Joe Returns

By Aston
December 14 2005

Ipswich Town manager Joe and Chief Town Scout Colin Suggett have returned from a brief fact finding mission in Holland.

Joe and Colin went to watch Ajax reserves play yesterday and although they had no names in mind they have noted down some names and may make further moves for players in January.

 

Royle: “It was more of a fact-finding mission than anything else. We were never going to come back with a player straight away.

 

“The situation in England is getting harder and harder, with clubs reluctant to let players go out on loan, so it's important we keep on top of the situation in Europe.

 

“I am also keen to get over to France and take in games over there in order to see players who have been recommended to us.

 

“Our financial wind-down means we no longer have a European scouting network - but we do have friends, people like Romeo, who keep us in touch with what's happening.

 

“At Ajax I saw two players who cost 14 million Euros between them. It was a very young side and they are not all going to have a first-team future there.

 

“It was a chance to put a few names in the notebook. Some of them may be available in the transfer window or at the end of the season.

 

“The situation in England isn't going to get any easier. Players who are available are likely to go to clubs who can afford to pay all their wages.

 

“We have Youssouf here already and I am hopeful of bringing in another player next week.

 

“We can't do anything until January 1 so there is no need to rush a decision. I want to see as many players as possible before making up my mind.”

 

While Joe says he is searching for players abroad he has not ruled out using some of Towns home grown talent, Royle added: “We have a fantastic youth policy and there are players here who have very bright futures. But we can't depend on 17-year-olds.

 

“Having said that, if there are 17-year-olds who are going to score regularly at first-team level I'll be quite happy to depend on them.”

 

Source: EADT

 

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