x

Burley on Draw - Ipswich Town News

Town manager George Burley was less than pleased with his defence's contribution to his side's draw at Millwall.

The Town boss said: "We got a point today in a game we could easily have lost and we've certainly got to start better than that.

"They came out of the blocks quickly and deserved a goal, but I was disappointed with the way we started. We never really got going.

"We didn't play our best and we know that the First Division is going to be a tough league.

"Teams like Millwall are going to test us put us under pressure, and we'll have to defend better than we did today."

The second half incident where Jamie Clapham was claimed to have handled the ball was a source of complaint for Millwall after the game, however, Burley says he believes there was no intention to handle the ball from his player: "It might have struck him but it was accidental. He didn't put his hand out."

Mark McGhee was reasonably pleased with the draw, although his players were unhappy about the lack of a penalty award: "The boys in the dressing room feel very aggrieved, but I'm pleased with that. It was important for me, the signs were there we can still play against a side like Ipswich.

"I think our self-belief had gone but that will do them the power of good. I said we'd score a goal before the end of the season and I was right!"

George Burley was glad to be naming Matt Holland in his side after Aston Villa's interest and reiterated that Holland is the last player he'd want to let go: "Matt has turned them down. We are in the unfortunate position where we had to listen to offers.

"He's the last player I want to lose but he's said he wants to stay at Ipswich.

"It's no secret the teams relegated from the Premiership have found it difficult in this climate. We're not flushed with money. But we've got to take it as it comes."

What to read next:

Town Foodbanks Group After Easter Egg Donations
Ipswich Town Fans Supporting Foodbanks is asking for Easter eggs in addition to the usual tinned goods, non-perishable items and cash and card donations ahead of the Leicester City match this Saturday.
Former Blue Nash Charged With Driving Offences
Former Blues defender, academy coach and assistant caretaker-manager Gerard Nash has been charged with drink driving and dangerous driving in his native Republic of Ireland.
Azón: I'm Happy Here But I Don't Know What's Going to Happen
Town striker Iván Azón says his main objective is to get the Blues promoted back to the Premier League and that he does not know what the future holds beyond the end of the season.
EFL Confirms Championship Play-Off Expansion
The EFL has confirmed that the Championship play-off format will be expanded to six teams from next season.
Women's Duo Win U20s Caps
Town Women’s duo Ava Baker and Nelly Las came on as subs as England’s U20s beat the Netherlands 1-0 in their second friendly during their training camp in Alicante.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Women's Final Game Date Set
Ipswich Town Women’s final WSL2 game of of the season against Sunderland at the JobServe Community Stadium will take place on Saturday 2nd May (KO 3pm).
Later Kick-Off For Southampton Trip But Game Could Still Switch Date
Town’s Championship game at Southampton on Friday 3rd April has moved to a 5.30pm kick-off for live Sky Sports coverage but could still be subject to a switch of date.
Matusiwa: It's in Our Own Hands
Town midfielder Azor Matusiwa knows promotion to the Premier League is in the Blues’ hands after claiming a third win on the bounce in Tuesday’s 1-0 home success against Hull City.