Ipswich Town entered the Premier League like a breath of fresh air, playing with freedom and flair in their first two games, but they have failed to impress Stan Collymore.
The former Nottingham Forest and Liverpool striker understands how quickly teams can tumble back into the Championship if they don’t consolidate, and while he appreciates Kieran McKenna’s efforts, the Tractor Boys have lost both of their opening matches.
It’s as if Ipswich believe that if they continue to play in the same way that got them promoted, things would ultimately improve.
Collymore wants Ipswich to be more pragmatic
Losing matches when you’re playing well can only erode confidence and, eventually, knock McKenna’s team off its stride.
“The Premier League is littered with maybe managers, including Paul Jewell, who had a couple of seasons in the top flight, possibly thought he was going to be a manager in the top flight forever, and was spat out,” Collymore told CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.
“The phone did not ring, and he has not worked as a manager since.
“I believe Kieran needs to play with a degree of pragmatism if he wants to be a Premier League manager with Ipswich for a number of years, or even a Premier League manager with someone else for that matter.
“In any profession, you accept the terrain that you’re on, and don’t just say, ‘I don’t care if I’m on Mount Snowden or Mont Blanc, I’m going to wear some flip flops, shorts, and a vest.'” Do that, metaphorically speaking, and you will be found out.
“I don’t think the manager should come out of the season with any credit whatsoever if his team are being smashed every week but if he adds a little bit of pragmatism, I think he can achieve his achieve his aims this season, and perhaps more importantly, have some longevity as a top class manager over the next 10-15 years.”
It’s sound advice from Collymore, because the Ipswich fans would undoubtedly love to see their side return to the top flight for a few more years after such a long absence.
Carrying on in the same vein when it has been demonstrated to be ineffective at Premier League level would not be the best advertisement for McKenna’s management qualifications if he hopes to advance to a bigger role in the future.
Getting some points on the board is critical for the club, and it can begin with their match against Fulham at Portman Road this Saturday.