Post-match reaction from Saints victory

Last updated : 24 January 2006 By Russell Claydon

Burley impressed by Lee
Royle said: "I'm pleased for Alan, he's come to us to start scoring goals again. I've always liked him as a player, and you could see today that he can play; he isn't just a physical presence.

"Before he arrived we've been playing a 4-6-0 formation as we've had no strikers. That's hard for a side that likes to go forward.

"We're not getting too excited, we're a long way from the play-offs, but with a few more players coming back you never know.

"Sam Parkin is still our top scorer and he's been out for two months. You never know what will happen, we're still talking to people."

Royle outlined how Town were in control at St Marys, "Shane Supple only had one real save to make and it was a magnificent display from the team.

"I never felt we were threatened at any stage, only a few shots from distance, and it shows that we are continuing to move forward, as we have done over the last four games."

Southampton's fans began calling for their Chairman's head in the wake of young starlet Theo Walcott's sale but Burley is concentrating on building for a promotion push next sason, he said: "Fans get frustrated at any club when things don't go right on the pitch, and they haven't gone right here for the last two years.

"And when you lose the best young player in the country, it's even more frustrating. I can understand the reaction

"But losing Theo was not the fault of anyone at Southampton. The chairman was as disappointed as anyone as he has built up the academy.

"I'm not looking for excuses because we didn't deserve anything out of the match. We had an experienced team out there but there are areas that clearly need changing. But it's not going to happen overnight.

"We have a big squad here and virtually everyone has had a chance to play now. I don't think we'll get promotion this season to be honest. But I want a squad in place here, in six months or a year, that will push for promotion."

Burley praised Royle's new signing Alan Lee, saying of the Irishman: "He scored two and was a constant threat. We were looking for a good start and then we concede out of nothing after just three minutes. And the longer the game went on Ipswich looked lively on the break."

Alan Lee himself was delighted with the win and his first goals for his new club, he commented: "I'm made up with the two goals and the three points that goes with them.

"Any striker thrives on scoring goals and I'm no different, so getting two against Southampton will give my confidence a boast, especially having just joined Ipswich," he told the club website.

Next up for Ipswich is a tricky home match against Leeds on Tuesday 31st and Jimmy Juan's fifth booking picked up on Saturday means the Frenchman will serve a one match ban.  Alan Lee was also booked in the game and the player believes it is also his fifth of the season, the football league is investigating if he is elligible for a ban as well.