Chief Executive Simon Clegg admits that he is disappointed that Leicester City called off the Blues’ move for defender Sean St Ledger at the last minute. The Foxes need the Irishman as defensive cover with John Pantsil and Sol Bamba away at the Africa Cup of Nations from Saturday.

Clegg said: “I am bitterly disappointed. We expected Sean to be in the team for the Birmingham game but I got a call on Wednesday morning saying it was off.”

Speaking after Wednesday’s game at Birmingham, manager Paul Jewell said Leicester had told him they need St Ledger for Tuesday’s FA Cup replay with Nottingham Forest and it may be that the 27-year-old becomes available at some point later in the month. Town may have turned their interest elsewhere by then, however.

Leicester assistant manager Craig Shakespeare says his club need to cover themselves: “Paul Jewell had registered an interest in Sean but I don’t know how near he was to joining them, but with him being a defender we have to cover ourselves here.

“Whether the situation will change in a week, two weeks before the deadline finishes, then who knows?”

Meanwhile, on the subject of yesterday’s short-lived furore regarding Paul Jewell’s Birmingham comments about assistant referee Amy Hearn, Clegg said: “We back the manager wholeheartedly and we would be very surprised if anyone who heard the interview took issue.

“There is nothing for Paul to apologise about. Sometimes you make a mistake and put your hands up and apologise — but there is no mistake here.”

A club spokesman dismissed claims elsewhere that Clegg had put pressure on Jewell to apologise as "nonsense".

Fearn herself is reported to have told friends that she was not offended by the comments.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

PimsOclock added 08:54 - Jan 13 Can't sit around waiting Leicester. Need a defender now, oh well, we move on.
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wrightyblue added 08:57 - Jan 13 Break the bank and sign Alex!!!!
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itfc1981 added 09:07 - Jan 13 Would you sign for Jewell?
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PimsOclock added 09:09 - Jan 13 Itfc1981: I don't think that's the problem. Read the article and it was Leicester who stopped the deal not SSL!
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JewellintheTown added 09:11 - Jan 13 @itfc1981 - if I got paid anywhere near the money that modern footballers get paid, I'd sign for anyone (maybe not Norwich but it would be tough one!)
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itfc1981 added 09:12 - Jan 13 I have read the article, but I think it is more than likely SSL asked Leicester to say what they have.
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Karlosfandangal added 09:13 - Jan 13 Dodged a bullet here, More in the mode of Delaney, any one have spoken to about St Ledger no matter who they support was Hes ok or not bad but no one said good signing or he will do a job for you. Jewell said he had other iron in the fire so why has he not strated pulling them out on Monday, the club seem disappointed that they have not got thier target yst no new names have come up, they must have known that we need at least 2 centrehalfs and yet 13 day in to the window and still none here. Fear for the club and really can see us beating Blackpool can see them beating us about 3-0 Yet i should be thinking I will get tickets and go as this will be a good game and one we could win. not good

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Karlosfandangal added 09:17 - Jan 13 Work is getting a mini bus together to go to the Ipswich Peterborough game in March (all Posh supporters) and they said how expencive town were compared to their tickets and other away match they have been to (£32 a ticket)
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PaulSlocombe added 09:20 - Jan 13 Karlosfandangel - agree with you about SSL. We have had a lucky escape there. We need to turn this to advantage now and sign a good CB, or take a risk and wait until the summer.
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saffronblue added 09:42 - Jan 13 To be honest, I would like PJ to put faith in Smith and give him a run with Sonko who he could learn alot from although we could do with some back up. Would prefer we signed a proper RB. Adam Smith at Spurs would be my defender of choice.
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wrightyblue added 09:44 - Jan 13 Edwards rules
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TractorRoyNo1 added 09:54 - Jan 13 suffolk punches in for st ledger, are we sure he is a thoroughbred and not another one of jewells ponies
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buryblue77 added 10:01 - Jan 13 Keane let Bruce go for next to nothing, always thought he looked solid enough and certainly we wouldn't be in the defensive shambles if we had one more quality defender here. Another strange Keane decision, one minute he was captain, next surplus to requirements.
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spanish_archer added 10:11 - Jan 13 I don't like Clegg but I do praise his words of Support here.
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algarvefan added 10:27 - Jan 13 Our club has become a joke.....Carrot Road is rocking with laughter I'm sure.....it's the lack of anyone seeming to care a jot that gets me. Poor old Sir Bobby would be mortified if he was still around, he loved this club, wish we could find someone else who did!!!
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MickMillsTash added 10:37 - Jan 13 We have 2 vacancies that we need to fill urgently for a Centre Back position - Candidate should be able to demostrate experience, organisation and leadership skills. Good disciplinary and fitness record essential. Candidate may have to play alongside and compensate for current employees. Delaney- injured short on confidence- prone to mistakes Sonko- can't run - injury prone, prone to mistakes Smith- prone to disaster Salary negotiable but bonus will be given if a reduction is achived in shambolic average of 2.5 goals conceded/game. Please apply immediately to Simon Clegg at missedopportunity@itfc.co.ck please allow 4 weeks for acknowledgement whilst he finds his phone.

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bluenut added 10:38 - Jan 13 Anyone else thinking it's broken down because SSL asked about the future of PJ and didn't get a convincing answer back?????? We are a club in real trouble but I for one will always support the Blues where ever they are. Personally I don't believe PJ is totally to blame, I think it's time for Clegg to move out and Evans to show his face and make the fans believe in him and his future ambitsions for OUR club. COYB

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PauloJulio added 10:38 - Jan 13 Not as disappointed as the fans are Cleggy. Give this one up and move on because Leicester are taking the piss!
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buryblue77 added 10:42 - Jan 13 Mickmills, I think you should apply for the role of Chief Exec. Love that post, need a bit of humour to get us through at the moment. By the way, I'm 34, a bit overweight now and lost that yard of (slight) pace I once had, more of a wide attacking midfielder so can I apply for the position of Right Back? And I'll play for a couple of pints and a packet of fags!
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brian_a_mul added 10:54 - Jan 13 Good experienced CB are very hard to get at this level. Sonko was an excellent signing and for free. Delaney is capable defender when fit. Lets hope the two can form a reliable partnership with out injuries for the rest of the season. Plus we are on our 4th GK already this season (Stockdale, ALB, Wright & McCarthy). Its very hard to get a solid defensive base with so many changes in GK. I would make a permanent GK a big priority too.

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irishtim added 11:07 - Jan 13 Dont think pj has a plan b. He had ssl & nothing else. Its squeaky bum time now. Im getting seriously worried. Everytime i look at the fixture list i find it hard to see us staying up.
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carltonmike added 12:01 - Jan 13 This is just total incompetence. I want to hear about good news like everyone else but Jewell is so very naive. He went public on St Ledger, set expectations and again, we are the wounded party. Have some dignity PJ and pipe down, stop joking with the media (highly inappropriate IMO at the moment) and focus on sorting your rather sorry side out. Mid Jan and the clock is ticking fine Sir, get on with plugging gaps, stop feeling sorry for yourself, take your hands out of your pockets and lets turn Blackpool over with a passion and desire sadly lacking of late!! And stop talking to the press, take a vow of external silence!

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MAVERICK added 12:35 - Jan 13 Dear Clegg, Don't you fancy leaving us & help Team GB in the Olympics ?
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Sorry added 12:41 - Jan 13 sounds like nonsense to be honest, I mean, Leicester knew about Pantsil and Bamba going away for months, why is it suddenly an issue now? I think a right-back is a far bigger priority anyway. It's Edwards' positioning and tactical awareness (not his effort, which is good), that contributes most to our total lack of organisations. Get a right-back in and move him forward, please.

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Warkys_Tash added 12:53 - Jan 13 Bluenut - I think your post is spot on. Leceister have known that they had two defenders going to the African Cup - so why a last minute U-turn? I reckon SSL didn't fancy it and bottled it. I am not too bothered if someone doesn't want to come here, I would rather not have him. I have to admit like most on here, I have never seen him play but surely if he was that good he would be in Leceister starting 11 even before Pearson arrived - but he has barely played for them! It is a farce that the club announced he wason his way though. Jewell has made this problem for himself though as he had last Jan window and ALL summer to find two decent CB's & a RB..but he signed Ingimarrsson on previous reputation - just like he did Ellington & Bowyer. Shocking judgement. Clegg Out - bring back Sheepers. Evans get your voice on the radio and give us some thoughts at the minumum. Arrive at BBC Radio Suffolk with a bag on your head if you have to - just do it!!!!!!!!!

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