Boss Joe Royle says he expects Nottingham Forest to stay up despite his side's 6-0 walloping of Gary Megson's men at Portman Road. The Town manager felt playing three centre-halves very much suited the players at his disposal.

Royle said: "I feel a bit for Gary Megson and I still think that Forest will stay up. They were unfortunate to catch us in this mood.

"I am told it was the biggest win since I have been here. Ipswich is unique; they want three points and a performance as well. Today they managed to get both.

"They got caught out a little today but three away games in a week is a hard programme and they found us at our best.

"Our system today suited everyone and it's nice when it works, but it doesn't mean that we will play it that way in the future.

"This result was a big confidence booster and when our first goal went in you could almost hear the hissing as the pressure was being released.

"It was hard to pick a man of a match because there were so many candidates. Our frontmen, Kuqi and Bent, were involved in everything and Tommy Miller gave his best performance since he has been with the club.

"I don't want to go over the top but our bench looked as strong as it has been all season."

Gary Megson was understandably downcast: "From the very first minute we did not look to be at the races. We were second to every ball and it was only a matter of time before they scored.

"I was disappointed at the manner of the first goal but after that the floodgates opened. We were a yard off the pace.

"We had a good hiding but I am hopeful that it was just a one-off. We have had two wins from three away games but obviously we were well-beaten today.

"There were no positives, apart from the performance of Gareth Taylor who battled away manfully up front.

"There were extenuating circumstances but if I go into them they will be viewed as excuses. We must just put this result behind us.

"We have 10 big games left and the only saving grace today is that none of the other teams near the foot of the table managed to win.

"Paul Gerrard said this was the first time that he had conceded six goals and I cannot remember a score like that in my managerial career. It hurts.

"One or two of our players had problems with illness but I don't want to take anything away from Ipswich. It was as good a performance at this level as I have seen. They were marvellous. They were on a run of three poor results but really got after us."

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