Still work to be done but optimism reigns at Town

What a difference compared to this time last year. Rewind 12 months and the Tractor Boys were heading into another season full of doom and gloom after being thumped 6-1 by Charlton.

Fast-forward to now and we’re heading into a campaign full of hope, optimism and a sense of togetherness, despite losing to West Ham on Saturday.

There is certainly work to be done and Paul Hurst continues to have a big challenge on his hands, but I couldn’t help being excited at what I saw.

Fast, pressing, aggressive and free-flowing football was on show with a teenage midfield who more than held their own against The Hammers’, which included international players.

The mix of youth and experience worked for large amounts of the first half, which saw Town make chances, play football and most importantly, entertain (capital E) their fans.

Two centre-halves, a striker and a winger would be at the top of my shopping list and with the now frustrating Martyn Waghorn saga seemingly dragging towards him leaving, a suitable replacement is a must.

But, let’s say we keep ‘Waggy’, strengthen in the areas required, whilst improving and maintaining this aggressive, youthful, attacking philosophy, I believe we’d have a good season.

Most pundits have the Tractor Boys down as struggling, with a few putting money on relegation, but remember, they did this with Hurst’s Shrewsbury last year, in a season which saw The Shrews finish third and visit Wembley twice.

I know it was only a friendly, but there really is a buzz back at East Anglia’s most decorated football club, and it promises to be a fascinating season, whatever the outcome.

Football didn’t come home, but it appears that Ipswich are on their way.