IPSWICH TOWN Bible

Thoughts For The Season.

#ANewEra – The term couldn’t be better suited to what lies ahead for the next 12 months as a town fan. As a 21 year old, ready to hit 22, I cannot really claim about any glory days as a fan. The near misses in the play-offs against the Hammers in 2004 and 2005 were arguably the better times over the last 16 years I’ve followed town, with the play-offs in May 2015 being sandwiched between the stagnation that myself and many of our fans have had to endure in this forever increasingly difficult league.

I don’t want to touch too much on Paul Hurst’s predecessor, but this summer transfer window and the shake-up are just what the club needed. The signings of Edwards and Harrison for a combined fee of £1.45m is a breath of fresh air. Hungry lower league players ready to make a step up, and both of whom have already caught the eye, rather than the expected loans and freebies that we were so used to just filling a round hole as a square peg.

I read Hurst’s interview with Stuart Watson earlier and (yes I’m going to say it again) it was another breath of fresh air. No nonsense, says it exactly how it is, but all within the best interest of fans, players and his staff. He talked about his family and his upbringing and how its all implemented his career and how he does what he does now. Did we get that with the previous man in charge? Maybe a little bit to being with.

Expectations are still yet to be set by town fans, however once again everyone and their dog has written us off to go down. The same being said for Hurst’s previous side Shrewsbury last season, and look what happened? Do I expect an immediate transition? No, but I do expect to see things fit into place over the course of the season. Realistically, I can’t see us advancing any further than last seasons dead centre finish of 12th, but I am renowned for being a pessimist. My heart will go with a top 10 finish, but my head is saying around the 15th mark. This season will be the foundation for the next couple of years I hope and give or take in 12 months time I may have the confidence to throw ourselves in the mix for a top 6 finish.

Hurst has everyone behind him, and after venting my frustration at Mr Evans last August for raising the Season Ticket Prices, I put my money where my mouth was a purchased my first Season Ticket in 8 years for this upcoming season, although the departure of McCarthy was a huge pull factor. Like I astarted this piece, #ANewEra is here at Portman Road, and although it may not be an immediate transformation, I for one am looking forward to it.

Follow on twitter - @_Kieranbleaz