Boss Roy Keane conceded that he has a big challenge ahead if the Blues are to compete with the likes of West Brom at the right end of the Championship table this season. The Town manager hinted that the final week of the transfer window could be a busy time at Portman Road.

Keane was impressed with the Baggies as Roberto Di Matteo’s side outclassed his team: “We saw today West Brom, a team which are obviously going places, and we don’t look like we’re going anywhere too fast, so we have a big challenge ahead.

"I always knew that the job would be difficult, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is a massive, massive challenge over the next few months. It is sink or swim for the players.

“We need to do better and I don't want to keep saying it. We don't look much of a goal threat and we are giving bad goals away. That is a recipe for trouble, so it is going to be very, very hard. But it can be done. You have to believe that we can turn it around.

"The Championship season is very long and you have to believe that we can get up to speed - sooner rather than later. Against Albion we gave a couple of bad goals away and we need to do better."

The Blues boss was impressed with Richard Wright’s superb display and Jack Colback’s performance from the bench: "Wrighty was outstanding for us and one of the few positives for us.

"Sometimes you have to look for pluses from a game and his performance was one of them, along with Jack Colback, who did what you want from a midfielder; close players down and use the ball when you have it.

"He has put himself into contention to play Tuesday night, but there is no denying there has to be a big improvement on what we have done so far.

"I've probably played it down over the last few weeks, but we are short in certain areas of the park.

"I have given players a chance to show what they can do and they have not taken it. I can't be accused of not giving people an opportunity and certainly things have got to change if results are going to improve."

Baggies boss Di Matteo was delighted with his side’s display: "Three points, clean sheet, a great performance. It was a good evening for us.

"Ipswich have a certain Richard Wright in their goal, who is a very good goalkeeper and had a very good game as well. We were convincing throughout the game I thought."

But Di Matteo dismissed suggestions that Town were a poor side: "There is always a dilemma.

"If you play well people assume the opposition isn't as good. But they have a good team. They moved the ball around, were dangerous, so it was a hard afternoon for Ipswich - but they're a good side.

"Ipswich are not a poor team. I would disagree with anyone saying otherwise. Yes, they've had a poor start but there are 42 games left. You can be in mid-table at Christmas and still get promoted. It's a long, long hard season."

Photo: Action Images

Lowestoft_Tench added 21:39 - Aug 22 another honest assessment from keane. i think he has been trying to kid himself it wasn't as bad as it was but has now realised he can't brush it aside anymore. bit of a u-turn though regarding signings though. last week he said side was settled and no more players coming and now it seems like it could be like rush hour on the m25 next week. i think from what we've witnessed these last 4 games his task is harder than he thought it would be. if he's short of funds he can borrow some of the £3500 i won on the fixed odds today :)

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ITFCson added 21:54 - Aug 22 Im in oz, but managed to pay 30quid and get to watch us live on some arabian online site...Tbh i never expected miracles, WBA are a quality team but we were useless...its a bit concerning when the positive people draw to is wrighty making all them quality saves...surely thats a negative because it means we have been in a game where our goal has constantly been peppered. Wrighty is 1 player we know most about, we dont need him to have to make all those saves to prove his worth, and although it means he is in good form he rarely dips in form...unlike most the others. Its good to see keane willing to change things around, just a shame it didnt bring any extra quality, i cringed as smith went for the tackle on there lad...you see from a mile off he was gonna chop him and concede a pen. As keano mention, and imo 1 outfield player which was a positive was the ginger lad...looked like he wanted the ball and willing to put himself about. Despite all this doom and gloom confidence is a key factor and hopefully when we get that elusive win we will start to grow in confidence and start climbing the table. Im sure its dead in the water, but how a certain gio in our team would make things seem so much brighter

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Legendsof78 added 22:00 - Aug 22 Simple reality - we are not good enough...Roy has said the same before...I work in a business where you are only as good as your last deal...in RK's world you are only as good as your last result - in that case 1 point out of 12 means that RK should be on a PIP = performance improvement plan. Wisen up people a win will mean confidence but the team have gone backwards this season. Like I said previously Gio was a massive signing for us last season..

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noitan added 22:12 - Aug 22 We look deficient all over the place. The defenders make too many errors and the midfield (without Norris) looks weak and we have no threat up front. We have an excellent goalkeeper which is amazing considering he has to play behind that jittery defence. An experienced and solid CB is neede as well as a left back. Let's hope RK is busy in transfer market next week.
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Mark added 22:12 - Aug 22 "Sink or swim for the players" - I think there is just too much pressure on the players out there, many of whom are young and developing and don't (yet) have the required quality. I am delighted that Marcus Evans bought the club, although I am not sure the team have played with the confidence and flair that was present before the money and pressure came along. If we really want the team to get promoted, it is either a case of spending big to bring in quality players now or stick with youth (Balkestein, Smith, Trotter, Peters, Wickham, Priskin etc.) and give them a time to develop without so much pressure, so they can play with confidence and not fear of mistakes.

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Greektractor added 22:31 - Aug 22 ME is not going to give us lots of money, as keane was quoted saying, "people think we are going to be the chelsea of the championship. This is not the case". Any players we want to get in have to be countered with a sale. Lets all take a reality check and be honest for a second. Its not looking good.
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3wheeltractorboy added 22:40 - Aug 22 After watching todays display I am for the first time WORRIED that we may have chosen the wrong man for the job. I know it's still early but.... RK signings Delaney and Healy were not even in the 18 man squad today (and righly so) but this is a worry as these are his purchases. The defence looks dodgy right accross the back, Pim had a nighmare today and Smith is no left back. In Midfield we have no creativity and backbone, Garvan has gone backwards, and Man U must be rubbing their hand with glee for the money they received for Martin (another RK signing) Up front is difficult to tell as chances are not being created for our frontmen, so cannot really judge. The only sure thing is that Richard Wright saved us today from an absolute hammering. Please Roy do something about this before people start talking about local Derby's with Norwich again next year in League 1.

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JesusStockwell added 23:01 - Aug 22 Our current midfield is the worst that I've seen for a long long time. I personally think that Garvan is really overated & it showed today, if he wondered why he hasn't been starting games this season then he should sit down tomorrow & watch he's 1st half performance. His partner in crime Trotter isn't much better and if RK is trying to mold him into a defensive holding midfielder then it really isn't working. Is it really such a surprise that we are not creating chances for the strikers when our midfield performs like that?? I'd like to see the young lad Colback partner Quinn in the centre next week as I thought he was outstanding when he came on at half time. 1 point out of 12 simply isn't good enough so let's all hope that they start PLAYING as a TEAM SOON!!!!

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Luke8644 added 23:09 - Aug 22 calm down, all we can do is get behind the boys no matter what, no booing whatsoever, and take some pressure and lower expectation for a little while, youngsters are being pressured to perform and there not so this is a problem, the defence is a new backline so have to settle in, The midfield well work is needed and we need a goal threat so we need a LB, a creative CM and a goal threat, And as for doubt for RK, well thats perfetic, get off his and the teams backs to perform and maybe we will, so get behind the boys tuesday and saturday and lets go! COYB!!!

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jas0999 added 23:10 - Aug 22 Roy has inherited a very poor side from Jim and hasn't helped himslef by signing Delaney and Healy - but he did at least drop them. It is a massive task and yet again us fans have been led on by all the spin from PR. This year will clearly be a mid table season - building for next.
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mantreeblue added 23:11 - Aug 22 itfcson go to justintv it is free.what i can not understand is the he sold average players cheap the paid over the top price for poor players.bruce should be in the holden midfield spot.priskin should start with walters and pabs sitting just behind them.
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finidigeorge88 added 23:33 - Aug 22 Compete with West Brom, you having a joke im sorry if you get rid of these players who you say arn't good enough Shumi, Miller yes there wernt good enough in where us fans thought that the owner and the manager wanted to go but they havn't been replaced with though quality was coming in and nothing has materialised you have a long season ahead of you Keane and i wouldn't be suprised if he resigned before christmas. Centre midfielder left back and centre half are needed quickly before we join norwich in league 1 i hate to say it this early on but it could well happen.

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devontractorboy added 23:35 - Aug 22 An honest assessment from keane, lets hope it's a very busy last week in the transfer window, we need quality and experience NOW!!!!!
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UEFA81 added 23:39 - Aug 22 Absolute crap! I'm a very angry man tonight. One point out of twelve? You're taking the p*ss Keane! It hurts to see my beloved Town in such a lowly position and with all those complete t*ssers on the pitch I can't see it getting any better in the forseeable. Yeah, let's bring more new players in and give them time to 'gel' as well because this shower of sh*te certainly haven't. We had quite a decent team at the end of last season which has been completely decimated by a man who thinks he actually knows something about management. Embarrassing, cringe-inducing disgusting rubbish. Get your act together Keane or ship out!

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dobbie73 added 23:39 - Aug 22 Yes it has been a very poor start to the season, but its still early doors and WAAAAY to early to panic! I'm sure Keano will turn it around before long.... Let's hope he makes full use of the remaining transfer window period.
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bluelad7 added 23:56 - Aug 22 we need jack bell..end. abbot DARLING, where are you when we need you?! In RK I still trust.
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Dolly2.0 added 00:07 - Aug 23 Well UEFA81 you've changed your tune!
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Keaneish added 00:39 - Aug 23 Right, we need a spine for the team and we need it within the next 8 days! Here's some names Keane, go get them: Up front: David Healey/Jermaine Beckford...Gio Dos Santos Defenders: Paul McShane/ Tal Ben Haim/ Michael Ball Midfielders: Er...no idea on midfield options. Badly need someone with experience though..over to you Keano!
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superblue121 added 01:25 - Aug 23 Indeed it will be a challenge, the main problem that Roy must sort quick is the strongest Ipswich line up as well as the formation.If he gets this right i can still see Ipswich having good season. COYB ! ! !
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adamisablue added 03:18 - Aug 23 keanish. gio will NOT come back, he can choose any club in the world, and he'd want to play with top class plaers, i mean u would catch gordan ramsey working at weathersoons. leeds will NOT sell beckfod they stated that they will risk losing him on a free if he gets them up. as for the others it would have to be a loan. ask nowrich about loans to get out of touble...

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barnesey added 07:04 - Aug 23 Keane is the problem, not part of the solution. In a few weeks he has managed to destroy the morale of everyone at the club. His worst act was demanding the space at the training ground needed by the Acadamy, for his own air conditioned office which he uses for only about an hour a week. He demands his players live in Ipswich whilst he lives in Manchester and comes here on average 2 days a week. The Acadamy now works out of a cupboard! Meanwhile the players have no confidence, no leader, no characters, no camaraderie and can't wait to get away. The only ones that can are the good ones while we are left with the players nobody wants. Relegation is a clear possibility. Don't expect Keane to stay around much longer. Here's hoping sooner rather than later!

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greyhound33 added 07:19 - Aug 23 We have no spine !! No leader to lead from the back, nobody to drive us from midfiled and lack any punch up front !! Pablo will hold the ball up and bring players into the game but we need people to peel off him -and come from mid-field to create or score , McCauley is not a leader he cant even get off the floor , 5 times a scout looked at him and told Magilton not to sign him and he did , i think keane had to sign Dilly Dally Delaney as it was in progression when he came /they are both big lumps that cant jump , least keane has seen this and dropped them , its obvious Mr Keane you need a play making mid-field player and a 20 goal a season man - instead of signing numpties get a few mill out and sign NUGETT .

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Mark added 07:21 - Aug 23 finidigeorge88's comment about Shumi and Miller not being replaced is absolutely right. I considered both to be average Championship players, not good enough to take us up, but we have replaced them in the centre with the likes of Healy, Trotter and Peters who are well below being average Championship central midfielders. With Garvan not living up to his potential for whatever reason and Norris injured, it really is a sorry time for our central midfield. Without it working in the centre of the park, the defence is under so much pressure and will make mistakes and the strikers are starved or service so look poor. Sort it out, Roy!

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Trevor_A added 07:24 - Aug 23 while it is right to say that keano inherited an inadequate squad,some of his signings dont appear to be any better than what we already have.healy and delaney have been poor while lee martin has been a disappointment so far.a lack of pace in defence is obvious along with a lightweight and uncreatative midfield which is leaving our strikers with few opportunities.we do need someone fast up front to pair off with stead.wickham will do a job when needed but i think we need someone with a little more experience who can make their runs off steads hold up play. more worrying is the ease at which our players are brushed off the ball when in possession.the wba game highlighted this.given time,keane will get it right but this squad doesnt yet have the quality to push for top 6.

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Trevor_A added 07:28 - Aug 23 while it is right to say that keano inherited an inadequate squad,some of his signings dont appear to be any better than what we already have.healy and delaney have been poor while lee martin has been a disappointment so far.a lack of pace in defence is obvious along with a lightweight and uncreatative midfield which is leaving our strikers with few opportunities.we do need someone fast up front to pair off with stead.wickham will do a job when needed but i think we need someone with a little more experience who can make their runs off steads hold up play. more worrying is the ease at which our players are brushed off the ball when in possession.the wba game highlighted this.given time,keane will get it right but this squad doesnt yet have the quality to push for top 6.

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