Richard Woodward

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Richard Woodward

Saturday's defeat by Wolves finally extinguished any realistic hope that Ipswich Town had of surviving in the Premier League. While there is not an "R" next to our name yet, it is very much in the post unless something dramatically unexpected occurs. As for the whys and wherefores for this disappointing campaign, Saturday's game highlighted another key learning point - competing for the full 90-plus minutes is essential.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Richard Woodward

Like a few of Ipswich's summer recruits, winger Jack Clarke has found the level up somewhat challenging to showcase his evident quality. However, there is much he offers Kieran McKenna both in the short term - as Town seek to survive in the Premier League - and in the longer term (including a level down should the worst happen). Clarke, who joined Ipswich from Sunderland in the summer, has struggled to make a consistent impact when called upon by McKenna in a left-wing role.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Richard Woodward

Ipswich Town's defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday was a microcosm of how the 2024-25 Premier League season has played out so far. From my perspective (albeit restricted by the gantry affixed to the roof of Selhurst Park's Arthur Wait Stand) Kieran McKenna's side were highly competitive throughout. There was some concern that 120 hard-fought minutes against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Monday might have taken a toll, but Town attacked the game with vigour.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Richard Woodward

How badly must an established Premier League club be run to get relegated these days? I had to look back nearly 10 years to find the last instance - sorry, Newcastle fans. Coincidentally, that 2015-16 season was also when Leicester shocked the world by winning the title. Isn't it depressing that both those situations are just as unlikely to reoccur today? Back in April 2021, the mooted European Super League plans triggered the collective anger of football fans.

2 months ago | bbc.com | Richard Woodward

The Ipswich Town faithful had a new hero to sing their praises to on Saturday, as Alex Palmer's dramatic saves helped earn Town a hard-fought point at Aston Villa. As well as Championship experience with the Baggies, Palmer had a loan spell in the National League with hometown club Kidderminster, plus time in League Two at Oldham and Plymouth.