Joe: Jim Can Be Replaced

By Aston
July 4 2005

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle says he would like Town captain to stay for another year but insists he can be replaced.

Royle: “I had a long chat with Jim. It was a good dialogue and I fully appreciate his position.

 

“At his age he must decide whether his next step is to have one last year as a player or to take up an offer to become player-coach with another club.

 

“It would be a big decision for any player, but when you are 36 it is that much bigger a decision.

 

“Jim knows how much I want him to sign on again and give us another year. I have a lot of faith in him as a player.

 

“He continues to be a big influence for us and finding a replacement would not be easy, although we would have to do it.”

 

Royle believes he already has two players that are capable of replacing Jim should he leave Ipswich this summer, adding: “Darren Currie came inside and did well for us last season and he could do the job, but I also believe that young Owen Garvan could be up to the task.

 

“Garvan is one of the young lads we want to push on next season and I have already told him he will be coming on the pre-season tour to Hungary, as well as featuring in some other warm-up games.”

 

Source: EADT

 

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