Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
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Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Cult heroes of the McKenna erapublished at 11:18 BST 9 July
11:18 BST 9 July
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BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin and Harvey Bell continue their (3 in 4) Top 5 Ipswich series with a look at Town's cult heroes.
McLoughlin describes a cult hero as "a player that maybe isn't the best in the team, but the fans have really taken to their hearts and have had a few key moments".
ENext week's edition will examine top rivalries in recent seasons.
Ipswich land 'proud' striker Emersonnpublished at 16:48 BST 8 July
16:48 BST 8 July
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Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Emersonn, who says he has "picked the perfect club" to join.
The 21-year-old joins from French side Toulouse on a five-year contract and chairman Mark Ashton said the deal "is an exciting moment for the club".
Ashton said: "As we prepare for our return to the Premier League we know recruitment will be crucial, with the club investing significantly in this area in recent years in order to bring the best possible talent from across the globe to the club.
"In making Emersonn our first signing of the summer we know we have acquired a young, hungry player with a high ceiling, with more signings to follow as we continue to invest to give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our goal in the Premier League."
Manager Gary O'Neil said there had been "plenty of interest" in Emersonn.
The striker, who has played for Brazil at youth level, joined Toulouse in September 2025 and scored three times in 18 league appearances across the remainder of the campaign.
Emersonn explained: "I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town.
"Playing in the Premier League is something I have always dreamed of and I know I have picked the perfect club to do that with.
"I will give everything for the team every time I play and I can't wait to get started and meet my new teammates as well as the supporters."
Town lock down a 'legend'published at 09:03 BST 7 July
09:03 BST 7 July
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Some of the debate on this week's The Blue Hour on BBC Radio Suffolk focused on Wes Burns signing a new one-year contract.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have extended my stay at the club," said Burns, who has formed part of three promotion squads.
"I am so proud to have represented Ipswich Town for the last five years and to have achieved so much during that time. I love everything about the club and the area so to be able to stay and play in the Premier League again is something I am really looking forward to.
"Winning a third promotion last season was really special for the club and the town, and also for me personally, after working so hard to get back on the pitch after a long time out through injury. After missing so much of our last season in the Premier League, I'm really motivated to compete at the highest level again and help the club take the next step."
Speaking on The Blue Hour, fan and caller James said: "The longer it went on the more concerns there might have been that it was a deal that wasn't going to be made. To get that deal over the line at this point is very encouraging.
"As much as we spent a lot of money on that right side going into last season's promotion push, there's no doubt Burns ended the season as the best option on the right side. Having spent a lot of money on Kasey McAteer and Sindre Walle Egeli they are not going to be content with a place on the bench. It's a position where we are in more of a position of strength now. At the end of the day, competition can only be a good thing.
"Burns is a modern-day Ipswich Town legend, I don't think there's any doubt about that."
Sign Sancho but steer clear of Delap return? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 19:53 BST 6 July
19:53 BST 6 July
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We asked for your views on which free agents Ipswich could target this summer and whether there is one player the Tractor Boys are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Ray: We have to step up in class and we need proven Premier League quality. Youth and potential is good but we need to stay up first and foremost. Sign John Stones. Then a top midfielder, and a class goalscorer. Money? Yes, but it depends on the ambition of our club.
James: I would definitely give Jadon Sancho a go. There is clearly a player there that just needs a bit of confidence and the right club. Not averse to any particular player but Premier League ready would be best. If his fitness issues are behind him, Stones would be a great signing, along with Callum Wilson. I would imagine there will be plenty of competition for these three though!
Paul: I'm hoping the Orlando Gill rumour is true as he'd be a great addition to Ipswich. Class goalie.
Toejam: Bring in some already-experienced top-flight players instead of going for another raid on the Championship. Don't bring back Liam Delap because he's not good enough for the Premier League. Wilson is a better option.
Louis: We should try to avoid players like Tom Fellows and Daniel Jebbison because they are not good enough to play Premier League football.
🎧 The Blue Hour - Burns signs deal to stay at Ipswichpublished at 19:15 BST 6 July
19:15 BST 6 July
A new edition of BBC Radio Suffolk's The Blue Hour is now available on BBC Sounds.
The team bring you reaction to winger Wes Burns signing a new contract at Portman Road, plus hear from former Ipswich defender Tommy Smith on his second World Cup with New Zealand a staggering 16 years on from his first.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
A free deal and which transfer link is a thumbs down?published at 17:32 BST 3 July
17:32 BST 3 July
We have been asking you questions about Ipswich Town all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...
First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?
Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Jadon Sancho, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.
And secondly, is there a player Ipswich are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?
Best player partnerships of McKenna erapublished at 13:22 BST 3 July
13:22 BST 3 July
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BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin and Harvey Bell continue their (3 in 4) Top 5 Ipswich series following a pause during the change in management at Portman Road.
On this episode, they look at the best player partnerships from Kieran McKenna's time in charge at Ipswich.
The episode was recorded before McKenna's departure was confirmed.
Yet to come is the top five goals, rivalries, cult heroes, loan signings, and best XI from the McKenna era.
Which teams could be worse than Ipswich?published at 13:17 BST 2 July
13:17 BST 2 July
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In the final part of Thursday's Q&A, BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin focuses on the pathway of breaking into the first team and whether Gary O'Neil values it, and which teams could be in trouble this season in the Premier League.
Adrian asked: We didn't see as many homegrown players play regularly in the first team under Kieran McKenna as perhaps supporters would have liked. Now that we are moving up to the Premier League, what does the new manager think would be the pathway to breaking into the first team now, and will that differ to the most recent one?
Graeme: Well Gary O'Neil made it clear during his first press conference last week that he is massively impressed by the new look training base at the club, along with the academy set-up.
In the ideal world of his and most supporters, Town would have several academy products competing for regular first team football. However, it's just not the reality of where the club – or most clubs in the Premier League – is at the moment, and in the immediate future, I don't think we will see a lot of change.
Be prepared for more buying and selling, and more members of the youth teams being loaned out. That being said, I think it's a real positive that Town's U21s will compete in he EFL Trophy this season, as this will give youngsters at the club a real taste of senior football.
Hopefully they can enjoy a good run in the competition and give the manager and his staff something to think about, in terms of using one or two in his League Cup and FA Cup squads going forward.
Clive asked: For Town to stay up, they need three teams to be worse than them, but who? Spurs have added quality, so, other than the promoted sides who would you tip for relegation?
Graeme: This is a really interesting one this season, given so many clubs will begin the campaign with a new look to them in terms of who's on the touchline.
At Fulham, Marco Silva worked wonders during his five years in charge, and his replacement has a huge act to follow. Pierre Sage is also taking on a big job at Crystal Palace, given Oliver Glasner brought the Eagles the best moments in their history during his reign at Selhurst Park.
I'm going to play the hangover card and suggest both those teams could well be in the relegation mix this year, along with Nottingham Forest and Leeds.
Daniel Farke has done a fantastic job at Elland Road. He survived calls for his sacking when Ipswich beat his team to promotion two years ago and got Leeds up 12 months later. Last year, there were similar shouts for him to go after a run of six defeats from seven during October and November.
Four points against Chelsea and Liverpool though saved him, and he deservedly kept the team up against the odds. But a slow start to 26-27 will undoubtedly see Farke treading water once again, and it might be one tricky spell too many.
Scroll back down this page for the other two parts of Graeme's Q&A, which look at subjects including transfers, Mark Ashton backing Gary O'Neil this summer and what Town's weaknesses are.
Where are Town's major weaknesses?published at 09:37 BST 2 July
09:37 BST 2 July
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In the second part of Thursday's special Q&A, BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin focuses on whether Gary O'Neil will be backed in this transfer window by owner Mark Ashton, and what he thinks are the biggest weaknesses in Town's squad.
Andy asked: Is Mr Ashton going to deliver exactly what the new manager wants in the transfer market ?
Graeme: I think the reality is no. The vast majority of football managers in the Premier League never get exactly what they want, and the fact remains that Town have had just one season in the top-flight since 2001-02.
Re-establishing a club at this level is extremely difficult and takes a lot of hard work. Ipswich are stronger commercially for sure, and numerous departments at the club have made huge strides since relegation two years ago. However, there will still be setbacks in the forthcoming transfer window and Town will have to move on from them quickly.
Both Gary O'Neil and Mark Ashton will have identified the parts of the field where they need to strengthen, and then it's a case of having two or three options for those positions. If you don't get your first choice, it's straight onto the next.
Simon asked: Where are the biggest weaknesses in the team?
Graeme: Town's biggest weakness at the moment is depth. Following Conor Townsend's departure, Leif Davis is currently the only natural senior left-back.
At centre half, Elkan Baggott – who played less than 90 minutes for Town last season and spent the campaign prior to that on loan with Blackpool – is next in the pecking order to Dara O'Shea, Jacob Greaves and Cedric Kipre at this moment in time.
We're still awaiting news as to whether Wes Burns will extend his stay at the club, if he doesn't, Kasey McAteer, Sindre Walle-Egeli and Chieo Ogbene are the current options on the right of midfield.
Meanwhile, in the much talked about number nine position, Town have George Hirst and Ali-Al Hamadi returning from their respective stints with Scotland and Iraq at the World Cup.
There is no shortage of options at number 10, but of them, only Sam Szmodics has recent experience of the Premier League, and question marks remain about his future at the club. In summary, there are very few areas of the field where Town won't be looking to strengthen.
Come back to this page later on Thursday for the third and final part of Graeme's Q&A, which will look at O'Neil's approach to using homegrown talent and which three teams he predicts to be worse than Town in order for them to stay up.
Who's on O'Neil's target list and are they within budget?published at 08:19 BST 2 July
08:19 BST 2 July
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We asked you to send in your Ipswich questions for BBC Radio Suffolk reporter Graeme McLoughlin. In the first part of a special Q&A, he focuses on Gary O'Neil's transfer business for the summer.
Xavier asked: How many new signings do you think Gary O'Neil will make? And what leagues do you think he will look at?
Graeme: I think the club is set for a very busy few weeks. There's likely to be a few new faces at the first training camp in Spain towards the end of July, and I'd expect upwards of half a dozen by the time Town head for Germany in mid-August.
Gary O'Neil and the recruitment department will have a list of talent from all the top leagues in Europe, and it's no surprise given he's spent the last six months in France, that the new manager has been linked with moves for a couple of players currently stationed in Ligue 1.
In an ideal world, most of the new recruits will have plenty of Premier League experience as it's something Town were lacking two years ago.
Graeme: So far this summer, goalkeeper Nick Pope and forward Callum Wilson have been the names continually linked with a move to Ipswich, and I think both would be astute acquisitions.
Between them, there is a wealth of Premier League experience in key positions, and I'd argue that both would be far less of a gamble than Kalvin Phillips was in August 2024.
It's being reported that Town are among the clubs interested in Toulouse striker Emersonn, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Ligue 1, and I wonder if Julio Enciso would fancy a return to Ipswich after his latest exploits with the Paraguay national team. The 22-year-old worked with Gary O'Neil at Strasbourg last season, and I certainly wouldn't be against him returning. However, the more he shines at the World Cup, the more he's likely to cost!
I'm not sure many people will disagree when I say that the new manager needs additional cover in most positions on the field. He could do with at least four of his summer arrivals being ready to come straight into his starting XI.
It is glaringly obvious that a proven goalscorer is required. The current squad has 14 Premier League goals between them, with captain Dara O'Shea and George Hirst joint top of that particular chart with three each.
Keep across this page on Thursday for parts two and three of Graeme's Q&A, which will look at subjects like squad weaknesses, the use of homegrown talent and survival chances.
Taylor told BBC Radio Suffolk's The Blue Hour: "I asked the same question when he came to Wolves of our colleagues at Solent and the suggestion was that it was too early to tell what O'Neil-ball was because he would essentially just be pragmatic at Bournemouth and so it was largely quite defensive.
"There was a bit of a move away from that after they'd found their feet and started to pull away from the bottom of the table in his first season at Wolves, and for a period they did play some quite exciting football - but for most of his 18 months, and certainly in the last six months, he was feeling he was going to become more defensive.
"At the start of the season when he ultimately was dismissed in December, he did make an effort to break away from the back-three system which has been the regular feature of football at Molineux under the past five or six managers, going back to when Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed in 2017. Several managers, including O'Neil, attempted to break away from that and found they just didn't have the squad to to sustain it."
"O'Neil switched to a back four and things just fell apart completely. Now whether they fell apart completely because he switched them to a back four and therefore that's his fault [is up for debate]. He was also under a lot of pressure to make the team more attacking and there were a lot of fans calling for them to play a back four.
"My inference from that - and I haven't studied his spell at Strasbourg this season, although it's relatively short - is that there wasn't really an O'Neil-ball.
"I did ask him about that once. He was keen to try to make them more attacking but, ultimately, they fell back on just trying to hang on in a lot of games because, frankly, that was the level of resources he felt they had."
Ipswich Q&A: Send in your questionspublished at 14:30 BST 29 June
14:30 BST 29 June
It is under two months until Ipswich Town begin their season back in the Premier League and there is plenty on the Tractor Boys' agenda before a ball is kicked.
After gaining promotion back to the top flight after just a year in the Championship, transformative manager Kieran McKenna has left Portman Road to take a break from management. Now, new boss Gary O'Neil has a big job on his hands to build a team capable of staying in the top tier.
There is clearly plenty to discuss, so BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor Graeme McLoughlin will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.
Put your thinking cap on - what do you want to know about Ipswich right now?
Will Suffolk fall in love again?published at 17:21 BST 24 June
17:21 BST 24 June
Steve Mellen Fan writer
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Wanted: Man to take on a tricky task and a very hard one. The tricky task is to keep a newly-promoted team in the Premier League. The very hard one is to make a distraught fanbase fall in love again.
I have friends with young kids, and those kids think that most seasons at Portman Road end with a promotion pitch invasion because that is pretty much all they've known since Kieran McKenna took charge.
We knew it would end some day. Clubs of the stature of Manchester United and Chelsea had been sniffing around in the past, and other Premier League sides were also interested.
What we didn't expect was him to want a break so early in his career, but when you reflect on it, it makes sense. His success as a coach has been based on an almost obsessive attention to detail, to being the first one in the training ground car park and the last one to leave. That takes a toll.
Maybe there was a clue in the first interview McKenna gave as thousands invaded the pitch when promotion was secured back in May, when he said he wanted a break before thinking about the challenge ahead. The way his voice cracked with emotion at the end of his "goodbye" video to the fans suggests it was a harder decision than we might realise.
So the shoes Gary O'Neil needs to fill are not just big, they are the ones from the nursery rhyme large enough for a woman and her family to live in.
The reception from fans has been mixed, with words like "underwhelming" bandied around. But that's harsh in my view. O'Neil laid the foundations for Bournemouth's current success, and his recent season with Strasbourg was impressive.
A good start will be key, and a distinct style. We've grown used to the excitement of 'McKennaball', now O'Neil will have to get the fans off their seats while achieving the one thing McKenna could not – Premier League survival.
If he manages that, Suffolk may well fall in love again. We're sentimental like that.
Steve Mellen is an author, the former editor of ITFC magazine Meet Me At Sir Alf, and also represented fanzine Those Were The Days
Your World Cup scouting: Souttar and David at Ipswich?published at 16:16 BST 24 June
16:16 BST 24 June
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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Ipswich Town.
Here are some of your comments:
Neil: Alireza Beiranvand, the Iranian goalkeeper. Currently plays for Tractor in Iran - already a Tractor Boy.
Ted: As an Aussie I'm obviously biased, but Harry Souttar from Leicester City would be a fantastic edition to our backline. Especially as Leicester have been relegated from the Championship! Souttar paired with Dara O'Shea would be a formidable force!
David: I think Canada international Promise David would be a fantastic addition to the Ipswich forward line... he's a huge physical presence at 6ft5, has great speed, is only 24 and has been improving very quickly over the past couple of years. His physicality and speed would be a force in the Premier League, and with high-level coaching will continue to improve.
Bring Delap back - fans on O'Neil priorities published at 10:58 BST 24 June
10:58 BST 24 June
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We asked for your views on Ipswich Town's appointment of Gary O'Neil as manager and what his first priorities should be.
Here are some of your comments:
Mark: We must get at least two quality and proven goalscorers and our midfield needs additions. Also the manager must have a plan A and B. Our priorities must be to stay in the Premier League.
James: This is not a good appointment at all, however we have to get behind it. The one thing I think needs to happen is getting Liam Delap back on loan. If O'Neil can use his BlueCo connection to make it happen this would be a great bit of business.
Malcolm: I imagine he could do a decent job, but starting off with perhaps 50% of fans against him means there will be zero margin for error when the season gets underway.
Paul: O'Neil was not the most fantastic appointment but certainly not the worst. It's not a name we associate with exciting, free-flowing football but then again, the best that could be said about last season's football is that it was competent apart from some outstanding performances, among them Coventry away. We crave the excitement of the two promotion years from League One to the Premier League but I'm sure most supporters would be more than happy if O'Neil can put a squad together to ensure a modicum of safety.
