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:

Blues Duo Win Caps as Ireland Draw
Dara O’Shea started and Jack Taylor came on as a sub as the Republic of Ireland were held to a disappointing 0-0 friendly draw away against Luxembourg.

Burgess's Australia Confirm World Cup Qualification
Cameron Burgess’s Australia confirmed qualification for the 2026 World Cup by beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their final qualifier in Jeddah this evening.

Mauge Signs Pro Deal
Blues youngster Jamie Mauge has signed the professional deal offered to him at the end of the season.

Ex-Blue Kennedy Rejoins Birmingham Staff
Former Town full-back and academy coach Mark Kennedy has returned to Championship new boys Birmingham City as U21s professional phase coach.

Former Blues Striker Knights Named Stourbridge Boss
Former Blues striker Darryl Knights has been named the manager of Southern League Premier Division Central Stourbridge.

Burgess's Australia Set to Confirm World Cup Qualification
Cameron Burgess’s Australia should formally confirm their qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals when they take on Saudi Arabia in their final qualification group game in Jeddah this evening, while Dara O’Shea and Jack Taylor will be in friendly action with the Republic of Ireland.

TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Welcome to the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season

Hirst Nets First International Goal in Scotland Victory
Town striker George Hirst bagged his first international goal as Scotland beat Liechtenstein 4-0 in a friendly in Vaduz this evening.

Keeper Gray Adds to New Zealand U20s Caps
Young Blues keeper Henry Gray added to his New Zealand U20 caps in a 2-1 friendly defeat in Chile on Saturday.

Eight Youngsters Offered Terms
Town have offered professional terms to eight youngsters including Rio Morgan (pictured), Nico Valentine, Gerrard Buabo and Leon Ayinde, while 18 of their U21s and U18s teammates have been released.