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East Anglia Daily Times
Saturday 31st July 2004 Bobbins Relishing The Challenge
Speaking in an exclusive interview yesterday new Ipswich manager Roorsby Bobbins told the EADT that he couldn’t wait for the new season to start and was relishing the challenge that faced him at Portman Road. With the start of the season just seven days away, Roorsby looked relaxed as he sat with our reporter in his compact but tidy office. A managerial novice here in England, the 33-year-old exudes an air of quiet confidence. Born in Newcastle, the former midfielder gained 20 England caps in his playing career with Fulham and West Brom before a knee injury forced him to hang up his boots. He gained his coaching experience in the fledgling USL organisation in North America with Canadian club the Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to the UK to take over at the Blues.
Despite frantic arrangements for the start of the season going on all around him, Bobbins was quite happy to spend several hours with reporter John Adams discussing his plans for the team and his views on football in general.
EADT – So how have you been settling in to your new job Roorsby?
RB – No problems so far John. There’s a great atmosphere around the club and my wife has been having fun house hunting in the vicinity, so we’ve both kept pretty busy.
EADT – There’s been some concerns expressed by the fans about your lack of management experience.
RB – That’s a very diplomatic way of putting it but the truth is that the supporters are very disappointed by my appointment as they had hoped to see a more experienced hand on the tiller and I understand that. All I can say to them is that I hope they are prepared to give me a fair chance and judge me on results.
EADT – There’s also some concern that there has been no investment in new players so far this season.
RB – Again I can understand that but we have to look at the realities of the club’s financial situation. It’s no secret that we are carrying significant debt and there really is no cash available for new players. We did move for several free agents over the last month but with the very strict wage budget that the Chairman has in place it proved to be impossible to compete with other clubs seeking the same targets.
EADT – So with no prospect of any new faces in the near future, what’s your assessment of the squad as it stands?
RB – It’s not too bad in my opinion and we have some quality players at our disposal. Richard Naylor and David Unsworth should make a solid pairing in central defence. Jim Magilton is a very experienced and capable midfielder and Darren Bent should get in amongst the goals. We’ve got a few youngsters that are showing potential and one of the positives about being unable to bring in players from the outside is that it gives the younger players a real chance to step up and perform.
EADT – So do you expect to be able to get a playoff place and a possible return to the Premiership this season?
RB – Ah, if only I knew the answer to that one! I know that everyone at the club would love to get back into the top flight but I also know that the Chairman has learnt from his experience of trying to keep the club up there with the big boys. It badly damaged Ipswich Town financially and the top priority for Mr. Sheepshanks is to ensure financial stability. I happen to believe that we can achieve success on the pitch without breaking the bank but I’m not prepared to guarantee that it will happen this season – I think it will take a little longer than that.
EADT – The fans might not give you any longer if you don’t at least challenge strongly for the playoffs.
RB – That might well be the case and that’s a chance I’m going to have to take. I only know the Ipswich fans by reputation as I haven’t had a chance to meet many of them personally as yet. But I believe them to be fair and open-minded and I think that when they see their team playing open and attractive football then they will start to come around. More importantly, if they see that the club is making progress, both on the pitch and financially, they will be a lot more hopeful for the future.
EADT – You mention attractive football – is that a priority for you?
RB – Only in as much as I believe that the best way to bring long-term success to a team is to play positive, attacking football. Some people see negative tactics as the way forward. They say that you can’t lose if you don’t concede a goal. I say that you can’t win if you don’t score a goal so I believe in a more attacking style. That’s not to say that defence isn’t important – it’s vital, but there needs to be the right balance.
EADT – So it’s not a question of style over substance then? We won’t see your team flatter to deceive, playing pretty football but not getting results.
RB – I certainly hope not. I hope that we will get results but in a way that makes people want to watch us play.
EADT – Now there may not have been any changes in the playing staff but the backroom team have seen some disruption.
RB – I’m not sure what you mean by disruption. The only change I’ve made is to ask Willie Donachie to add to his coaching responsibilities by becoming my Assistant.
EADT – And you’ve demoted Steve McCall at the same time.
RB – Well you’d have to ask Steve if he sees it as a demotion. I felt that it would benefit the club more if Steve focussed on coaching the first team with Willie taking charge of the reserves and the Under-18s. I am quite happy with the support staff that I have and I value their experience and their knowledge of the team.
EADT – So the season opener at home to Coventry is just a week away – are you pleased with preparation so far?
RB – Very pleased. The lads are looking fit and they seem to be enjoying the new training regimes that the coaches have introduced. They can’t wait to get out onto the pitch and to be quite honest neither can I.
EADT – Well I won’t take any more of your time Roorsby, but thanks very much for sharing your thoughts with our readers.
RB – My pleasure John and I hope that we have the opportunity to talk again in the future.
Roorsby Bobbins folded up his newspaper and placed it back on his desk. Brave words indeed, he thought, but the new manager of Ipswich Town Football Club was nowhere near as confident as he sounded. He had some serious concerns about the capabilities of his current players and he was not optimistic that he could meet his Chairman’s stated objective of mid-table safety, never mind satisfy the fans aspirations of a playoff place.
He had worked feverishly to try to bring in some new faces but was constantly frustrated by his inability to match the terms that his prospective targets required. He did have a few decent players, that was true, but they were too few in number for the rigours of what promised to be a long and demanding season. He had been impressed by some of the youngsters too, but lads of 16 and 17 couldn’t be expected to perform at this level, although a few of them would certainly be given the chance, that was for sure.
Still, there was nothing that could be done and he would have to play with the hand that he had been dealt. The one thing he didn’t doubt was his own ability to make it as a manger – at least not yet, but it was entirely possible that he may feel differently in a month or two.
East Anglia Daily Times
Sunday 8th August 2004 Bent Wonder Goal Secures Point
Ipswich salvaged a point in their season opener at Portman Road thanks to a moment of brilliance from Darren Bent. Coventry scored an early goal when they capitalised on a gaping hole in the centre of the defence but minutes later the game was all square when Bent picked the ball up in the centre circle and left a trail of defenders in his wake, scoring with a consummate finish. The visitors saw more of the ball for the remainder of the match but were denied on several occasions by fine saves from keeper Kelvin Davis. There was little to be seen of the Bobbins revolution that will supposedly turn the Town into an attacking force to be reckoned with. With Fabian Wilnis, Tommy Miller and Jim Magilton all suffering injuries there will definitely be changes required for Tuesday’s visit to Cardiff.
Having finished reading Roorsby put the newspaper back on his desk. He wasn’t too displeased with yesterday’s result, although an opening-day win would have been nice. Magilton had played well in the centre of midfield until he departed injured and keeper Davis looked to be capable. But he was disappointed with David Unsworth in central defence, as he had expected more from the former Everton man. He had been signed on a season-long loan deal from Portsmouth before Roorsby had arrived but on this display he would struggle to hold down a place in the starting eleven.
East Anglia Daily Times
Wednesday 11th August 2004 You’re An Embarrassment
Ipswich Town were given a football lesson from Cardiff City last night at Ninian Park as the home side administered a 4-0 drubbing, all of the goals coming in the first half. With the Blues looking inept all over the pitch the home side ran riot, scoring four times in the first half. The impressive Paul Bosvelt, signed on loan for the season from Manchester City, controlled the midfield and scored twice with powerful shots. Ipswich seemed clueless and the tactical approach put in place by new manager Roorsby Bobbins at times resembled a shambles as…….
Boorsby angrily tossed the newspaper aside, unable to read any more details of his team’s capitulation the previous evening. The headline was true – it was an embarrassment and no one felt it more intensely than the rookie manager. If he was looking for excuses then he could point to the fact the he was without his entire first choice midfield and strike pairing but it was still a poor performance. The team did look at sixes and sevens as they tried to come to terms with the formation that Bobbins wanted them to adopt. Lacking effective wide players he set his team up to use a fairly narrow three-man midfield but his trio last night were all over the place. He clearly had a lot of work to do on the training ground to get his message across but most of all he needed to get a settled team selection out there used to playing that way.
Roorsby Bobbins had a dilemma – his team would face Sunderland at Portman Road in twelve hours time and he had still not completed his final team selection. Kelvin Davis was a no-brainer in goal – Roorsby’s only alternatives were 20-year-old Lewis Price, who would be on the bench, and young Irishman Shane Supple - although very aptly named for a goalstopper the 17-year-old was nowhere near ready for the first team, and in the opinion of goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes, never would be. Fabian Wilnis was clearly first choice at right back but faced a late fitness test after his injury last weekend. 19-year-old Matt Richards hadn’t impressed in his two starts at left back. It was a position that Kevin Horlock could fill at a pinch, as could new loan signing Marcel Pronk but Bobbins saw them both as midfielders. He decided that David Unsworth would fill the gap – he had experience in that position and had not been impressive in the centre. Canadian international Jason De Vos and converted striker Richard Naylor would play in central defence. There were several promising young centre backs in the reserves and the Under-18s and with so little cover available in this position, 17-year-old Aidan Collins would be asked to sit on the bench.
Jimmy Juan, on loan from Monaco, had done well in a holding position in front of the back four but he was looking a little weary so new boy Pronk would be given a chance to see what he could do. In midfield both Jim Magilton and Tommy Miller were doubtful so he may need to use Alifie Kamara and Darren Currie. 19-year-old Kamara had promise but Roorsby could see him struggling in a game like this so he kept his fingers crossed that his injured players would pass their fitness tests. Ian Westlake would complete his midfield trio whilst up front Darren Bent was an automatic selection. He would be partnered by Pablo Counago, although the manager was far from convinced by the 25-year-old Spaniard. The highest wage earner at the club by far, he was a prime candidate to be moved on if an opportunity presented itself.
East Anglia Daily Times
Sunday 14th August 2004 Horlock Strike Wins It For Blues
A wonderful 30-yard volley from substitute Kevin Horlock gave Ipswich their first win of the season against a disappointing Sunderland at Portman Road. The home side made most of the running with keeper Davis not having to make a save for 90 minutes. But some wayward finishing meant that the game looked like ending scoreless until Horlock struck. David Unsworth, looking much more comfortable at left back than in central defence, picked the midfielder out with an accurate crossfield ball and Horlock sent a swerving volley into the far corner. The former West Ham man had come on for Tommy Miller when he broke down after 40 minutes and with Miller likely to miss a fortnight with a calf strain he has an opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter. Supposedly one of the main promotion contenders, Sunderland looked strangely subdued for the entire game, an injury to former Blues star Marcus Stewart didn’t help their cause but they will need to improve their performances if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge.
Roorsby folded the newspaper and placed it on his desk, relieved to have gained his first win of the season. The team were looking a little more comfortable with the basic shape that he wanted them to play and the manager’s confidence was showing definite signs of improvement, although he was still concerned with his striking options and hoped to improve that area somehow.
East Anglia Daily Times
Wednesday 18th August 2004 Counago Brace Sees Off Hammers
Pablo Counago broke his scoring duck with a goal in each half to secure an excellent 2-0 win at West Ham. The Londoners were amongst the pre-season promotion favourites and this victory gives great encouragement for the Blues under new boss Roorsby Bobbins. Looking solid defensively and with some crisp passing moves coming from midfield, the visitors played some attractive and effective football. The only fly in the ointment was an injury to Jim Magilton early in the second half. Diagnosed as a groin strain, the 35-year-old former Northern Ireland international is expected to be out for at least ten days and his steadying presence in midfield will be missed.
The Daily Times journalist was right – Magilton would be missed and as Bobbins put down his newspaper he was already considering who would replace the Irishman in their next match. But, injuries apart, he was pleased with the win and the midfield had indeed looked sharp and passed the ball around well. Jim’s absence did highlight how thin his squad was however, but with very little cash available it was unlikely to be strengthened any time soon.
After some consideration Roorsby decided that Tommy Miller looked to be fit enough to replace the injured Magilton for the visit of Gillingham. His decision was vindicated when the 25-year-old scored the opening goal of the game on 78 minutes. A second from Darren Bent enlivened an otherwise lacklustre match and the two late goals gave Ipswich a 2-0 win and elevated them to the last of the playoff places. He kept the same side for the visit of League Two side Bury in the 1st Round of the Carling Cup. His team dominated the entire game but some woeful finishing kept the scoresheet blank at half time. Miller broke the deadlock just after the restart and despite David Unsworth failing to convert a penalty, Darren Bent made the game safe when he scored a few minutes later.
As the summer transfer window approached closure, Bobbins was able to welcome a new face to Portman Road with the arrival of veteran defender Oleg Luzhnyi on a free transfer. The 36-year-old Ukrainian international had spent four seasons at Arsenal and the manager felt that he would be a very useful backup for the club.
East Anglia Daily Times
Sunday 29th August 2004 Late Goals Deny Blues
Ipswich entered the 89th minute of their league match at Plymouth holding a two-goal lead but when the final whistle sounded after three minutes of stoppage time, the score was tied at 2-2 and two points were lost. The Blues had by far the better of the early exchanges, despite losing centre back Jason De Vos to injury after just five minutes. New signing Luzhnyi came off the bench to replace the Canadian and put in an assured performance. Pablo Counago opened the scoring on 22 minutes after great work from Ian Westlake on the left of midfield. The Ipswich defence was disrupted further when Richard Naylor failed to re-appear after the half time interval. Unsworth moved in to central defence and Marcel Pronk came off the bench to take up the left back position. A tiring Tommy Miller had to be replaced on 57 minutes and substitute Alfie Kamara looked to have made the points safe when he scored with less than 20 minutes remaining. But with the midfield running out of steam and manager Bobbins unable to make any further changes to bring on fresh legs, the home side began to take control. They pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when Lee Hodges scored the goal of the game with a superb 25-yard volley. Then deep into stoppage time substitute Marino Keith outpaced a flagging defence to finish neatly into the bottom corner and complete an unlikely comeback.
Reading the match report brought back to Roorsby the intense frustration that he felt when the final whistle had sounded and he realised that his team had thrown away a winning position and dropped two valuable points. They couldn’t afford to be so profligate if they were to meet the fans objectives of a realistic promotion challenge and he would be making that very clear to the players in training today.
There were a couple of weary players in the starting eleven at Watford but with his threadbare squad Bobbins felt unable to ring too many changes at this early stage of the season. His one enforced switch was to bring in Luzhnyi for the injured De Vos in central defence. His team fell behind to an early goal and despite carving out a number of good scoring opportunities they were unable to get back on terms. A penalty award in stoppage time sealed the game for the home side and the 2-0 defeat saw Ipswich end the month in 9th place, just a point outside the playoff zone.
Roorsby was reasonably pleased with his first month of competitive fixtures. The team had improved significantly since their 4-0 drubbing at Cardiff earlier in the month and appeared to be capable of putting in a decent level of performance. Young Ian Westlake had been a revelation in midfield and Kevin Horlock had also shown up well, winning the Goal of the Month award for his strike against Sunderland. The manager was still concerned with the lack of depth in the squad however and with that in mind he completed the signing of the experienced midfielder Eyal Berkovic on a free transfer. The Israeli international had extensive experience of British football with stints at Southampton, West Ham, Celtic, Man City and Portsmouth under his belt.
Absolute Bobbins (BRC) 
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