Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna dismisses link between playing style and Premier League struggles ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers encounter

Kieran McKenna has dismissed the suggestion that Ipswich Town’s playing style has been the reason behind their struggles in the Premier League.

Wednesday evening’s 2-1 victory at Bournemouth was just the fourth win that the Tractor Boys have recorded since their return to the top flight – and they go into tomorrow’s crucial clash at Portman Road against Wolverhampton Wanderers nine points adrift of both their opponents and safety.

In recent weeks pundits such as Danny Murphy and Tony Cascarino have questioned the way in which Ipswich have operated under McKenna, with the pair suggesting that the boss should have opted for a more pragmatic approach following promotion from the Championship.

However, McKenna has rebuffed that notion and insisted that his side have been ‘really versatile’ from a tactical standpoint.

McKenna, who has confirmed that he has a number of selection decisions to make for the visit of Wolves, said: “Across the season, we've been really versatile, would be my opinion. I think we've built the success of the club on a style over the last couple of years.

“This year we've had games where we've pressed higher, games where we've defended deeper, games where we've built up, shorter games where we've gone over the press, games where you could call or shape a back five games where you could call or shape a back four.

“We've tried to be really versatile in the games and give ourselves the best chance to compete in every game.

“The reality is if there was one tweak or one style or one way of doing things that would mean that we would have a greater chance of having a lot more points on the board, then we would use it.

“The challenges we've had this season are numerous and in my opinion they're not particularly linked to playing style.”