Portman Road: Home of Ipswich Town(credit:
Wikipedia)
Paul Jewell has been named the new manager of Championship strugglers Ipswich Town.
Former Bradford City, Wigan Athletic and Derby County boss Jewell has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to replace former manager Roy Keane, who left the Portman Road club last weekend.
The 46-year-old, who will take charge after the midweek Carling Cup tie with Arsenal, told Sky Sports News: “I've been out of football for two years, but you're never out of football. You're in the media or watching other teams trying to improve your knowledge.
“I've had a few opportunities to come back in, but this one just ticked all the boxes. I'm really looking forward and excited to get going.
“I'm not here to say Roy Keane's failed. It's always sad when a manager loses his job. It's happened to a lot of us. Respect has to be paid to Roy Keane.
“I'm just going to do my best. I know what it takes to get teams promoted.
“There's no guarantee, but what I can guarantee is that there will be no stone left unturned in our quest to try and achieve the long-term objectives of this club.
“We've got a lot of hard work to do. We're involved in a battle. Confidence is at a low ebb at the moment. Every league game is going to be a cup final.
“Hopefully we can build for the future, get the confidence back with the players and get a smile on their faces. Everyone says that. Everyone will start with a clean slate.
“Hopefully we can consolidate and who knows what's going to happen this season. There's no sure quick fix.
“I think it would be in the best interests of the team to let the two guys who run it at the moment, Tony (McParland) and Charlie (Loughlan) to look after the game on Wednesday. Come Thursday I'll be taking over.
“I'm really looking forward to taking this mantle on. I want my players to enjoy playing and training and if we doing that we'll be OK.
“If you look at the Championship there are an awful lot of big clubs who have the same expectations as Ipswich.
“It's a really tough league to get out of. I think we've got good players. They just need to believe in themselves.”