Royle happy with position

DEVONBLUE · Post by **DEVONBLUE** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:23 pm

Ipswich manager Joe Royle believes being mid-table over the first half of the season is not a poor position for the club to be in.

Royle steered the Tractor Boys to the play-off places in each of the last two campaigns but they are currently 15th in the Championship after winning just one of their last 10 league games.

He said: "I have set no targets, only to gain three points in our next match at home to QPR on Saturday. We have drawn a few too many games and a couple of extra victories would have seen us now on the coat tails of the play-offs.

"There is reason to suggest that we have turned the corner - and now we must show proof of that. A couple of wins could make all the difference."

This must be some sort of mis-quote, because I refuse to believe any manager would be happy with our position so close to the drop zone. And what evidence do us fans have that ITFC have 'turned the corner' ?.

Bluebird · Post by **Bluebird** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 3:23 am

This must be some sort of mis-quote, because I refuse to believe any manager would be happy with our position so close to the drop zone. And what evidence do us fans have that ITFC have 'turned the corner' ?.

Totally agree.

Dubai Blue · Post by **Dubai Blue** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 3:41 am

Well there is evidence there if you look hard enough. Trouble is that there's also evidence of the opposite.

But bearing in mind that what the team seems to need most is confidence it probably makes sense to be upbeat and not create stress by talking about the 'R' word.

the-mole · Post by **the-mole** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 4:48 am

Dubai Blue wrote:Well there is evidence there if you look hard enough. Trouble is that there's also evidence of the opposite.

But bearing in mind that what the team seems to need most is confidence it probably makes sense to be upbeat and not create stress by talking about the 'R' word.

I hear you DB - but the truth of the matter is that we have won only one game in 10 matches - that is relegation form. Digging deep and grinding out results are what is currently needed - not bulls**t to make the players feel better about themselves!!!

Dubai Blue · Post by **Dubai Blue** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 6:58 am

You're right it is relegation form and we are 6 point behind the team 2 places above - so the wrong side of what looks like a gap emerging. Another Saturday looms !

uefacup81 · Post by **uefacup81** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 7:50 am

At the end of the day though, in the Burley era, we were regularly struggling around 12-18th come Christmas but we'd pull through and make it at least to the play-offs. Give it a month or so before we start being so certain, eh?