x

Joe: Forest Will Stay Up - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle says he expects Nottingham Forest to stay up despite his side's 6-0 walloping of Gary Megson's men at Portman Road. The Town manager felt playing three centre-halves very much suited the players at his disposal.

Royle said: "I feel a bit for Gary Megson and I still think that Forest will stay up. They were unfortunate to catch us in this mood.

"I am told it was the biggest win since I have been here. Ipswich is unique; they want three points and a performance as well. Today they managed to get both.

"They got caught out a little today but three away games in a week is a hard programme and they found us at our best.

"Our system today suited everyone and it's nice when it works, but it doesn't mean that we will play it that way in the future.

"This result was a big confidence booster and when our first goal went in you could almost hear the hissing as the pressure was being released.

"It was hard to pick a man of a match because there were so many candidates. Our frontmen, Kuqi and Bent, were involved in everything and Tommy Miller gave his best performance since he has been with the club.

"I don't want to go over the top but our bench looked as strong as it has been all season."

Gary Megson was understandably downcast: "From the very first minute we did not look to be at the races. We were second to every ball and it was only a matter of time before they scored.

"I was disappointed at the manner of the first goal but after that the floodgates opened. We were a yard off the pace.

"We had a good hiding but I am hopeful that it was just a one-off. We have had two wins from three away games but obviously we were well-beaten today.

"There were no positives, apart from the performance of Gareth Taylor who battled away manfully up front.

"There were extenuating circumstances but if I go into them they will be viewed as excuses. We must just put this result behind us.

"We have 10 big games left and the only saving grace today is that none of the other teams near the foot of the table managed to win.

"Paul Gerrard said this was the first time that he had conceded six goals and I cannot remember a score like that in my managerial career. It hurts.

"One or two of our players had problems with illness but I don't want to take anything away from Ipswich. It was as good a performance at this level as I have seen. They were marvellous. They were on a run of three poor results but really got after us."

What to read next:

Birmingham End Akpom Interest
Birmingham City have finally pulled out of their attempt to sign Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax.
Ajax 'Putting Pressure on Akpom to Join Birmingham'
Ajax are reportedly putting pressure on Blues target Chuba Akpom to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal rather than Town on a season-long loan.
Safe Standing Removed From Block E
Town have removed the rail seating from Block E of the Cobbold Stand.
McKenna: New Skipper O'Shea Has Shown Leadership and Strength of Character
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Dara O’Shea’s “leadership and strength of character” is what led him to appoint the Irish international the club’s new captain.
Town Announce Squad Numbers
Town have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead with new signings Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa handed number four and five respectively and Ashley Young 15.
U21s to Host Derby in Opening Premier League 2 Fixture
Town’s U21s will host Derby County in their first Premier League 2 match on Friday 15th August (KO 7pm).
Birmingham Move For German Striker
Birmingham City appear to have given up hope of signing Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax, having turned their attention to Werder Bremen Marvin Ducksch, according to reports in Germany.
Akpom Remains Intent on Joining Town
Ajax forward Chuba Akpom remains intent on joining Town on a season-long loan, despite Birmingham City’s late attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, TWTD understands.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
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.