Opposing View - Ipswich Town No.2

Ipswich Town supporter Todd Styman (@toddycounago for the Tweeter`s amongst you - well worth a follow), gives us the lowdown on Town`s season to date.

What were your hopes, fears and expectations for the season?

After spending money galore and signing names like Bullard and Chopra I was hoping for a top 6 finish in Paul Jewell's first full season in charge.

What do you make of Paul Jewell's management so far?

I think he has been unlucky with defensive injuries, but he addressed our defensive issues far too late in pre season which left us leaky! I like his honesty, but his honesty isn't getting us points and time after time we look second best.

Will Jewell find himself under pressure if Ipswich cannot start moving up the league sooner rather than later?

After last night`s defeat at Burnley being our 6th straight defeat I think a lot of fans our calling for the sack. Big pressure on him from the fans, however I feel the chairman has a good relationship with him and is willing to give him time.

You made a fair number of summer signings, how have they worked out for you?

Goalkeeper.. Stockdale has been brilliant, but has found it hard with a leaky defence.

Defensively... injury prone players like Sonko have left us with a different back 4 time after time. Danny Collins on loan was a great signing!

Midfield - Names like Bullard, Bowyer and Andrews give us experience and quality.. But a lack of pace with us looking one dimensional.

Strikers - love Chopra but feel he is finding it hard to settle in, especially with his gambling problems and possible fitness problems due to lack of training. Other strikers haven't really had a chance!

What impact, if any has former Watford 'hall-of-famer', Nathan Ellington had on Ipswich Town?

If I`m honest I think it was a panic buy as Jewell couldn't get what he wanted at the time! to be fair to the 'Duke' he gives 100% and hasn't had any chance other than substitute performances.

Who is the key man we should be looking out for on Saturday?

I think Keith Andrews is our best player so far this season. However if Josh Carson plays then keep an eye out for the Irish winger, has bags of potential.

Where will you finish this season?

Right now I`d take safety, but would have seriously wanted top ten before the start of the season.

Match prediction?

Sean Dyche looks to be doing a tidy job and we are under pressure. So I`m going to say 2-2 with our leaky defence!

Cheers, Todd - particularly enjoyed the fact you`ve backed Dyche - let`s hope some more 'Orns do over the course of the season!