Ep 9 - Part Two | 145 Years of Ipswich Town | Part Two - Holland, Osman, Chambers and Clarke

Ep 18 | The Engine Room

Apr 25, 202450 minSummary

In this episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, the focus is on the club’s recent successes and the strong culture driving the team forward. The episode begins with a celebration of Natasha Thomas, who reached a remarkable milestone of 150 goals for the women’s team. She reflects on her journey, the evolution of her game, and the importance of having a supportive team and coaching staff. Thomas emphasizes that her individual achievements are a reflection of collective hard work and the club’s commitment to women’s football development. The conversation then shifts to the men’s team, with an engaging discussion featuring Massimo Luongo and captain Sam Morsy. The two midfielders, often referred to as the team’s engine room, provide an inside look at their chemistry on and off the pitch. They discuss how they balance their differing personalities and professional approaches to complement each other, maintaining high standards throughout the training week. Both players share insights into the dedication required to perform at a championship level and the significance of fostering a positive, disciplined environment to sustain their momentum in a challenging league.

Ep 17 | George's road to Town

Apr 11, 20241h 20mSummary

In this episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, defender George Edmondson joins host Aaron Paul for an in-depth conversation about his journey through professional football. Edmondson opens up about the unconventional start to his life—revealing that his birth name is actually Sam—and discusses his upbringing in Sale, Manchester, where his passion for football was nurtured by a supportive family. The discussion highlights the challenges of his youth career, including the many setbacks he faced while trialing for various North West clubs. Edmondson reflects on the resilience required to transition from local Sunday league and shadow squads to eventually securing a professional contract at Oldham Athletic at the eleventh hour. He provides fascinating insights into the grit of non-league football, describing his formative loan spells at Ramsbottom and Alfreton Town as essential experiences that toughened his mentality and honed his skills as a centre-half. Throughout the episode, Edmondson contrasts the old-school, demanding coaching styles of his early days with the modern, tactical approach of Kieran McKenna, offering a candid look at the dedication required to evolve from a young prospect into a consistent professional player.

Ep 16 | Town Women Special

Mar 20, 202436 minSummary

In this special episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, the focus shifts to the women’s team ahead of a monumental fixture at Portman Road. The hosts sit down with four standout players—Natasha Thomas, Sophie Peskett, Ruby Doe, and Lena Gunning Williams—to discuss the excitement, nerves, and preparation surrounding the upcoming match. The conversation covers the surreal experience of playing at such an iconic stadium, with the players reflecting on the buzz around the squad and the importance of soaking up the atmosphere in front of a large crowd. The guests also share insights into their pre-match routines, ranging from specific music playlists to superstitious habits, providing a personal look at how they mentally prepare for high-stakes games. Beyond the tactical buildup, the episode features a lighthearted "teammates" game, where the players discuss squad personalities, fashion preferences, and their development while on loan at the club. The discussion highlights the strong team spirit and the high ambitions of the players as they look to leave their mark on the historic day, emphasizing their shared drive to perform on the big stage.

Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna | Extended interview

Mar 1, 202434 minSummary

In this extended episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, CEO Mark Ashton and manager Kieran McKenna sit down for an in-depth conversation regarding the club’s impressive current campaign. McKenna reflects on the team's high-performance levels, attributing their success to a collective effort, a strong culture of unity, and a, relentless, front-footed mentality both on and off the pitch. He emphasizes the importance of the club’s investment in the new pitch, which has significantly bolstered their ability to implement a preferred tactical style. The discussion also covers the critical role of the squad's depth, with McKenna highlighting the impressive impact of substitutes throughout the season. Both guests praise the leadership within the dressing room and the physical intensity of the players, which has been key to securing vital points in the final stages of matches. Looking ahead, Ashton outlines major infrastructure plans, including significant training ground redevelopment aimed at providing world-class facilities to support the academy and the women's team. The episode also highlights the club's flourishing community foundation and the record-breaking support from a passionate fanbase that continues to propel Ipswich Town forward.

Ep 14 | Christmas Special

Dec 24, 202325 minSummary

In this festive Christmas special, the Official Ipswich Town Podcast embraces the holiday spirit with a mix of player interviews and lighthearted seasonal traditions. The hosts sit down with several players, including Leif Davis, Harry Clarke, and Massimo Luongo, to discover their favorite Christmas songs, films, and holiday indulgences. These quick-fire segments provide a fun, personal look at the squad, from Luongo’s appreciation for panettone to debates over the best chocolates in a box of Celebrations. Beyond the seasonal fun, the episode features a serious update from midfielder Lee Evans, who discusses his challenging road to recovery following a knee injury. Evans shares insights into his rigorous rehabilitation schedule and the mental resilience required to remain focused while away from the pitch, expressing his optimism about returning to the field. Additionally, women’s team player Kyra Robertson joins the show during a community hospital visit, reflecting on her stunning first goal for the club and the team’s collective ambition for the upcoming year. The episode concludes by looking ahead to 2024, celebrating the club’s recent progress, and offering holiday well-wishes to the fans.

Ep 13 | The East Anglian Derby

Dec 13, 20231h 1mSummary

In this Derby Day special of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, the hosts delve into the deep-seated rivalry between Ipswich Town and Norwich City ahead of a pivotal weekend match. The episode features club legend and Ipswich-born hero Jason DeZelle, who reflects on his formative years growing up in the shadow of Portman Road and his experiences playing in the intense local derby. DeZelle offers a unique perspective on the pressure of representing his hometown club, recalling his debut at sixteen and his memories of key victories against Norwich. He describes the current atmosphere surrounding Kieran McKenna’s side as truly special, noting that the team’s recent performances and the unity between the squad and supporters feel like the beginning of a significant era. The podcast also features an interview with Ipswich Town Women’s captain, Maria Boswell. She shares her excitement about her new leadership role and discusses how the women's team draws inspiration from the style and success of the men's squad. Both guests emphasize the cultural significance of the fixture, highlighting how the match impacts the community’s mood and serves as a testament to the club’s recent resurgence.

Ep 12 | Town's flying left-back

Nov 28, 202358 minSummary

In this episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, the hosts delve into the club's rich history while looking at the current momentum surrounding the squad. The show opens with a visit to the Ipswich Town Foundation’s senior blues coffee morning, where long-time fans share nostalgic memories of Portman Road, reflecting on legendary figures like Sir Bobby Robson and the club’s iconic 1978 FA Cup triumph. These personal anecdotes provide a heartfelt look at the community and heritage that define the football club. The episode then shifts to an insightful interview with Ipswich Town’s flying left-back, Leif Davis. Davis discusses his journey from his early days in Newcastle to becoming a key fixture at Portman Road. He credits the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna for his rapid development, noting how the manager’s honesty and tactical feedback helped him regain his confidence. Davis also opens up about his upbringing, the influence of his father, and why he models his playstyle after elite fullbacks like Marcelo and Jordi Alba. Throughout the conversation, Davis emphasizes the strong family atmosphere within the current dressing room, highlighting the unity that has helped the team navigate the step up to the Championship.

Ep 11 | The pathway to the first-team

Nov 14, 202359 minSummary

In this episode of The Official Ipswich Town Podcast, the hosts sit down with first-team players Cameron Humphreys and Elkan Baggott to discuss their unique journeys from the club’s academy to the professional stage. The conversation highlights the differing development paths taken by the two players, with Humphreys sharing his experience as a one-club man, while Baggott reflects on the value of gaining experience through loan spells at various clubs. The guests provide fascinating insights into life on the fringes of the first team, the intensity of professional training, and the mental resilience required to break into the senior squad. Beyond footballing development, the players share personal reflections on their growth alongside the club's recent evolution. They touch on the positive changes they have witnessed at the training ground and stadium, noting how these improvements foster a strong sense of unity among the staff and squad. The episode also features segments from the Ipswich Town Foundation’s fundraising dinner, where players discuss the importance of community engagement. Through listener questions, Humphreys and Baggott also share what motivates them daily and their pride in contributing to the club's current progress.

Ep 9 - Part One | 145 Years of Ipswich Town | Part One - Holland, Burley, Stockwell and Hamilton

Oct 16, 202352 minSummary

To mark the 145th anniversary of Ipswich Town Football Club, this special episode features a nostalgic roundtable discussion with club legends Matt Holland, George Burley, Brian Hamilton, and Mick Stockwell. Together, they reflect on their shared history, personal careers, and the enduring culture that has defined the club since its professional formation in 1936. The guests share firsthand memories of playing and coaching under iconic figures like Sir Bobby Robson, detailing how he transformed the club into a force in English football through diligent recruitment, a commitment to youth development, and a focus on high standards. The panel provides insight into the unique family atmosphere that defined the club, illustrating how the integration of experienced veterans and hungry young talents created a competitive, cohesive unit. Beyond the tactical and historical analysis, the conversation explores the club’s identity, community significance, and the recent resurgence under Kieran McKenna. The participants discuss the importance of the club’s youth policy, the challenges of modern football management, and their observations of the current feel-good factor surrounding Portman Road, celebrating the enduring spirit that makes Ipswich Town a special institution for Suffolk and its loyal supporters.