The Tractor Boys - An Ipswich Town Adventure
View attachment 132233
Background
Founded in 1878, Ipswich Town are a Professional Football Club who currently find themselves in the second tier of English Football, a division they've been stranded in since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2001/02. But it hasn't always been gloomy for the 'Tractor Boys', a club who enjoyed great success under Sir Bobby Robson between 1969-1982, a period that saw them win two major trophies while enjoying several seasons in the top flight of English Football. However, upon Robson's departure the East-Anglian Club began to slip in performances which led to the departure of many key players such as Frans Thijssen, John Wark and many others, departures which could only soften the impact that the construction of a new stand had on the budget at the club.
In 1985-86, Ipswich Town were finally relegated from the top flight of English Football, something that had been on the horizon for a couple of years but soon returned to the top in time for the 1992-93 Premier League debut under John Lyall. Despite a positive start to the new season that saw Ipswich in 4th place at the turn of the year, a collapse in form saw the Tractor Boys finish in 16th place, narrowly avoiding relegation. This poor form continued into the new season and saw Manager John Lyall removed from his poisition, only to be replaced by George Burley.
While Burley was unable to prevent relegation, he led the Club to three consecutive Promotion Play-Offs, sadly ending in defeat in the Semi-Finals on all 3 occasions. This curse was finally lifted in 2000 when Ipswich came from behind to beat Barnsley 4-2 at Wembley, Ipswich were returning to the top flight once again!
The first season brought back the good memories, Ipswich finished 5th place, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification to a Liverpool side on the final day of the season, with Town qualifying for the UEFA Cup and Burley winning Manager of the Year. This stint in the top flight only lasted two seasons with Town being barraged by financial woes before entering administration resulting in relegation from the Premier League. A poor start to the 2002 season saw Burley sacked after 8 years at the club.
Since 2002, Ipswich have failed to return to the top-flight, losing in the play-offs on 3 occasions, and this is where I come in. My aim is to get Ipswich back into the Barclays Premier League, and to re-taste the success that Sir Bobby Robson brought to Portman Road.
The New Manager
View attachment 132234
My name is Niall Spinks and as of July 1st, 2015, I will be Ipswich Town's new Manager.
View attachment 132233
Background
Founded in 1878, Ipswich Town are a Professional Football Club who currently find themselves in the second tier of English Football, a division they've been stranded in since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2001/02. But it hasn't always been gloomy for the 'Tractor Boys', a club who enjoyed great success under Sir Bobby Robson between 1969-1982, a period that saw them win two major trophies while enjoying several seasons in the top flight of English Football. However, upon Robson's departure the East-Anglian Club began to slip in performances which led to the departure of many key players such as Frans Thijssen, John Wark and many others, departures which could only soften the impact that the construction of a new stand had on the budget at the club.
In 1985-86, Ipswich Town were finally relegated from the top flight of English Football, something that had been on the horizon for a couple of years but soon returned to the top in time for the 1992-93 Premier League debut under John Lyall. Despite a positive start to the new season that saw Ipswich in 4th place at the turn of the year, a collapse in form saw the Tractor Boys finish in 16th place, narrowly avoiding relegation. This poor form continued into the new season and saw Manager John Lyall removed from his poisition, only to be replaced by George Burley.
While Burley was unable to prevent relegation, he led the Club to three consecutive Promotion Play-Offs, sadly ending in defeat in the Semi-Finals on all 3 occasions. This curse was finally lifted in 2000 when Ipswich came from behind to beat Barnsley 4-2 at Wembley, Ipswich were returning to the top flight once again!
The first season brought back the good memories, Ipswich finished 5th place, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification to a Liverpool side on the final day of the season, with Town qualifying for the UEFA Cup and Burley winning Manager of the Year. This stint in the top flight only lasted two seasons with Town being barraged by financial woes before entering administration resulting in relegation from the Premier League. A poor start to the 2002 season saw Burley sacked after 8 years at the club.
Since 2002, Ipswich have failed to return to the top-flight, losing in the play-offs on 3 occasions, and this is where I come in. My aim is to get Ipswich back into the Barclays Premier League, and to re-taste the success that Sir Bobby Robson brought to Portman Road.
The New Manager
View attachment 132234
My name is Niall Spinks and as of July 1st, 2015, I will be Ipswich Town's new Manager.