Don Goodman says Ipswich Town have shown they can compete in the Premier League - but the January transfer window is huge for them (Image: PA)
Don Goodman says Ipswich Town have shown they can compete in the Premier League - but the January transfer window is huge for them (Image: PA)
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman insists Ipswich Town are doing well in the Premier League - but the January transfer window will be vital to them.
While Town only have two wins from their 17 games so far and sit in the relegation zone, they've only really been totally outclassed once - last time out in a 4-0 home defeat to in-form Newcastle United.
SIGN-UP! Get six months of ALL our Town content for just £6 - or all of 2025 for £25!
And Goodman says the Blues have proved they can compete in the top tier.
Jack Taylor and the Blues have generally competed well in the Premier League so far
Jack Taylor and the Blues have generally competed well in the Premier League so far (Image: PA)
"Being in the Premier League was always going to be difficult for Ipswich Town and it's been just that, he told CoinPoker.
"It's widely acknowledged that matches are won in both boxes and Kieran McKenna would love for his team to be conceding less and scoring more.
"Before Saturday's defeat they had only conceded 28 goals, which was marginally more than both Aston Villa and Brighton, who are teams competing towards the top end.
"Where Ipswich have suffered is in front of goal, scoring only 16 goals so far. Generally, I think they've done well.
"Two wins, two draws and four defeats, three of which were all by a single goal, in their last eight games shows how well they're competing."
Conor Chaplin is one of several key players who have been with Town since League One
Conor Chaplin is one of several key players who have been with Town since League One (Image: Ross Halls)
Town have been on a fast track to the Premier League of course, winning back-to-back promotions to reach the top tier.
Many of their side remain from their League One days, with Goodman stressing that the Blues will want to recruit across the board when the January transfer window opens as they battle to stay in the Premier League.
That won't be easy, with McKenna and CEO Mark Ashton facing a challenge to persuade players to join a relegation fight.
Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna will want to be busy in January
Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna will want to be busy in January
(Image: Ross Halls) Goodman explained: "I'm sure they'll be keen to strengthen in January, as seven of the team that started against Newcastle were playing in the Championship last season.
"Six of them were playing in League One the year before! That's just a testament to the job Kieran McKenna has done.
"The problem for Ipswich, however, is that they're not an easy sell. It's not easy convincing high-quality players to join a relegation battle. That will be the major stumbling block for them.
"Town will either have to sign more players from the Championship or unknown quantities. Kieran McKenna will want to strengthen every department if possible."