Ipswich Town: Karl Fuller on the Blues after 1-0 defeat at Preston

Another Frustrating Weekend for Ipswich Fans – But It’s Too Soon to Panic

It was yet another difficult weekend to be an Ipswich Town supporter. The result was disappointing enough, but the reaction that followed made things even harder to stomach.

There’s no denying how poor Town were against Preston. Despite enjoying a lot of possession, there was a total lack of threat in the final third. We looked lost and without any real plan to claw our way back into the game.

It felt eerily similar to that second half against Manchester United last season — impressive ball retention, but with absolutely no end product.

The mood right now also brings back memories of a tough spell midway through the 2022/23 League One promotion campaign — when we’d won just once in eight league matches. I remember the backlash after a goalless Valentine’s Day draw at Bristol Rovers, when Sam Morsy was left arguing with fans at full-time. Looking back, two things stand out from that moment.

Firstly, a friend told me then that while Kieran McKenna might be a good coach, he wasn’t cut out to be a manager — and that it was time for him to go. Well, McKenna proved that wrong in spectacular fashion over the next 15 months.

Secondly, Sam Morsy himself. His absence is being deeply felt right now. Regardless of who fills his position on the pitch, replacing his leadership and sheer drive has proven nearly impossible. This isn’t a criticism of Azor Matusiwa — he’s been solid — but the void left by Morsy is painfully obvious.

At Preston, we also lacked pace, directness, and the fluid link-up play that defined McKenna’s era during our back-to-back promotions. Make no mistake — we were poor. But that doesn’t mean the season’s already doomed. It’s far too early to press the panic button.

The coming week is huge, with the transfer window nearing its close. However, unless any new arrivals address the two most pressing areas, I worry we might just be adding to the confusion.

Right now, there’s uncertainty around Chuba Akpom’s best position. We’re overloaded on the left, with Jaden Philogene, Jack Clarke, Nathan Broadhead, and Sammie Szmodics all vying for one spot — but only Philogene looks capable of locking it down long-term.

Over on the right, it’s a similar story. Clarke, Chiedozie Ogbene, new signing Kasey McAteer, and eventually Wes Burns are all competing for minutes. The depth is there — but is it the right kind?

Meanwhile, Ipswich are reportedly chasing Uruguayan centre-back Sebastián Cáceres. If that deal happens, where does it leave Jacob Greaves? Or even Cedric Kipré, who’s only just come in?

Even if Cáceres doesn’t sign, the fact we’re in for him raises questions about the overall transfer strategy. The squad needs clarity — not congestion.

Behind the scenes, there are surely plenty of negotiations ongoing. But one thing is clear: we still need another striker to support George Hirst. Or is Akpom meant to be that striker? And what about central midfield? If another player arrives, where does that leave a potential Jens Cajuste-Matusiwa partnership?

The whole situation feels messy. From the outside, it’s hard to see a clear plan taking shape.

And beyond the personnel issues, we’re also missing something intangible but vital — a winning mentality and the momentum that comes with it.

Saturday’s home clash with Derby County is massive. A win could be the catalyst we desperately need — the spark to lift confidence, change the mood, and get the season going. Hopefully, it’s as simple as that.

Like all fans, I’ve got my concerns. But more than anything, this weekend is about showing up and backing the team. If they can grind out that first win, the entire outlook might feel a lot brighter this time next week.