Former Town manager George Burley is backing Joe Royle to be successful at Portman Road. New man Royle said at his press conference on Monday that he knows his predecessor very well.

The former Blues' boss, who is in the running for the Stoke job, says he thinks Royle and assistant Willie Donachie can turn Town's season around: "I was on the phone yesterday from my holiday hotel to give Joe a good luck message.

"I know him and his number two Willie Donachie very well. My teams have played against theirs many times and I also regard them as friends. Willie and I used to play for Scotland together.

"The pair have worked together over many years at Oldham, Everton and Manchester City. They are a successful team and I know they will do a good job at Portman Road."

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