x

Joe: Outstanding Display - Ipswich Town News

Manager Joe Royle hailed an outstanding display from his side as they defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 to go second in the Coca Cola Championship, their highest position since he joined the club in November 2002.

Royle said: "It was a great game. I thought we were outstanding. We played with excitement and verve.

"We are averaging two goals a game, are second in the league and in the next round of the Cup.

"We defended properly - apart from the goal which came from a great delivery - but apart from that for the third game running Kelvin Davis has not had a save to make.

"My biggest concern was that we didn't score the goals we should have done. At times in the first half I thought we were going to score every time we attacked."

Royle had particular praise for his skipper, who he replaced with 20 minutes remaining due to his lack of match fitness: "Jim was terrific. We had to make sure he did not blow a gasket."

The Town boss says there has been no more contact from Charlton regarding Darren Bent but admitted that he didn't know whether one was in the offing before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening: "We have had one bid and turned it down. I can't think what other people can do."

Wolves manager Dave Jones, a team-mate of Royle's at Everton in the 1970s, said injuries have forced him to field inexperienced players: "We have had to dig in deep and play players who are learning their trade.

"When you have no competition in your football club, sometimes when you want to change it you can't and we have not been able to. The break [until the next fixture] will be a big plus for us."

Jones had little argument regarding Town's second half penalty, awarded when Joleon Lescott fouled Shefki Kuqi.

What to read next:

Women's Season Ticket Prices Announced
The club has announced details of season ticketing for Ipswich Town Women’s first ever WSL2 campaign with all their home league matches being played at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester.
Blues Host Saints Aiming to End Home Woes
Town host Southampton at Portman Road on Sunday still looking for their first home win of 2025 (Sky Sports, KO midday).
McKenna: Good Loan Moves For Keepers
Blues boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking about the loan moves made by keepers Aro Muric and Cieran Slicker over the last week.
McKenna: There Are a Few Positions Where We Need to Be Stronger
Boss Kieran McKenna says there are a number of areas which need to be strengthened if the Blues are to be a top Championship side this season.
Town Eyeing Uruguayan International Defender
Town are eyeing Uruguayan international centre-half Sebastian Caceres, TWTD understands.
McKenna: Philogene Back Training, Matusiwa Should Be Ready For Sunday
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Jaden Philogene returned to training yesterday following his ankle injury, while he expects Azor Matusiwa to be fine for Sunday’s home game against Southampton and gave an update on new signings Jens Cajuste and Chuba Akpom, as well as longer-term absentees Wes Burns, Conor Townsend and Harry Clarke.
McKenna: Azón Deal Not Yet Complete
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Como striker Iván Azón’s loan move to the Blues is not yet complete but confirmed that the 22-year-old has travelled to England.
McKenna: I'd Liked to Have Kept Broadhead
Town manager Kieran McKenna says he would have liked to have kept Nathan Broadhead at Portman Road but that the Wales international made it clear early in the summer he’d like to move on to Wrexham.
McKenna: We're Disappointed With How Hutchinson Exit's Been Played Out
Town boss Kieran McKenna say he’ll wish Omari Hutchinson well for the rest of his career if his £37.5 million move to Nottingham Forest goes through but admits he’s been disappointed at the manner in which the England U21 international’s time at Portman Road has come to end.
Released Agbaje Joins Sligo Rovers
Released Blues defender Edwin Agbaje has joined League of Ireland Sligo Rovers until the end of the Irish season, which runs through the summer.