It is clear to see that Ipswich Town have struggled in front of goal immensely this season, and the Bury man could be the answer to their problems.
Bury’s James Vaughan in action with AFC Wimbledon’s Jonathan Meades
Having only scored 37 goals in as many games this season, Ipswich Town’s position in the Championship table with nine games to go is reflected by their inability to score enough goals. The club currently lie in 16th and are seven points above the relegation places.
Whilst the drop down to League One seems unlikely, they are looking over their shoulders anxiously as they try to avoid getting themselves dragged into a relegation scrap. They are unbeaten in eight but have picked up six draws during this run. Their shortcomings in front of goal has prevented the Tractor Boys from driving on up the table.
Ipswich lack the firepower to mount a serious promotion push and investment is needed to bolster the club’s forward options. The future of Mick McCarthy is uncertain as the feeling of stagnation is the general consensus amongst supporters. Whilst McCarthy has done a commendable job with limited resources, it may be time for a fresh start.
Whether McCarthy is at the helm or not next season, it is still expected to be business as usual next season as the club bid to reach the Premier League on a tight budget. A striker that can bring his team 20+ goals in the Championship is hard to identify even with a generous transfer budget. For a team in Ipswich Town’s financial position, the loan market has to be fully utilised. Tom Lawrence, on loan from Leicester City, is the club’s leading goalscorer with 11 goals to his name. Fellow forwards Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Brett Pitman have 10 goals shared between them.
Mick McCarthy’s future at Portman Road is unclear
Bury striker James Vaughan could be the answer to their problems in front of goal. The 28-year old has been in fine form in League One this season. He has scored 20 goals for a side who have been in the midst of a relegation battle for much of the campaign, even though the Shakers have started to pull away to safety thanks to Vaughan’s goalscoring exploits in recent weeks.
Vaughan is a product of the Everton youth academy and the majority of his career has been spent in the treatment room as injuries have hampered a promising career. After a number of spells with Championship clubs, Vaughan signed for Bury in the summer and his willingness to drop down a division to rediscover his goal scoring touch is commendable. There is no doubt that the talent he possesses exceeds League One standard.
If Vaughan can stay injury free and continue his form until the end of the season, a host of Championship clubs will be queueing up for him as he would be available at an affordable price, even for cash strapped Ipswich. Vaughan will be entering the peak years of his career; with his confidence restored and scoring boots laced firmly back up, the two seem to be a perfect fit.
Ipswich Town are the joint fourth lowest scorers in the division
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