FT Portsmouth 0 Ipswich Town 4 Recap as shameful display leaves Blues four points off drop zone

Pompey welcome big-spending Ipswich Town tonight as they look for a response to Saturday's battering at Rotherham United.

And, of course, there will be a little edge to the occasion as former Blues boss Paul Cook returns to Fratton Park in charge of the Tractor Boys.

It’s not gone according to plan for the Scouser this term, with Ipswich struggling early on in the campaign despite the expensive overhaul at Portman Road.

But Cook’s side are showing clear signs of improvement and are now on a run of one defeat in seven going into tonight’s game under the lights.

There are a number of sub plots to the clash, with Conor Chaplin and Ipswich coach Gary Roberts back on their old stomping ground.

And Joe Morrell will line up for Pompey, after spurning Ipswich’s advances to link up with Danny Cowley this summer.We’ll be building up to tonight’s intriguing encounter with all the talking points before the teams drop at 6.45pm.

There will be reaction to that along with more discussion and video ahead of kick-off.

Then it’s live blow-by-blow commentary on what promises to be a lively meeting at PO4.

LIVE Pompey 0 Ipswich Town 4

Key Events

One change for Pompey - Curtis in for Ogilvie
Paul Cook launches into pre-match rant on arrival at Fratton
Bonne opens scoring after Bazunu howler (41min)
Chaplin makes it 2-0 (54min)
Aluko with the third (58min)
Burns makes it 4-0 (75min)

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 19:48 BST

Action underway

Ipswich start the game attacking the Fratton End

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 19:45 BST

Players on the pitch - kick-off moments away

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 19:41 BST

Form guide

Pompey on a run of one win in 11 in all comps going into tonight’s game - while Ipswich are improving with one loss in seven

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 19:36 BST

Atmosphere warming up nicely

That Paul Cook rant has now gone viral and is providing the talking point heading into tonight’s clash. As is things needed ramping up anyway!

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 19:06 BST

Paul Cook his usual calm, placid self on his arrival tonight!

Chief sports writer Neil Allen in the firing line now!

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 18:40 BST

Paul Cook his normal, calm self on his arrival!

Here’s the former Pompey boss ranting at chief sports writer Neil Allen after his arrival at Fratton tonight!

Tue, 19 Oct, 2021, 16:47 BST

Fascinating insight from Danny Cowley on his relationship with Paul Cook.

Here’s the Pompey boss’ quotes...

‘I know Paul pretty well, I’ve got to know him over the years and managed against him many times.

‘He’s a great guy, a good character, larger than life. He lives in the fast lane, loves his football and enjoys his life. Good on him.

‘We will be doing everything we can to win the game for our respective clubs, but afterwards no doubt he will come to the manager’s office and have a beer from our fridge.

‘I don’t drink, it will be more for them! They’ve got a long trip back so we’ll make sure we look after them.

‘We obviously came across each other a few times during the last transfer window.

‘With Joe Morrell, as managers you are kind of after similar players. We couldn’t compete with Ipswich financially, but Joe is probably a different one because of our relationship.

‘Paul had every right, he knows a good player, that’s why he wanted Joe.

‘In the case of Michael Jacobs, unfortunately that didn’t happen and that can occur in football sometimes.

‘Paul and I spoke about it, he’s a good guy and worked with Michael before. It wasn’t ideal with the way it unfolded.

‘It’s a great game, but, as managers, we don’t have all the control in these situations, sometimes other things happen.

‘We can always have the best of intentions and somebody like Paul certainly does – and has good values. For whatever reason, that transfer didn’t happen.

‘It’s never personal, it’s just professional. In football, you have to respect what is professional and what is personal, and make sure they don’t overlap.

‘When the final whistle goes, whatever happens, you leave it behind, thank your opponent and move forward.’

‘Paul has a clear way of playing and been a very good manager everywhere he’s gone.

‘He has recruited really, really well this summer, putting together a very strong team.

‘I would imagine it’s probably the strongest squad of players he’s ever had for the relative level. They haven’t just quite managed to get the consistency of results.

‘I am sure when he does, he’ll have similar successes at Ipswich.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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