x

Joe on Draw - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle says that Hermann Hreidarsson will be out for at least three weeks after picking up an injury just above his knee in the 0-0 draw with Stoke City.

The Town manager said of the Icelander: "Hermann has a wide gash just above his knee that has gone through the skin and muscle.

"The doctor says it will take a minimum of three weeks to heal. After that we've got to hope that there is no muscular damage.

"We had our chances, came up against an inspired goalkeeper in Mark Crossley, and should have had a penalty.

"Crossley lost the ball and then grabbed at Hreidarsson pulling him back. I am not making an issue of it. The referee made one mistake in 90 minutes."

"Stoke came here for a point. They blocked the area up and fair play to them. There were so many big bodies that we needed a break and it didn't happen.

"We've just got to keep going and win two more matches than Wolves if we are to claim a play-off place."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was pleased with his side's endeavours: "For the first time since I've been with the club we changed the system. We played three at the back after only a couple of days to work on it.

"We threw heads in, got bodies in the way, and that's what we will need if we are going to stay up.

"Everyone played a part in a very good defensive team performance and Mark Crossley brought off some terrific saves.

"With a bit more quality we might have caused Ipswich more problems.

"It's going to fluctuate at the bottom of the table, but I am planning to bring in one or two new players just to give us a chance.

"It will be difficult to stay up and our problem has been that we have been inconsistent."

What to read next:

Supporters Club Recruiting For Leadership Team
Following Town’s recent growth and capturing of the hearts of fans across the country, the Official Ipswich Town Supporters Club is seizing the moment to grow its leadership team and is calling on passionate supporters to get involved.
Hirst: It's About Self-Pride
Town may already be relegated to the Championship, but Blues striker George Hirst insists there is still plenty to play for in the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Young Keeper Gray Braintree Young Player of the Season
On-loan Blues keeper Henry Gray has been named Braintree Town’s Young Player of the Season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Celebration of Town Women's Promotion on Cornhill
Ipswich Borough Council is inviting fans to celebrate Ipswich Town Women’s promotion to the Women’s Championship for the first time at an event on the Cornhill on Saturday morning from 11.20am.
Ticket Window For Town Fans For Sheeran Gigs
Town season ticket holders and members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale window for July’s three Ed Sheeran concerts at Portman Road on Thursday.
U21s Beaten By Fleetwood in Final Game
Town's U21 side rounded off their Professional Development League Two South campaign with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday morning, with captain Tommy Taylor netting in the second half.
Huni: Wardley Fight a Gift I Took With Both Hands
Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni says being called in as a late replacement to face Fabio Wardley for the interim WBA World Heavyweight title at Portman Road on June 7th is a gift which he took with both hands.
Al-Hamadi: I Felt the Love Throughout My Time at Stoke
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi has thanked everyone at Stoke City following the completion of his loan spell with the Championship side.
Bruce: Baggott a Smashing Lad and a Smashing Pro
Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce has praised “smashing lad and smashing pro” Elkan Baggott following the end of the central defender’s loan spell with the Seasiders, who named him their Community Champion.