Ipswich Town have shown a tougher edge under manager Gary O'Neil, according to club legend Terry Butcher. The former England defender says this season's squad possesses more resilience and tactical flexibility than in previous campaigns, a quality reflected in their current league standing of 10th in the Premier League with nine points from three wins and four defeats.
"The players can play any system from what I see," he said.
He pointed to a recent tactical shift as evidence of O'Neil's adaptable approach. "It was very interesting last week to see Gary O'Neil employ a different system and I think it worked very well," Butcher added, referencing the move to a back four that has helped solidify the team. That fight was on display in their most recent outing, a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday 17 October where they scored late through Daizen Maeda and a Zian Flemming penalty.
The praise comes with Ipswich sitting 10th in the Premier League table with nine points from their opening seven matches. Their form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five games, but they have shown fight in narrow defeats, including a 3-2 loss at Manchester City last Friday where they scored two late goals. Their recent form of two wins and three losses includes a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday 10 October, secured with very late goals from Abdoul Ouattara and D. O'Shea. Overall this season, the team has scored 11 goals but conceded 15, leaving them with a negative four goal difference.
Gary O'Neil's side now prepares for a key home match against 19th-placed Nottingham Forest this Friday. A win at Portman Road could see them climb into the top half of the standings, providing a tangible reward for the improved spirit Butcher has identified. The team's next challenge is to turn that fight into more consistent points as they look to close a significant 12-point gap to the league leaders. The upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest on Friday 23 October presents a prime opportunity to build on their recent home success and add to their points tally.
The original report is at bbc.com
