Enough is enough. For the good of Ipswich Town Football Club and the legions of dedicated Blues fans, owner Marcus Evans has to step up and speak out.
While boss Mick McCarthy drew the ire of many during that dire 3-0 defeat to Hull on Tuesday night, it is simply not fair that he is the only one fielding the questions which must be asked, and answered.
That responsibility rests now with Mr Evans – the very same Mr Evans from whom we have not heard in 14 months, ever since he revealed his five-point plan following pressure from this newspaper.
He is the man at the top of this famous, proud club. He is the man the fans have a right to hear from. He is the man that they need to hear from, now more than ever.
- MORE: Stuart Watson’s thoughts on Hull debacle
For while we can argue till we’re blue in the face about the cause of the stagnation at Portman Road, McCarthy’s selection, tactics and relationship with the fans, they are all subjective.
What one can’t argue with is the cold, hard facts. They are...
- Three times in the last four games, Portman Road has hosted league crowds nearing 20-year lows. Tuesday night’s announced attendance of 13,031 was probably closer to 10,000 according to some – and far fewer remained to hear the full-time whistle.
- This is Town’s 16th straight season in the Championship, with precious little for fans to get excited about.
And therein lies the issue which MUST be addressed. Fans have been voting with their feet for some time, but on Tuesday they found their voices and made their feelings known. It was not a comfortable watch, or listen.
- MORE: Mick explains group huddle after Hull defeat
This is a crucial crossroads for the club. Season ticket prices for next season will be revealed by the end of the month, and one expects a decision about McCarthy’s future to coincide with that.
But more than just prices and management, Town’s fans need something to connect with, to latch on to and to invest in. They need to see a grand plan which can deliver success – that’s what we all want.
The man at the top has to spell it out, in the wake of everything that’s happened in recent months, and make us believe in it – and that simply isn’t happening.
- MORE: Ipswich Town mailbag - your views on the Blues
Marcus Evans has given just one interview to an independent media organisation in his ten years at the club. That was after the brilliant, unlikely play-off season of 2014/15. It’s easy to talk when times are good.
But the true measure of a man is how he responds in times of turmoil, when the chips are down and backs are against the wall.
We’re waiting, Mr Evans. And the clock is ticking.
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