Town manager Roy Keane says he doesn’t see any “negative energy” amongst his squad these days after the summer’s numerous exits. The Blues boss says he has moved on players who he felt had a less than enthusiastic attitude towards training.

Keane said: “I don’t see any negative energy, I don’t see any players coming in feeling like it’s a chore to train or play for Ipswich Town. I think every player on our books at the moment is coming in and having a right go, and that gives you a chance.

“If you’ve got players moaning all the time, thinking the world’s against them and not even able get in for a quarter-to-ten, get them out the door, I say.”

The Blues boss says some but not all of those that moved on didn’t approach training in the right way: “I think the difference from last year would be that there were players whose attitude to training I wasn’t particularly comfortable with. Deep down they knew that and that if I had half the chance I’d get shot of them. Maybe that’s the difference now with the players we’ve got at the club.

“I’m not including everyone in that, don’t think Garvs, Steady or Jon Walters are amongst them, don’t tar everyone with the same brush. But there are one or two players who have left the club because when they were out of the team they weren’t really good for the club.

“I don’t expect my players to be happy when they’re not playing, but you still have to set an example, particularly if you’ve got a bit of experience behind you. You’ve got to set an example for the younger players, like Colin Healy did at training this morning.”

Keane is pleased with Town’s first few games of the season, but isn’t getting carried away: “It’s been a decent start. We had a lot of games last year where we were unbeaten, but, of course, there were too many draws in there. We’re pleased with the start, we’ve had some tough games and we’ve got some tough games to come.

“We’re pleased with the spirit of the players, the attitude and we look forward to another tough game on Saturday.

“We’re pleased so far, but it’s only August. If we’re having this discussion in March and April, I’ll be quite happy.”

Photo: Action Images

GiveusaWave added 08:52 - Aug 27 Obviously means everyone else APART from Garvan, Walters and Steady then.... Nice to see him being so honest- I like the fact that Keane is in charge of our side. Just hope he has enough firepower this season to make a significant impact on this division....
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bleedblue added 08:57 - Aug 27 Keane speaks sense, whether people love him or hate him, he speaks the truth 99.99% of the time. He is definately the man (a winner) we need to take us up and beyond! COYB!
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brittaniaman added 09:00 - Aug 27 Well done Keano, it seems as though you have got the players on your side and they are now playing for you !!! probably a smaller squad is a happy squad. I hope that it does not backfire and comes back and bite you on the bum,( having a smaller squad I mean???? ) Keep it up Keano and I hope Steady does not score against us on Sat. COYB !!!
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Wallingford_Boy added 09:02 - Aug 27 Hmmm I wonder who he could be talking about (ole)..
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TractorMan added 09:03 - Aug 27 That'll be Bruce and Pablo then! :) Bruce always looked like a whinger!
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PimsNumber1 added 09:05 - Aug 27 He doesnt mess about.Takes no nonsense from prima donnas. Good. !! Just hope he can keep it like that and is not overwelmed by player power. Too much of that in the game nowerdays.
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Bergholtblue added 09:12 - Aug 27 I can't imagine that David Wright was amongst those with an attitude problem. Surely that decision was a financial one, or was it?
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Seasonticketsteve added 09:13 - Aug 27 Bruce, Pablo, the Wrights, Lisbie etc I am guessing. Cracking start to the season, cant wait to see the Town again tomorrow. Come on you blues!!!
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:20 - Aug 27 well for first time i agree with all he said, IM BEGINNING TO WARM to him! if only we could get a couple of good signings in to strengthen the squad i think we could have a good go at promotion this season.But if not i dont think we will be able to maintain a challenge . coyb
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lucytown added 09:24 - Aug 27 I like the way he is building a committed squad but does he have to keep having a pop at players that have gone.They have moved on -so move on .
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Bluroo added 09:25 - Aug 27 I'd be suprised if Keaneo was having a pop at his big mate Steve Bruce's son tbh.
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bedsitfc added 09:26 - Aug 27 smaller squad means lee players being out of the team so less unhappy players around, but problem with that is injurys makes us very light in numbers.
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bedsitfc added 09:27 - Aug 27 lee i mean less ^^^^^^
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TractorGeek added 09:37 - Aug 27 How unreasonable that you might get miffed if you are an adequate Town striker who has seen the like of Haynes replaced with Martin at vast expense - and then yourself replaced with complete duds like Priskin, Stern John, Healy, Murphy etc etc. Sorry but it is Keane's incompetence & intolerance that alienated players ... and the revolving door of duds just made things worse

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jas0999 added 09:44 - Aug 27 Fair enough. The problem with a overky large squad is you can't please anyone, which will inevitably lead to unrest. Of course there are also problems with a small squad (injuries etc.), but the important thing is everyone is playing - happy players.
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DidcotBlue added 09:57 - Aug 27 Any News on a new contract for Norris and Keane himself?
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Back_The_Boss added 10:00 - Aug 27 Keane will be offered a new contract nearer the end of the season. See how well he does this season and what he achieves.
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JayITFC added 10:01 - Aug 27 Anyone suggesting either Wright is having a laugh...
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bluelady added 10:04 - Aug 27 i think this is mainly aimed at Ole Ole Pablo..... also dont forget Lisbie etc. Anyways those who think midfield is bare, we still have our wonder ace Quinn!!!! (actually to be fair to him he dont set the world on fire but id rather him than healy any day).
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alsagerblue added 10:16 - Aug 27 Remember Sane Supple retired a year ago because he was fed up with the poor attitude of a number of his fellow players. The training ground is no longer a holiday camp that was rumoured to be the case under Jim. Well done to Keano for sorting it out.
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grumpyoldman added 10:24 - Aug 27 Lisbie on loan all last season, so not him; Richard Wright injured most of the season so not him; David Wright in team most of season, possibly him; Bruce out of team most of season, sent out on loan, him probably; Pablo out of starting eleven most of season and not the most enthusiastic trainer, definitely him. As for TractorGeek's comment about Haynes being an adequate striker how often did he score for us, how often has he scored for Bristol City, lots of pace no brain

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Frase1987 added 10:26 - Aug 27 I think pablo has been publicly bashed enough roy... get over it ffs.
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danesmill added 10:27 - Aug 27 What a positive attitude - let's see it continue to the seasons end and our promotion to the Premiership!!!!!
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dubblue added 10:27 - Aug 27 Can't disagree with anything the manager said! While a small squad may be a happy one, fans won't be happy if results don't go our way if/when injuries and suspensions take there toll!
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Bluestallion added 10:47 - Aug 27 This article fills me with so much hope. Clubs up and down the country panda to some of these players. I am feeling more confident now with this professional attitude of the WHOLE squad you can see it in the performances. Keane is running the club in the right way. Onwards and upwards! Fantastic!
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