Royle Working on Defence Problems

Last updated : 27 October 2004 By Site Editor
Town once again have been scoring a large number of goals this season, but as in previous years, they are also seeing too many being let in at the other end, and this matter is being worked on as a priority by the club.

Speaking to the Ipswich Evening Star, Town boss Joe Royle said: “At the end of the day we are third in the table - and we would have settled for that at the start of the season. If we can cut out our errors at the back we have a great chance of gaining promotion.

"We are defending a lot better than last season and moving in the right direction. For 85 minutes on Saturday we defended very well indeed, but paid a heavy price for switching off at vital times.

"We will continue to work hard on improving our defensive record and keep reminding players of their individual duties. They are told who to mark before games at corners and free-kicks, but short of going on to the field myself there is not much more I can do when a match is taking place.

"Richard Naylor had a great game at Watford, but it was his man who headed the first goal. And Drissa Diallo did well at Stoke City earlier in the season, yet went walkabout for a while and his man scored as we lost that game.

“It is not just one person who is at fault - and we will get it right. We have two home matches coming up and an ideal chance to make up for the points we have let slip away recently.”