x

Joe Has Targets in Mind - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle says there are two or three players he has in mind as potential loan targets over the busy Christmas period. Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry would be a player Royle would look at again but only if chairman Simon Jordan makes him available for loan.

The Town manager said: "If Palace change their minds I would still be interested. But Mr Jordan owns the club and is entitled to do and say exactly what he wants.

"I have two or three different kinds of players in mind. Because of the versatility within my squad, I can't say if I would definitely want to bring in a wide or central midfielder.

"Both Ian Westlake and Tommy Miller can play either role, so it would depend on our exact needs at the time as to who, if anyone, we would try to bring in on loan."

Royle says he expects summer trialist Mark Rivers to be out to prove a point when the Blues meet Crewe on Saturday.

Rivers failed to make much of an impression in pre-season with Town and joined his former club soon after, having settled his contract with Norwich City.

Royle says Rivers' previous club was a consideration when it came to deciding whether to sign him: "When I invited Mark for a trial I was looking for an extra midfielder. He did OK but I just didn't feel at that stage that it would have been the right move for us.

"He is a nice lad and I did also have it in my mind that it might be difficult for him at Ipswich as a former Norwich player."

What to read next:

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.