x

We're Not Giving Up - Joe - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle says that although it will be difficult he has not given up on his side reaching the play-offs.

Royle was less than impressed with his side's display in the first 45 minutes: "We were a bit flat in the first half and our passing was here there and everywhere.

"But we couldn't get it into the box and we need to mix it at times and be a bit more direct. I thought Naylor was outstanding and he could have nicked it at the end.

"We are suffering from a lot of injuries at present and we are down to the academy boys. But we are not going to give up reaching the play-offs. It will be hard but we knew that when the season started."

Palace boss Trevor Francis is equally determined to get his side into the play-off places: "There are 11 games to go and we are not going to give up.

"We don't have to win all 11 but it would be nice. There are a lot of teams in a more favourable position than Crystal Palace and there are a lot of vital home games coming up so I am sure there will be a few surprises between now and the end of the season.

"Both teams needed a win tonight and it was evident in the attacking play from both sides. I was pleased the way we played in the first half although I thought we gave the away side plenty of possession.

"We saw in the second half that Ipswich have some talented players and showed what a good side they are. And when they put Pablo Couñago on it forced more pressure on us. Even in our poorer moments of the game we still tried to be positive. But there are times in the game when you have to defend and need to be more confident on the ball.

"All too often we treated the ball like a hot potato rather than pass the ball around. Ipswich taught us a lesson as they passed and they passed and they passed."

What to read next:

Townsend: We Need to Get That Winning Feeling Back
Town full-back Conor Townsend believes it is important to get into the habit of winning again following the Blues’ 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Charlton Athletic.
U18s Beaten at Bury
Town's U18s were well-beaten 3-0 by Bury Town at Ram Meadow on Tuesday evening as the non-league side reclaimed the Martin Swallow Memorial Trophy, with two of their three goals coming via former Blues academy players.
Clarke Suffers Injury Blow, Wrexham Target Broadhead Rested
Town full-back Harry Clarke missed today’s friendly against Charlton at Colchester having picked up a leg injury in training, while a number of other players were rested, including Wrexham target Nathan Broadhead.
Town and Boro Agree Hackney Fee
Town and Middlesbrough have agreed a fee for midfielder Hayden Hackney, TWTD understands.
Ipswich Town 2-1 Charlton Athletic - Match Report
Jack Clarke and Ali Al-Hamadi were on target as the Blues beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 in their penultimate friendly of the summer at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium. Town were on top throughout with all the goals coming in the second half, while Ashley Young made his first appearance for the club as a sub alongside Omari Hutchinson, back after his England U21s heroics over the summer.
Ipswich Town 0-0 Charlton Athletic - Half-Time
Town’s friendly against Charlton Athletic at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium remains 0-0 at the break with the Blues having had first-half chances to go in front.
Wrexham Make £7m Approach For Broadhead
Newly promoted Wrexham are reported to have made a £7 million approach for Blues forward Nathan Broadhead.
Young and Hutchinson on Bench Against Charlton
Ashley Young and Omari Hutchinson are on the bench for the Blues for this evening’s friendly against Charlton at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium (KO 7.30pm).
Six More Games Including Norwich Derby on Sky
Six more Town games have been picked for live Sky Sports coverage, including the derby at home to Norwich City, which has moved to Sunday 5th October with a midday kick-off.
Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.