Wizard McKenna: As simple as that! Ed Sheeran Ipswich town has finally taken exceptional bold steps into different level as McKenna stylishly unwrapped a new king” capable of leading the entire squads” Dara O’Shea called him major surprise…
Dara O’Shea Hails ‘Unbelievable’ Ipswich Town Signing While Ashley Young Stuns Him
Ipswich Town’s summer business has made headlines once again—this time for drawing high praise from one of their own. Centre-back Dara O’Shea, who joined the club in July from Burnley, has hailed new midfield arrival Lewis Fiorini as an “unbelievable” addition to the squad, while revealing he’s been taken aback by the enduring quality of veteran Ashley Young in training.
The Tractor Boys are in the midst of a Championship campaign filled with expectation after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. But with Kieran McKenna remaining at the helm and a mix of youth and experience brought in during the transfer window, optimism is growing at Portman Road.
And O’Shea, already settling into life in Suffolk, made it clear that Fiorini’s impact has not gone unnoticed among the squad.
“He’s Unbelievable on the Ball”
Speaking to club media following a recent training session, O’Shea couldn’t hide his admiration for Fiorini, the former Manchester City midfielder who arrived at Ipswich this summer on a permanent deal.
> “Lewis is unbelievable on the ball,” said O’Shea. “The first time I saw him train, you could just tell he had something special. His composure, his eye for a pass—it’s top level. He just makes the game look effortless at times, and that’s not easy in a league as competitive as the Championship.”
The 22-year-old Fiorini has already shown glimpses of his creativity in pre-season friendlies, dictating tempo and linking up seamlessly with the likes of Sam Morsy and Jack Taylor in the middle of the park. Ipswich fans are hopeful that Fiorini can become a long-term fixture and elevate their midfield to a new level.
> “He’s got that Manchester City academy polish about him,” O’Shea continued. “But he’s also not afraid to get stuck in, which is what you need in this league. Honestly, it’s a brilliant bit of business from the club.”
Surprise Package: Ashley Young
While Fiorini’s talent might have been expected given his pedigree, one name has surprised O’Shea for entirely different reasons—Ashley Young.
At 40, Young is entering the twilight of a storied career that has taken him from Watford to Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and back to Villa before his shock move to Ipswich this summer. His arrival raised eyebrows, but those doubts are being quickly erased behind the scenes.
> “Ashley is just different class,” O’Shea admitted. “You think he’s coming in just for the experience or the dressing room leadership—but then you see him on the pitch, and it’s like he hasn’t lost a step.”
O’Shea said he was particularly stunned by Young’s technical level and positional awareness, often schooling younger players with ease during tactical drills.
> “I was stunned the first time we did a small-sided game and he was absolutely running it. He reads everything a second before everyone else. The way he talks, leads, and delivers in training is incredible. You don’t play at the top for that long by luck.”
Young is expected to play a hybrid role this season—part mentor, part on-field asset. McKenna has hinted at using him both as a full-back and as a midfield anchor in certain tactical setups.
A Culture of Ambition
With a dressing room now featuring players like O’Shea, Fiorini, and Young—alongside homegrown talents like Leif Davis and George Edmundson—Ipswich are building more than just a squad. They’re creating a culture.
> “Everyone’s hungry,” O’Shea said. “There’s no one coasting. Whether it’s a young lad breaking through or someone like Ashley who’s seen it all, the energy is the same. We all want to push this club forward.”
The Republic of Ireland international believes Ipswich’s recruitment this summer shows a clear vision: blend youth, experience, and ambition to craft a promotion-calibre side.
> “What’s happening here feels different,” he added. “You can see the project and feel it every day. The gaffer is demanding but fair, and he’s got a very smart football brain. The signings reflect that.”
What’s Next for Ipswich?
With the Championship season now in full swing, Ipswich are aiming to build early momentum. McKenna’s side will face a string of tough fixtures in August, but early signs suggest they’re ready for the challenge.
The chemistry between new signings and existing players is growing with every session, and the leadership of experienced professionals like Young could prove invaluable.
> “People might look at Ashley and think it’s just a name,” O’Shea said. “But when you’re in the trenches, you need players who’ve been there, done that—and still have the drive to go again. He’s got that.”
As for Fiorini, O’Shea believes fans haven’t seen anything yet.
> “He’s just getting started. Once he hits his stride, I think he’s going to light up this league.”
With such glowing endorsements from within the squad, Ipswich Town supporters have every reason to believe this could be a season to remember.
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