Jack Clarke’s last-minute strike secures Ipswich winning return against Sunderland

It would be fascinating to know what recruitment algorithms or eagle-eyed staff in Ipswich’s recruitment department spotted the potential and capability in Emersonn to score the goals to keep them in the Premier League. Thirteen games, no goals and a serious knee injury at the Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, two league goals in 17 games at the Turkish side Goztepe, then six in 28 at the French side Toulouse. A modest return, for sure, but it doesn’t scream ready to break down doors in the English top flight.Ipswich have spent more than £150m this summer, intent on not making the same mistakes as the last time they came up, which detailed analysis presumably showed was not spending enough money.

Emersonn became a club record signing, at £24m plus add-ons, beaten a month later by the arrival of the attacking midfielder Julio Enciso, for £26m. Continue reading...