Today is the first anniversary of Joe Royle becoming Town manager, the Blues' boss signing his contract at Portman Road on October 27th last year before being paraded at a press conference a day later.

Royle, 54, has always said that this will be his final job in football and signed a two-and-a-half year deal which will take him to the end of 2004/05.

Last season, despite the imposition of a transfer embargo due to the club's period of administration, he took the Blues to seventh in the play-offs. After a tricky start Town now find themselves in the same position at just over the one-third stage of 2003/04.

Royle's overall record with Town in his first year is played 56, won 27, lost 16 and drawn 13.

After a mixed reception to his appointment and a demonstration from some fans at the Gillingham game a few days previously, the former Manchester City, Oldham and Everton boss has now won over the vast majority of Town followers.

The current TWTD front page poll shows that 88.9% of supporters feel Royle is doing either an excellent or good job at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls