Town boss Joe Royle says that his Town side will have a more defensive look next season regardless of which division they are in. The Blues are still in the play-off running despite having conceded 66 goals this season, a total only exceeded by relegated Wimbledon.

Royle said: "Whatever division we are in next season we will need to look at changes. We will need to bring in different players, perhaps not necessarily better players, just some who think more defensively.

"When we had Chris Bart-Williams fit and at his best he gave us that balance and his back problems have been costly to us defensively."

Royle feels that the Blues have not always been as fortunate as they might have been: "It has not always been our fault either, and nor has luck been with us.

"Things have not fallen for us; we have either hit the woodwork or had shots cleared off the line, whereas they have gone in for other sides.

"I will take my share of the blame as well. Perhaps we have been too cavalier and we need to look for a better balance."

Royle is 55 on Thursday and will take charge of a team for the 980th time at Rotherham on Saturday. The Town boss will pass the 1,000-game mark next season, the last of his current Town contract.

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Ipswich Town Polls