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Betting on Town: A tough start but lots to be optimistic about this season

Opinion

Professional sports trader and lifetime Town fan Rob Hogger shares his views on the upcoming Premier League season and his predictions for the opener against Liverpool.

Town players celebrate promotion to the Premier League on a bus
It's been 22 years since Town played their last Premier League gameAlamy

So here we are, 15 long weeks after securing promotion back to the promised land on that beautiful day versus Huddersfield.

It has been over 22 years since we last kicked a ball in the Premier League. A quarter of a century almost, and what will be, 8,134 days since we last kicked a ball in the greatest league in the world.

Here's how I think we'll get on.

Most fans would agree that after a strong start in the summer transfer window, things have dropped off; however, I would not say that is cause for concern...yet.

Business takes time in any walk of life, especially football. As a newly promoted club, we do not want to be pushed around, and the hierarchy will not allow it.

As we get nearer the end of the window, the knock-on effect from transfer activity worldwide will enable us to get more players in. I do not doubt that. So please, no one panic on that front.

For those of you who remember 2000, who would have thought players like Venus, Clapham, McGreal, Jermaine Wright, and Scowcroft would be regulars all season on a team that finished fifth?

This time, people are unsure about players like Burgess, Taylor, and Chaplin cutting it in the Prem could be pleasantly surprised; let's hope so.

Maybe we have the weakest squad on paper, but as the saying goes, football is not played on paper. If it were, we'd have finished about 10th last season.

We might just have the best team spirit in the league, with Hladky the only regular leaving. That spirit and momentum can, and I think, will count for a lot, which is why I am so optimistic.

Let's not forget Paul Scholes has us to finish in the top 12.

And, of course, then we have our manager, Kieran McKenna.

The salary we have given him would suggest he's one of the best managers in the Premier League, and when that turns out to be the case, that will be worth a handful of points on its own.

As the song goes, he knows exactly what we need – no matter the situation, which will stand us in good stead.

Pre-season has seen defensively sound displays; if we can carry that forward with the attacking patterns of play continuing, I think we can survive and survive well.

There will be tricky times, and Ipswich will undoubtedly take a few hammerings from the bigger boys, but I predict we will more than hold our own against the rest.

One thing is for sure: whatever happens, all Ipswich fans need to enjoy the ride. The 22-year wait since last time is a testament to that.

My prediction for the season: A comfortable 15th.

As for the Liverpool game: This is a baptism of fire if there is ever one, and despite a raucous crowd, it's a big ask. A draw would be amazing. I think Ipswich will score, but despite playing well, I'm going for 3-1 to Liverpool. Sorry.

About Rob

Rob is a professional sports trader from Ipswich who's been following Town for over 30 years. Betting on Town covers ITFC through the lens of a betting professional, before and after every Town game.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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