Town chairman David Sheepshanks has told Town's players, coaching staff and manager that it is up to them to turn Town's season around. The chairman said he empathised with fans angry at Town's faltering start to the season.

The chairman described the performance at Stoke as "lacklustre", and says the
club's players and staff have to put the season back on the right track: "We know that we have the players and I'm looking for the manager, coaches and those players to put things right. The tide will turn I'm sure, but it won't turn on its own.

"It's going to need a lot of application, commmitment, passion and desire to be the winners in this division that we feel we should be. Our position may look sorry reading now, biy a run of wins can change things very quickly."

Sheepshanks added that Tuesday's match with Brighton and Saturday's clash with Derby are crucial, perhaps indicating that his patience may be wearing thin.

The chairman has consistently backed his manager over the years, but more poor results could see some difficult decisions having to be made at Portman Road.

The chairman also called on fans to get behind the side, telling the club site: "The league table makes sorry reading at the moment but it can change very quickly once we get back on the winning trail.

"I felt sorry for the 2,000 supporters who travelled to Stoke and they had every right to boo at the end (but not at half-time), however I hope the fans can all get behind the team and support them in the games at Portman Road this week and encourage them back to the elusive form of which we know they are absolutely capable.

"Nothing is to be gained by getting on the players' backs other than damaging their self-confidence and putting them further on edge. The players are very clear of what is required.

"All of our successes to date have been gained by working hard as one team. I know George Burley and his coaches are looking hard as to how we can gel best and a couple of wins back to back can make all the difference.

"There are two big games this week and two wins come Saturday night would make everyone feel a lot better."

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