Hi Fellas. I'm Rob and I write the match previews for an Ipswich Town Fan Forum. Part of the preview includes interviews with fans of the opposition. Would some of you be some kind to answer the following questions to help me please?

Many Thanks.

Hi (insert name).

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this?

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have?

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with?

What's your squads strengths?

What's your squads weaknesses?

Who would be your one to watch?

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town?

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction?

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this? Sacking of Wilkins, and a small squad without any real options besides underperforming regulars. And some blame got to go on Ancelotti for not trying to mix things up a littlebit with fresh and young blood.

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have? A lot. Lost momentum, and something happened with Ancelotti from that sacking and onwards aswell.

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with? Probably. Think he his fed up personally aswell and if he`s not sacked by the end of the season he will probably leave anyway.

What's your squads strengths? On paper a very strong XI.

What's your squads weaknesses? Very thin.

Who would be your one to watch? Probably McEachran in this game. Pretty much everyone else in underperforming so a Josh eager to prove himself could cause some problems for you guys.

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town? Charming team with a very bright talent in their ranks.

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?No, not really.

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction? 2-1 to us.

Edited January 6, 201114 yr by Sindre

If sturridge dont start this one then I dont know what to do.

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this?

Injuries. The World Cup hasn't helped with the older players, which in turn might not be such a problem if it weren't for the lack of depth in the squad. Also in a nutshell, Ancelotti needs to pull his finger out.

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have?

Minimal. The slump can be traced back to before he left (note how "sacked" has become common parlance. His contract was not renewed). At Liverpool away for instance, but even before that the warning signs were there.

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with?

I think his time could well be running out. Investing wisely during this transfer window could be a great help. Who could replace him? Difficult one.

What's your squads strengths?

At the moment they're pretty much all underperforming

What's your squads weaknesses?

Lack of depth, age, injury prone-ness.

Who would be your one to watch?

McEachran might get a start. Don't know if you've heard of him, but he's a genuine prospect. As far as the rest of the team goes, because of the way things have been going lately, it's impossible to say.

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town?

Watched them against Forest the other day. Looked busy and well organised but didn't threaten too much. I should imagine they'd be well up for this one though.

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

Went there a few times in the '70s. I remember one time being in a pub that only served plastic glasses. Got nicked there another time, threatening behaviour which was the standard football charge back then. Not that I was an hooligan you understand, but these things happen.

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction?

On paper we should walk it. But then we should have walked all over Sunderland, Villa and Wolves. To name but three. For us it'll be a nice break from the pressures of the league, for you it'll be your Cup Final. Like I said, we should win....

Hi (insert name).

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this?

The manager's unwillingness to shake things up a bit. With the normal starting XI underperforming, this would be a vital opportunity to blood some of the youngsters. Off-loading Joe Cole, Ballack, and Beletti in the summer has limited our options.

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have?

No impact. It was just coincidence we starting playing badly around the time he left, and nothing more.

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with?

I don't think his time has come to an end, but if things don't improve Abramovich will have no choice but to replace him. With who? Michael Emenalo .

What's your squads strengths?

Currently, we have none. We used to play effortless, attacking football but that seems a long time ago now.

What's your squads weaknesses?

The midfield. Ramires, while no doubt talented, is struggling to adjust. And Lampard is still not back to his best, despite playing well. And Essien seems to have forgotten how to tackle properly. Age, is the other factor. We're too prone to injury right now and many of our players are over the age of 30.

Who would be your one to watch?

Josh Mceachran, definitely. His movement with the ball and passing is excellent. He'll be a star player in a few years time, the new Frank Lampard.

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town?

I think they're a good team with some talented players, though perhaps need to be more aggressive in their play.

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

Not as such, no.

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction?

3-1 to Chelsea.

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this?

Lack of depth and a loss of confidence. Everyone seems jaded out there and few really seem to care.

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have?

I'm sure it had a pretty big impact but it's hard to imagine that this incredibly terrible run of form is all down to the sacking of the assistant manager.

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with?

Absolutely not. We'd be a joke of a club if we sacked a manager after 18 months of hiring him and 6 months after winning the double. I didn't follow football at the time, but I'm sure some on these forums are old enough to remember Sir Alex Ferguson's first year in charge. I've heard the stories; he was within an inch of getting sacked. Now look where he is. I don't think Roman will sack Carlo either since I doubt he has the funds too at the moment.

What's your squads strengths?

On a good day, most of our team is unplayable. I'd say our greatest strength is our physicality, teamwork, and the smart way in which we play the game. As of late, I haven't seen much to suggest that we have too many strengths.

What's your squads weaknesses?

As stated before, lack of depth, no confidence, no urgency; the team doesn't really seem to care.

Who would be your one to watch?

I'd say any of our youngsters, but judging from patterns I think the only one who will possibly start is Sturridge.

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town?

I don't know a whole lot about them, sorry. I don't follow the championship much and I believe the last time they were in the premier league I wasn't even following football religiously.

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

The only time I ever recall watching the two teams play was an FA Cup tie a couple years back at Ipswich that ended 3-1 to Chelsea. Ballack had a brace, including what I believe is the only free kick I've ever seen him score in a Chelsea shirt and best of all Lampard scored an absolute screamer.

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction?

I'm thinking 2-1 or 2-0 to Chelsea, but don't get me wrong; if Ipswich show up and we don't (which is perfectly possible) Ipswich can definitely take it to us.

Edited January 6, 201114 yr by Planet Drogba

You seem to be having a torrid time of late. What do you feel has been the main cause for this?

Lots of speculation, but I personally think the problem starts with Roman Abramovich and the people he's brought in. Ancelotti was never my idea of a Chelsea manager, and the players are certainly to blame too

In your opinion, how much of an impact did losing Ray Wilkins really have?

Nobody knows, but I'd love to know why Abramovich regards a Nigerian scout, Emanalo, as a good replacement. Brings back horrible memories of Avram Grant being brought in behind Mourinho's back, then taking over.

Do you believe Ancelotti's time has come to an end and if so who would you replace him with?

I believe Ancelotti's time has come, he persists in selecting the same tactics and the same players, he has no Plan B, and his substitutions are sh*te. If I had my way, I'd bring in Guus Hiddink (again), but that's highly unlikely to happen, maybe David Moyes or Mark Hughes

What's your squads strengths?

We've lots of international class players, and lots of promising youngsters - just a shame Ancelotti doesn't know how to use them

What's your squads weaknesses?

We're short in depth, particularly in attack, and the squad is aging rapidly

Who would be your one to watch?

Josh McEachran is definitely one to watch, along with Danny Sturridge and Gael Kakuta

What's your opinion of Ipswich Town?

Must be honest, I haven't been following how Ipswich have been doing

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

Oh yes! Ipswich fans of a certain age must hate the name David Webb, our centre-half in the late 60's/early 70's.

1968-69 at Portman Road we were without a main striker, Webby stepped up and scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.

1971/72 at Stamford Bridge we had no goalkeepers available - Webby played the whole game in goal and kept a clean sheet in a 2-0win.

1971/72 at Portman Road, Webby scored both goals in our 2-1 win.

Then there was the 1970/71 game at the Bridge where Alan Hudson was adjudged to have scored a goal, though it was clear to everyone in the ground that the ball went wide and hit the side netting.

Those games aside, I remember watching some great Ipswich players during the 70's, Mick Mills, Kevin Beattie, Allan Hunter, Trevor Whymark, Dave Johnson, George Burley, Brian Talbot, Clive Woods, John Wark, Eric Gates, etc...

Cheers. Finally, what's your match prediction?

Do I really have to answer this one? The way we're playing, Ipswich have a great chance of springing a surprise, but it depends largely on which team Ancelotti selects - if he has the balls to give some youngsters a chance I think we'll win, if he goes with the usual mob anything could happen

The only time I ever recall watching the two teams play was an FA Cup tie a couple years back at Ipswich that ended 3-1 to Chelsea. Ballack had a brace, including what I believe is the only free kick I've ever seen him score in a Chelsea shirt and best of all Lampard scored an absolute screamer.

I remember that one. Couple of goals well worth watching again. Sorry for going off-topic

Do you have any memories of an Ipswich v Chelsea game that you hold dear?

I read the following quote on a similar do/don’ts of Ipswich away by a Chelsea Fanzine ( Google it younger viewers the forerunners of Chelsea Fan Websites with big words and not a smiley or LOL to be seen (f*ckin lovely) ) which always makes me laugh.

Directions

By Train

On arrival at Ipswich railway station if you can’t find the ground you probably shouldn’t be allowed outside at weekends unsupervised or without a guardian or ever be given keys to any form of transport( this includes tractors).

Edited January 7, 201114 yr by Tea Bar Boy