Ipswich appoint Arsenal's 2006 conqueror
While few believed that Ipswich were wrong to sack Roy Keane with his side struggling in 19th in the Championship, the timing of the dismissal was questioned given that they axed him on Friday ahead of a no-hope FA Cup trip to Chelsea and the home leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
However, after suffering a 7-0 hammering at Stamford Bridge under Ian McParland's temporary stewardship, the club have moved quickly to announce the former Sunderland manager's successor by bringing in Paul Jewell, who has been out of work since leaving Derby just over two years ago.
And it may prove to be an inspired appointment because Jewell was the boss when Arsenal, less than a year after their previous trophy triumph and back when it was unthinkable that they would go six years without any silverware, were knocked out by Wigan at this stage in the 2005-06 competition.
The Gunners are overwhelming [1.53] favourites to claim the Carling Cup for the first time under Arsene Wenger, whereas Ipswich are a massive [9.8] to win at Portman Road on Wednesday alone.
Yet perhaps that's not entirely surprising as the East Anglian team have made the unusual decision to keep McParland in charge despite Sunday's heavy defeat and the fact Jewell would have been at the helm for over 48 hours and this appears an ideal opportunity to let new manager syndrome take effect.
Do you agree with us that keeping Jewell out of the dugout is damaging Ipswich's chances of shocking Arsenal? The Premier League side are [1.4] to win the first leg...
Published: 10 Jan 2011
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