By Aston
September 13 2004

Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks believes that no club is in better hands than Ipswich Town with Joe Royle at the helm.

We’re In The Best Hands

Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks believes that no club is in better hands than Ipswich Town with Joe Royle at the helm.

Since his appointment just under two years ago Royle has had to cope with the departure of several key players at below full value, such as Matt Holland, Darren Ambrose and Thomas Gaardsøe to name but a few.

Hopefully those times are now behind us and with the board rejecting a £3million bid for Darren Bent it certainly seems they have gone.

Mr Sheepshanks has said: “I can't think of any team that is in better hands than us. I have always had immense faith in Joe Royle and have never doubted for one moment that he was the right choice when George Burley was replaced.

“He has since had to work with one, sometimes two, hands tied behind his back, but he has kept working away and is now putting a side on to the pitch every match that is his own team.

“He wants the Premiership. He wants to manage at the highest level and we have belief that he will achieve this at Portman Road.

“There have been some terrible times over the last few years, but it is a great feeling to be top of the table. And only 12 months after we were at the bottom.

“Even then there was no loss of confidence in Joe, and what a difference a year makes.

“He has made shrewd signings in Jason De Vos and Kevin Horlock, Drissa Diallo has grown into the team and our youngsters are one year older.

“There are benefits of having a small squad if everybody stays fit, and going to the top is a huge psychological boost for the players and our fans.

“I always felt we would win against Millwall and more importantly so did the players although the goals came late. Everybody has worked hard and we can enjoy our current position.”.

Source: Evening Star

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