How to Take a League 1 Team into the Premier League in 3 years w/ Ipswich Town CEO, Mark Ashton

[@machinehead9334]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with more passion for his chosen field of work. Thank you Mark Ashton for what you’re doing at ITFC. We’ll soon get our first Premier League win, and it will be the first of many. COYB! 🔵⚪️🐴🚜

[@Bigalref1]

we wont get the win or stay up unless KM makes changes to the way we play, as what worked in the championship isnt working in this league. play players in the correct positions Hutchinson is not a no 10

[@SuperKinlo]

@@Bigalref1this aged well. Hutchinson was phenomenal in the 10 against Tottenham. Though have to say Chaplin was also awesome in the role against Leicester.

[@piptrinidad5212]

From the Town, and a hardcore Town fan all my life. From being a kid going to Portman Road every game to the great teams of the late 70’s early 80s, I was always there even when gates dropped down to 8000’s or 9000 fans. Always in the north stand in the darker days of championship and league 1 days. Great to see the good times back. Kieran’s has done fantastic, but I would argue to lose Mark would be a bigger blow to me than the inevitable day when Keiran moves onto pastures new. Thank you for all you have done Mark Ashton to make my beloved Ipswich into a club that respected once again across the wider footballing world. Great interview, and well done for letting Mark explain each facet fully.

[@wendyallard6219]

Yes Mark Ashton has certainly brought back how it was there.The atmosphere being once again at Portman Rd.like it was in as they are now known as “The Glory Days “.With Bobby Robson as the then manager. Having been going to Portman Rd for most of that time .and it now seems very like that time the way the club is once again now. so Come On Ipswich this is I am sure is going to be a great time for Ipswich Town FC once again .🙏💙💙💙.

[@marksims5730]

I was lucky enough to speak to Mark personally a few years ago while stood on the pitch at Portman Road in April 2023, I said to him ' Thank you for giving us our club back' he smiled and said ' Don't thank me yet, we've only just started'. Blimey he wasn't kidding !!

[@andrewfilbee8566]

What a fantastic interviewer. Really well prepared and knowledgeable, one of the best I have ever seen. Credit where its due. As a tiny minority shareholder at ITFC I have heard Mark Ashton speak so eloquently many times, but for the interviewer to so clearly know what he is also talking about was a real breath of fresh air!

[@MadHatter-cj8bh]

I was stationed with the USAF (RAF Lakenheath/RAF Mildenhall) in the area in the 80's and 90's. I wasn't watching this beautiful sport back then. Will cheer for this team when they are not in competition with the Gunners. This was one of the best interviews I've seen.

[@timharada]

Former American Airman who's first soccer game was at Portman Rd when Premiership Ipswich faced Champions League team Manchester City in a FA cup match. Hooked ever since!

[@barriemorris2829]

One vital period wasn’t mentioned in this interview. When the new owners came in they stuck with Paul Cook for a few months, and let him sign a lot of the key double promotion team. Walton (loan), Hlanky, Burgess, Edmondson, Morsy, Burns, Chaplin, Davis transfer was going through. Ladapo,

[@ptrett]

Stunning interview, at 49:30 mins “all we can do is to be the best version of ourselves … if we do that we give ourselves one hell of a fighting chance” Well said MA! Great mantra for football and life! … COYB 💙

[@jckensway2956]

Ashton's description of that Coventry night had me in tears. Such an emotional thing for all of us.

[@neilling436]

been an Ipswich fan all my life at 62 seen good and bad times , moved to Cornwall 20 years ago its amazing how many fans of the club are here , i was born a blue will die a blue the whole team there now are true blues and i would like to thank them for bringing back the heart of this amazing club with the most underrated fans . Thank you Mark and all the team .

[@lewissmith4123]

An excellent interview. I was riveted from start to finish. I must say as a town fan I feel a lot happier knowing Mark is at the helm and that this season, no matter what happens is just part of the journey. Stay behind the lads, they are already winners and deserve our unreserved support. COYB !!

[@paulhunnisett3099]

One of the best signings we’ve ever made, so passionate for our club, a great interview and interviewer too, we are lucky to have him, Kieran and Gamechanger

[@SuperKinlo]

Being from the town the last few years have been unbelievable, so much joy this ownership, management team, and players have brought to the area. Only downside is I used to get tickets easily but now it’s a lottery but will take that everyday. Thank you gamechanger, Mr Ashton, Mr McKenna and everyone else who has been involved in the journey. Up the towen!

[@leebayliss7847]

Fantastic interview and I've said all along and I ll say it again the best signing Ipswich Town have made is Mark Ashton...he's driven us to where we are through sheer passion for the job in hand and his love of our club 👍🏻💙🤍

[@stevesmith2657]

What a fantastic interview. What a fantastic interviewer with brilliant knowledge of our history going back to the days of Sir Alf Ramsey and what in 1962 probably was one of the biggest shocks in football. Promoted from the second tier for the first time to be champions of England in our first season. What Mark Ashton has done has been nothing short of a miracle. The club was in decline when he arrived and was more likely to fall down further in the football pyramid than what has happened.

[@MrEnseabee]

Great interview, with well structured questions, but I just wonder if any of Mark's answers surprised anyone? I'm unashamed to be a 61 year old Tractor Boy, watching the team through the European wonder years, (still unbeaten at home in European football) and those dark, dark years of mismanagement. It's fantastic to feel that through an ownership group of American investors, a workaholic Club Chairman, dynamic young Manager and enthusiastic support team, we have our club back! The season may not pan out the way we supporters want, but what a ride. Thank you for letting the football world get a little insight into this sleepy little county's passion.

[@antonioiachetta6381]

Very proud of my club. Can't believe we got here that quick and how much was behind the scenes. I hope they all stay for as long as possible, up or down COYB

[@markadams9503]

Every time I listen to this man , he has me in pieces 😢 Without doubt he is the best thing to have happened to ITFC in decades maybe ever ! God bless you Mark Ashton 🚜💙

[@hannecatton2179]

We fans of I.T.F.C. are truly blessed to have wonderful owners , a magnificent C.E.O. and an incredible young manager who all want to restore our club to the rightful place it´s history depands. God bless them all.

[@Bb-M4n]

Thought I'd watch the first 5 minutes....bang, 52 mins gone. Was gripped from start to end enjoying the waves of passion and enthusiasm from Mark, and taking us back over the fairytale journey that's been the last few years. We have our club back, and whatever happens this season, I for one will be very proud.

[@FrankRayMrLin]

THIS MAN IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND 💙🚜... AND THANK YOU TO THE OWNERS, THE MANAGER, THE TEAM, THE CLUB'S INTERNAL TEAM AND THE FANS... SUCH AMAZING TIMES :)

[@Numbugg101]

What a great interview that I stumbled upon. The best signing to our club, is definitely Mark Ashton!! COYB 🚜 🚜

[@markjohnson9800]

I remember him coming down to the away end after the Coventry game he was clearly emotional. Means a hell of a lot to the fans to see how much it means to the people at the top after what had gone on before. 🚜💙

[@garethjones3979]

This is a great watch! I've followed Town for nearly 50 years....and the current regime makes me proud.

[@cliveyoung4138]

Brilliant interview Rog

[@alliswell2114]

Support from Australia

[@piptrinidad5212]

I reckon the Cobbolds would be smiling to see the club going so well under Marks stewardship…

[@johnjopp4570]

Love the passion.

[@karlspek5812]

Great mug! From tv’s Suits. Great episode!

[@danta2er]

Great job again Rog!!

[@PaganMan1966]

Excellent video. Good work 👏

[@triggerfish4884]

I need that Town badge neon sign!!

[@adytaxi1484]

Coventry away What a night

[@stuartdrake4217]

I doubt there are any Bristol fans in the comment section, but I need to understand why when he was announced Bristol fans laughed at us and said he ruined them🤷🏽 This guy is elite and god I love what he has done to my club!

[@juliantooke8647]

Top man 💙

[@IDGAFAS]

There will be a stand named after this man one day

[@tedwhanstall5264]

If we do not stay up, the lessons learned will be invaluable. Money is very important, and management is crucial. KM is now facing a huge challenge. The players need to become a unit/team. None of that happens overnight. I would like to see the players stand up and take on the challenge and work their socks off. There is nowhere to hide when you are on the pitch and some may not meet the standard required. Others who have the ability need to man up and get their heads into the game. KM can give them the opportunity the rest is down to them and if they stumble they need to get up dust down and get on with it. chance. Fans will always be heartless and they will always give unbiased opinions on what they believe went wrong. Deal with it.

[@geoffpoole483]

This season will test KM's managing and coaching skills. When a team is winning games momentum sets in and confidence grows. The longer it takes to get that elusive first win could damage players' confidence. I can remember Derby's dreadful season in the PL (17 points) and that must have been awful for the players. OK, they're very well paid but going into training knowing the next game will probably be a defeat must be soul-destroying.

[@hannecatton2179]

We´ll stay up. No doubt in my mind. First win at Spurs on Sunday.

[@delaine5432]

Can I come work for these guys at Ipswich Town?

[@Slowmartian]

A you mean “come and work”

[@Descamisado]

Mark Ashton is just as impressive as Kieran McKenna.

[@CDL-c4w]

i will forever now do the dishes

[@ragtopdee7408]

Hmm i wonder if he has a plan if we go down

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

I'm an Ipswich fan, I'd love to lose 5-0 to Real!🚜

[@fxtblues]

Give him some oxygen, will ya?!!!! 😂

[@andymeighan8160]

And he will take them back down there quick enough.

[@hannecatton2179]

Shut up Budgie.

[@pauldavidson3705]

A another CEO who loses his way once he gets to the Premier League. Seem a likeable guy though

[@STST]

I think he's slipped a bit recently and gone back to his old ways a little. Over spending and bringing in too many players. A legend. But those warnings we had from his old teams fans when he joined us are starting to worry me. Now he's got his feet truly under the door his ego is growing. Always says exactly the same stories and anecdotes. Once you've heard one of his interviews. You've heard them all.

[@geoffpoole483]

The key to spending is doing it wisely. Traditionally ITFC relied on its youth/academy system and big signings were a novelty. The transfer fees the club has paid out prior to the start of this season have smashed our previous transfer records. They've yet to deliver so far. Conversely, Norwich attempted to use a self-funding model to sustain their presence in the PL and that didn't work. Nor did a policy of signing players from foreign leagues for relatively low fees.

[@jasonparfitt5936]

If we’re not careful,we will do the same in reverse.Our top “galacticos ” team of the championship look way out of their depth.Back four is basically what we had two years ago ,due to injuries.Midfield getting overrun ,and can West Ham take Johnson back please ? Kieran needs to mix it up and change formation ,and play players in their right positions.The only “ cream “ championship player who’s performed is Greaves and he is now out for weeks.I am very very grateful and respect the guys who have invested in the team as well as Kieran ,however I am having serious concerns about when a win is coming.

[@fozzle182]

It's built on sand though. They've done well riding the crest of a wave but the foundations just aren't there.

[@jamiegooderham]

You’ve just watched a 50 minute interview of Mark Ashton explaining exactly how he’s built a football club from scratch from the ground up and gone on to achieve what he’s achieved to then say the foundations aren’t there. Did you watch the video? He literally said none of this is because they’re riding a wave (momentum).

[@hannecatton2179]

We´ll see .

[@davepage6428]

This has been a gradual process that has been underpinned by a core set of players whom have surpassed our expectations. The planned project was for us to get to the premiership in about 5 seasons not 2 so what you could say is that we have surprised ourselves and so have not had the time to develop a team ready for that league. However, what McKenna has done is bought well and made every player a better player meaning that we will have players we can sell for a premium if we need to.

[@alfiechenery5391]

You’re not thriving in the Prem yet..

[@billydolton7252]

@alfiechenery5391 - your nort thriving in the Championship yet... ?

[@jacksaunders6587]

We’re not getting battered by Oxford in the championship either!

[@alfiechenery5391]

@@jacksaunders6587 you should be beating sides like Everton if you want to stay up.

[@jacksaunders6587]

@@alfiechenery5391 of course we want to stay up. But that’s not reality though is it? Everton haven’t been relegated since 1951. They have a vastly experienced squad compared to ours. Half of our team were playing in league 1 18 months ago. We have 0 divine right to beat anyone in the prem. even saints and Leicester have a massive advantage over us as most of their squad have played 100s of more times in the prem than ours. We spent 100 million+ in the summer and we still have by far the lowest squad value in the league. I’m enjoying the ride and so proud of our achievements over the past two years. And I will be no matter what happens this season.

[@Benjamin00720]

Yet...