Former Town boss Roy Keane says he is hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road. The Irishman was told that his time with the Blues was at an end yesterday via a phone call from club owner and chairman Marcus Evans.
Keane released a statement via the League Managers’ Association: "I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road. Results haven’t been as good as I’d have hoped so far this season and when results aren’t good the manager gets the sack, that’s the game.
"However, I have a genuine belief that we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around. We were preparing well for our visit to Chelsea on Sunday and then our Carling Cup semi with Arsenal. Getting to that semi proves what I know the team is capable of.
"I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club. I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well.”
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA added: "Roy is one of the most committed and dedicated managers in the game and without a doubt leaving Ipswich will be very disappointing for him.
"Roy’s departure though, typifies him, in his honest and forthright appraisal of his departure. This season’s run with the club in the Carling Cup is testament to his ability in getting the best out of his team in big games and it is disappointing that he has not been given the opportunity to lead out Ipswich in their first cup semi-final for thirty-odd years [sic].”