As they pursue a double promotion from the third tier to the riches, Ipswich Town’s remarkable run has continued this season with four wins from five games in the Championship.
Last year, Kieran McKenna’s team barely finished second to the 101-point Plymouth team, who had done well for themselves by climbing into the top half of the second division.
However, Ipswich’s form has allowed them to reenter the top two, and for the second time in a row under McKenna, the promotion challenge is a crucial factor for a team that is developing so quickly. Palmer has shared his thoughts on in light of this ordeal
What did Carlton Palmer have to say about the transfer activity at Ipswich Town?
Palmer acknowledged his admiration for Ipswich’s spending during the transfer window, even if there was no money coming in from outgoing transfers, in an exclusive interview with Football League World.
Ipswich has made a great start to the year; they are now sitting second in the Championship, one point behind Preston. Since they were recently promoted from League One, they will view this transfer window as a success. They released 15 players with no compensation and added eight players for a total of £3.5 million.
They have a deficit in the window, but when you’re promoted from a lower division, you recruit players on temporary contracts to get you there and then transfer them on.
They spent £1.75 million each for George Hirst and Jack Taylor, and they made excellent use of the loan system.
“They’ve brought in players like Ciaran Slicker on a permanent deal, with players from the Premier League like Brandon Williams, Dane Scarlett, and Omari Hutchinson,” says the source.
Have Ipswich Town’s new additions since the end of the transfer window improved them?
The permanent deals that the club approved may not be the most spectacular signings, with the exception of the loan signings of Brandon Williams, Omari Hutchinson, and Dane Scarlett, all of which are respectable loan signings.
Palmer mentioned Hirst and Taylor as the pair who have both entered for fees, but there is already fierce rivalry in those areas that Ipswich may attempt to take advantage of.
Nathan Broadhead, Freddie Ladapo and Conor Chaplin will all rival Hirst for a starting berth, and so it may not be the most productive signing at first. But he’s a long-term option and, in his defence, he’s scored one already which clinched a huge win against Sunderland on the opening day.
Taylor is a huge signing; he’s excelled at Peterborough for three-and-a-half-years, and he’ll inject life and creativity into an Ipswich side that is already beginning to show signs of a team who aren’t just here for the ride.
That is exemplified with the signing of Brandon Williams from United. Having made almost 50 Premier League appearances, the full-back has opted to drop a division to join Kieran McKenna’s side – and with four wins from five having seen Janoi Donacien struggle before Williams came in, the Red Devils will be happy that Ipswich look a top side to develop their man.
