you soon!
ITFC Hub 
Leave a comment