Sir Bobby factor will help Ipswich Town

LESS than seven days to go before the big kick-off.

So how excited should we be?

Can Roy Keane fulfil the faith put in him by owner Marcus Evans and lift the Blues back to the Premier League at the first attempt?

This is the burning question on the lips of all Ipswich Town fans.

There are two things that should give us confidence for a successful start to the 2009/10 season.

The first is the encouraging way that pre-season has gone.

The professional manner in which under the influence of Keane and his coaches, Ipswich have tended to probe away in the opening stages of games, and then taken their chances in the latter stages to gain victories.

This shows an organised method of play – with a balanced look and workable shape and bodes well for the months ahead.

The second is the Sir Bobby Robson factor.

The great man did so much for Ipswich bringing some wonderful times to Blues supporters for 14 seasons.

And the man who was club president at his death last Friday can still play a part.

The warmth of his memory will surely lift both club and fans for a period of time as the new campaign opens.

And what of Keane’s reputation?

He has appeared to be like a cuddly bear to those who have had dealings with him so far.

And I read an interesting piece in a broadsheet national daily that suggests Keane’s decision to keep his distance from his players will prove a successful ploy – as it did in the Championship at Sunderland.

It was explained that keeping players on edge keeps them in the unknown and keeps them wanting to please their manager.

With the addition of a goalscorer or two his squad – although not looking on paper stronger than 12 months ago – looks capable enough with intelligent leadership to make an impact.

Every club will feel the same at the present time – if not why bother to enter any competitions – but from where I sit some good times could well be ahead for Ipswich Town over the next nine months or so.

posted on 03 August 2009 14:30 byElvin King

Comments

03 August 2009 16:37 by andrew cullen

# re: Sir Bobby factor will help Ipswich Town

The comments you refer to in a national newspaper made about roy keane are on balance of a negative character. The writer (t cascarino)concludes that the "edgy" relationship that he has with his players tends to work only in the short term.

I tend to agree.

I think keane does bring much greater clarity in his thinking and communication to the players than jim magilton. And I can understand that he does not want to make "popularity" with the players one of his main attributes.

However, with bobby robson in mind, I cannot help but think that the very best managers are those that can not only kick a player up the back side but also become a "father" figure to them, through trust, honesty, leadership and greater knowledge and understanding of the psychology of consistently getting performances from their players.