x

Burley on Relegation - Ipswich Town News

Former boss George Burley has made rare comments on Town's 2001/02 relegation and his sacking. The Blues dropped out of the Premiership just a year after finishing fifth having made a number of high-profile signings. Three months into the next season Burley was relieved of his duties.

The Hearts manager told a national newspaper that having achieved a UEFA Cup place, Town went looking to finish even higher, an aspiration he now sees as foolish: "We brought in three or four foreign players to try to improve what we had and I think that was fatal.

"To try to improve on fifth, we had no chance. We should have said: 'We finished fifth but next season we're going to finish 14th.'"

Burley also says that he was not alone in considering his dismissal by the Blues harsh: "There was a poll and I think 95% of Ipswich fans thought it was wrong and so did most people in football."

Hearts took their 100% run to seven matches on Saturday and are now five points clear at the top of the SPL.

What to read next:

Hutchinson On as Sub as England U21s Draw
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson won his sixth England U21s cap as a sub as his side drew 0-0 with Slovenia in their second group game at the European Championship in Slovakia.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Blues Linked With Burnley Midfielder Brownhill
Town are reported to be keeping tabs on out-of-contract Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Hutchinson and England U21s Face Slovenia
Town forward Omari Hutchinson and his England U21s teammates face Slovenia in their second European Championship group game in Slovakia this evening (KO 5pm, Channel 4).
Burgess: What a Ride!
Departing Blues defender Cameron Burgess has issued a goodbye message to all at Town having agreed a three-year deal with Swansea City.
Szmodics: I Refused to Play For Blackburn
Blues forward Sammie Szmodics has admitted he refused to play for Blackburn Rovers while his protracted move from Ewood Park to Town was ongoing last summer.
Burgess Joins Swansea
Out-of-contract Blues centre-half Cameron Burgess has joined fellow Championship side Swansea City on a three-year deal.
TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
There’s still time for you to fill in the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.