Far from alienating him from other members of the Ipswich squad, Richie Wellens’s no-holds-barred assessment of the Ipswich squad had the desired effect in the dressing room.

The on-loan Leicester midfielder did not pull his punches as he talked frankly in the wake of Town’s 3-0 home defeat by a Sheffield Wednesday side that had failed to win any of their previous 11 games.

Another loanee, West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, said: “I think he was right. It was heat of the moment coming out and saying what he said, but it was fair enough.

“He probably had a fair point and I think a lot of the lads agreed with him. Obviously we still do need a kick up the backside because we’re still at the bottom of the table.

“Regarding his comments, I think he was right and hopefully we can live up to that. It was something everyone was thinking and it takes a lot of balls to come out and say it.

“He had every right to say it because he’s been there and done that, Richie, and he’s been at a top club like Leicester. It’s up to us to address that. It didn’t help our motivation because looking at that league table is enough motivation at the minute.

“It’s just a disgrace to see a team and a club like Ipswich bottom of the table. When you see some of the teams above us it’s just not on. I know we will get out of it sooner rather than later.”

But Henderson knows it will take a huge effort this evening to gain the victory needed at Crystal Palace to climb off the bottom of the Championship table.

He added: “It would be nice to have a quiet game but it’s going to be a difficult one because they are already going well and will be pumped up by the arrival of Ian Holloway as their new manager.”

One-time Ipswich target Joel Ward - who played with Henderson at Portsmouth - will be in the Eagles’ line-up alongside one of the country’s most sought-after rising stars in Wilfried Zaha.

Henderson said: “Joel’s a good mate of mine. He was close to coming here actually. It will be good to see him, especially if he’s doing all the running.

“Zaha’s a top player but look at Cressy on Saturday. He had [Nathan] Redmond in his pocket and he’s classed as one of the best wingers in the league. If he can put in another performance like that and keep Zaha quiet we should be alright.”

Photo: Action Images

bigolconnor added 06:51 - Nov 6 I'm gonna be there. COYB
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Stato added 07:05 - Nov 6 hoping for a win but will accept a loss as long as we put in a decent performance. this is a difficult fixture but if home game on saturday produces a win then the world will look a different place
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Marcus added 07:45 - Nov 6 This isn't a must win. It's a must try. It's a must show you want it. And every game should be.
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TR11BLU added 08:42 - Nov 6 Agree with Bossman, anything positive tonight will be a bonus, a win on saturday is important for many reasons. Building on last saturday, a home performance which we are due and will hopefully get the fans back. Having said that Palace is a lucky ground for us. Have been there many times but cannot remember losing too many there. A repeat of the 4-3 that memorable Tues night anyone.....

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djbreeze added 09:01 - Nov 6 4-3 and Shefki's famous swan dive ! .. exciting football back then !
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itsonlyme added 11:17 - Nov 6 4-3 what a brilliant night - i had settled for a draw - then commeth the big man and the ground shuddered. One of the most thrilling away performances i have ever seen!
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RetroBlue added 11:31 - Nov 6 TBH a very large proportion iof this teams problem has ALWAYS been down to the players and their atitudes. Frankly, they have been a bloody disgrace and should shoulder a large proprtion of the blame as to why Jewell was sacked. Its largely the players that dictate how a team does - THEIR responsibility !
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