Interim manager John McGreal says he would never turn his back on Town, the club having been good to him over the years.

The 49-year-old, who was a member of George Burley’s side which won the play-off final in 2000 to reach the Premier League and finished fifth in the top flight to qualify for the UEFA Cup the following season, joined the club as an U23s coach last Thursday and two days later found himself being asked to take charge of the first team following the sacking of his one-time Tranmere team-mate Paul Cook.

McGreal will be assisted by Rene Gilmartin, who was his deputy during his brief stint as Swindon manager in the summer, U23s coach Kieron Dyer and academy head of goalkeeping Carl Pentney.

“I had to digest the news on Saturday evening," McGreal told iFollow Ipswich.

“I was shocked and the last couple of days have gone very quickly. The club needs me to help and I would never turn my back on the club given how good it has been to me over the years.

“It's my club and I want it to do well. I'd like to do well during the interim period, however long that is, and get us through to the third round of the FA Cup before leaving the team in the capable hands of the new manager.

“I've known Pents [Carl Pentney] from when he was at Colchester and I have touched base with him. I've worked with Rene before and I have known Kieron a long time. The club needs help and we are all going to try and help us get some wins.

“The situation is what it is and we have to move forward. We have a huge game tomorrow night and we have switched our focus to that straight away.

“I've had one training session with the group and it was enjoyable. We were out on the grass for an hour or so and I was able to put some names to faces. We got a good amount of work in and this is a good group of players.

“Our players are professionals and they are playing for Ipswich Town so there is a pressure on them and they might feel that. They need to release the shackles, though, and give it a right go. It's the least our supporters demand and deserve - you have to work hard for the badge.”

Photo: Action Images

delias_cheesy_flaps added 18:27 - Dec 6 Those sentiments are exactly what supporters want to hear, I hope the players don't let you down John.
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therein61 added 18:38 - Dec 6 I had to smile when watching his interview on you tube with Francesco hair studio over his right shoulder, He obviously loves the club and will do his utmost to get some results on the table for whoever comes in, Best of luck John you only came in last week to do the under 23's job and now this!! but i'm sure you will give this roll as much as you did in a blue shirt.

7

rfretwell added 18:40 - Dec 6 The very best of luck to JM in getting us up the table. Are the players up to it? If our defenders fail to mark Charltons attackers like they did Barrows early on Saturday JM stands no chance of getting the permanent job.
3

leagueonescum added 19:19 - Dec 6 Finally, a manager who's not called Paul. Call me superstitious but.....
3

ringwoodblue added 19:25 - Dec 6 Good man! Hope you can get the best out of this squad.
6

The_Assassin added 19:32 - Dec 6 I keep expecting his voice to break at any moment.
1

itfcserbia added 19:32 - Dec 6 He's not called Paul but he is from Liverpool. Only a third John we've ever had though, previous were John Duncan and John Lyall. All joking aside - wish him the world of luck and respect from players.
4

dirtydingusmagee added 19:37 - Dec 6 he was out on the grass but put some names to faces , far out man lol.
4

SpiritOfJohn added 20:07 - Dec 6 Good luck John! A couple of wins and you will be in with a shot of permanently managing the club you served well as a player.
8

bobble added 20:29 - Dec 6 roy is gaelic for paul in Cork....
3

Texastom added 20:33 - Dec 6 Legend, I rate him, said we should have got him on board before. He took charge of Colchester for four seasons, with the club twice finishing one place outside the League Two play-offs and losing in the play-off semi-finals at the end of the 2019—20 season.
3

Calderboy added 20:54 - Dec 6 I wouldn't mind having those 4 in the photo back in our team COYB
2

markchips added 20:54 - Dec 6 Based on that interview alone we have just listened to the new Ipswich manager and not for a few games either. I just have a gut feel he and Kieran are going to immediately have the players more relaxed.
2

Lathers added 21:04 - Dec 6 Good luck putting a team and a system together for tomorrow night John when you are still putting names to faces. Not his fault I know but just seems a bit crazy that he'd be thrown in to this situation!
0

grubbyoik added 21:14 - Dec 6 Paul.. from Liverpool.. John from Liverpool.. so just leaves George and Ringo..
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pablo123 added 22:08 - Dec 6 Top man , go and give it a good go for us John !! Be great if you were to do well and get the job permanently !!! Great to have you back at PM mate
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tractorboy2421 added 23:26 - Dec 6 Good luck fella, we're all 100% behind you & your staff, love the interview you gave, filled us with much needed pride
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shakytown added 01:05 - Dec 7 Please try something different. kick that awful 4231 into the trash where it belongs and play people in their correct position instead of forcing them into a defunct system they cannot cope with.
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strap_twang added 07:39 - Dec 7 Let's hope the first coaching session is about not letting a lead slip as the game wears on.
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Barty added 09:36 - Dec 7 Top bloke and all the very best for the games ahead. COYB.
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ScottishTractorBoy added 10:45 - Dec 7 I wonder if Franceso Hair Salon are a bit annoyed about their sponsorship deal and not having a manager with hair to market their skills on...
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dirtydingusmagee added 11:09 - Dec 7 Grubbyoik we have had a George too [liked him ] so its just Ringo now,,.....Ringo Nuno Espirito Santo ? lol. naaaaaa bit of a mouthfull that, Mick Mills would get tongue tied.
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