x

Joe Happy With Draw - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle was more than happy with a point from the home game with Wolves given Town's current injury situation. Royle had sympathy for Glenn Hoddle after the Blues were awarded a contentious penalty.

The Town manager said: "I am ecstatic with a point in view of all our current problems. I'd have gladly taken a point before the start. That's not lack of ambition, that's reality.

"We had bad luck falling behind after a wicked deflection but I can understand Glenn Hoddle being upset about the penalty decision.

"I cannot fault the spirit of my players who battled to the very end. For us to compete against teams like Wolves is going to be hard for us at the moment. We are in a transitional period and suffering injuries at the same time.

"I thought Gavin Williams was outstanding for us in midfield and our two central defenders stayed firm.

"For all Wolves' superiority in the latter stages our goalkeeper was not overworked, so we must be doing something right.

"Our failure to score goals in open play is the big problem. We need a far greater threat up front but may have to wait until the January transfer window opens to be able to do anything about it."

Hoddle was less pleased with his side and their failure to take chances, Ki-Hyeon Seol particularly guilty late on when missing from a few feet: "I have told the players they are going to underachieve if they cannot put a killer head on. It is unacceptable.

"Maybe I should change the way we train and make them run, run and run again until the penny drops. We are shooting ourselves in the foot.

"When you miss from that close it is unacceptable at this level. I just don't know if the players realise it. We play some lovely football and dominate teams away from home, but we lack quality when finishing. It's as simple as that."

The former England boss was keen to avoid saying too much about the penalty: "The ball was going out for a corner. I'm not going too far down that road. It will cost me money if I say what I really want to say."

What to read next:

Saudi Club in Cajuste Talks
Former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste’s future could now be in Saudi Arabia with Neom the latest club to show interest in signing the Napoli midfielder on loan.
French Club Eyeing Al-Hamadi
Ligue 1 Toulouse are reportedly showing interest in Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi.
Town Women Re-Sign Doe on Permanent Deal
Ipswich Town Women have re-signed midfielder Ruby Doe for a third spell, this time on a permanent basis.
Town Among Clubs Linked With McBurnie
Town are reported to be among a number of Championship clubs showing interest in free agent Scotland international striker Oli McBurnie.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Still to Accept Broadhead Bid
Town are still to accept a bid from Championship new boys Wrexham for Wales international Nathan Broadhead, TWTD understands.
Academy Scholar Longwe Joins Seasiders on Loan
Academy central midfielder Usisya Longwe has joined Isthmian North Division Felixstowe & Walton on loan.
Pert: Young Will Be a Real Asset
Assistant manager Martyn Pert believes new signing Ashley Young will be a “real asset” for the Blues in the season ahead, the former England international having made his first appearance in a Town shirt in last night’s 2-1 friendly victory over Charlton Athletic at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium.
Mazionis Completes Cheltenham Loan Move
Young Blues central defender Jacob Mazionis has completed his season-long loan switch to League Two Cheltenham Town.
Wrexham Closing in On Broadhead Signing
Town are understood to have agreed a fee from Wrexham for forward Nathan Broadhead.