x

Joe: Changes Monday - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle admitted that the Blues weren't good enough in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton. The Town manager says he will make changes for Monday's game at Watford.

Royle said: "In the first half we were unlucky to be behind. The loss of Richard Naylor made a difference because he would have been marking tighter when they opened the scoring.

"In the second half we never got going until it was too late. It was a pivotal moment when they cleared off the line from Danny Haynes, but all round we were not good enough.

"The consolation was that the performance was better than the one we gave against Stoke last week.

"At Christmas people were tipping us to go down but then we had a great run and were flirting with the play-offs. Injuries have played a big part. I'm not making excuses but there have been reasons.

"I shall be making changes for the visit to Watford on Monday to freshen us up a bit. Until last month we dominated midfield in every game we played. That's not the case now.

"It's been a muddling season with too many forced changes but I want it to end high on hope."

Royle says that Naylor is a doubt for Monday's game at Watford: "Richard has taken a heavy knock on the side of his head and we will have to see how he is.

He is slightly concussed and didn't really know where he was so we had to take him off, but he came around in the dressing room.

"Chris Casement came in and did well and will be in contention for a place against Watford on Monday and we will certainly make changes in that game.

"Some of the players are looking a bit leggy at the moment, especially some of the youngsters.

"Vemund Brekke Skard will start at Watford for one. He will certainly be one of the fittest players on the pitch and has the ability to find a blue shirt with a pass."

Brighton manager Mark McGhee says that the signing of Gifton Noel-Williams has made a huge difference to his relegation haunted side: "We have only been beaten once in our last six games, so we are in a decent bit of form.

"It has stemmed from the arrival of Gifton Noel-Williams on loan. We had been looking all over the place for a centre forward and tried everything. Gifton looks like a centre forward, does the job of a centre forward and has made us a better team. It's not rocket science, but it's probably too late.

"We have unrealistic prospects of staying up but playing Sheffield Wednesday in our next match gives us a chance.

"Then we meet Wolves, who may be vulnerable before a home match with Stoke. If we play like we did today we can win all those final games.

"My job is to see the club into a new stadium in as high a division as possible and by spending as little money as we can by using young players and any we can secure by wheeling and dealing. I think that our supporters consider it a bit of a bonus our being in the Championship."

What to read next:

Town Confirm Akpom Loan Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Police Reviewing CCTV of Birmingham Fan Incident
West Midlands Police say they are “reviewing CCTV footage” as they look into the incident in which Town midfielder Jack Taylor appeared to be assaulted by a Birmingham City fan during Friday’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
Sassuolo 'Closing in On Muric Loan'
Serie A new boys Sassuolo have revived their interest in Blues keeper Aro Muric and are closing in on a loan deal for the Kosovo international, according to a report in Italy.
New Keeper Starts as U21s Lose Friendly at West Ham
Town U21s, featuring a recently signed new goalkeeper, were beaten 1-0 by West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground in their final friendly of pre-season yesterday.
Hirst: Cajuste's One of the Best I've Ever Played With
Town striker George Hirst has hailed Jens Cajuste as one of the best players he has ever played with following the Swede’s return to the club on loan from Napoli earlier this week.
Slicker Impresses Barnet Boss on League Debut
Blues keeper Cieran Slicker made his league debut for loan club Barnet but couldn’t prevent the Bees from falling to a 2-0 defeat to Bromley at Hayes Lane in League Two, however, the Scotland international impressed manager Dean Brennan.
Birmingham Issue Statement on Taylor Assault
Birmingham City have issued a statement regarding the incident in which Jack Taylor appeared to assaulted by a supporter as Town celebrated George Hirst’s 95th-minute penalty in last night’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
U18s Beat Canaries in Friendly
Town’s U18s beat their Norwich City counterparts 2-0 in their final friendly of pre-season at Playford Road this morning.
No Bids For Davis, Town Won't Sell This Window
TWTD understands Town have received no bids for left-back Leif Davis this summer and will not be selling him during this transfer window.