IPSWICH Town boss Paul Jewell admits that a constant chopping and changing to his back five has contributed to the number of goals being conceded.
Town have conceded 56 goals in 28 games across all competitions this season. They are the Championship’s leakiest defence by a clear eight goals, with only Northampton – the Football League’s rock-bottom club – having let in more across the top four divisions.
And while Aaron Cresswell and Carlos Edwards have played virtually every match in the full-back positions, the fact that NINE different centre-back partnerships and four different keepers have been used has certainly not helped with consistency.
“We have been chopping and changing the keeper and centre-half partnerships due to injuries and loan expiries,” admitted Jewell. “It’s been unfortunate and it has probably had its affect.”
BREAKDOWN OF THE 56 GOALS CONCEDED
KEEPERS:
David Stockdale (39 in 18); Arran Lee-Barrett (14 in 7);
Alex McCarthy (4 in 2); Richard Wright (3 in 1).
CENTRE-BACK PARTNERSHIPS
Ivar Ingimarsson / Damien Delaney (3 in 2 starts + any extra time on field together after subs taking place); Tommy Smith / Jack Ainsley (2 in 1+); Smith / Delaney (6 in 2+); Delaney / Ainsley (7 in 1+); Ibrahima Sonko / Delaney (4 in 4+); Sonko / Danny Collins (12 in 11+); Delaney / Collins (0 in 1+); Collins / Ingimarsson (16 in 4+); Smith / Sonko (6 in 2).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here