BREATH OF FRESH AIR: Andy Drury has become a key player in the Ipswich Town team over the last few games
Andy Drury had concerns when Ipswich Town blocked his move to Crawley Town
By Stuart Watson
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
9:00 AM
ANDY Drury is relishing the chance to prove himself at Championship level.
The midfielder admits that his dream move from non-league Luton Town to second tier Ipswich Town looked like it was about to fizzle to an anti-climatic end just a few weeks ago.
The 28-year-old had been sent out on loan to League Two club Crawley Town, with a permanent transfer fee agreed should the temporary switch prove to be successful.
Crawley failed to match the asking price though and suddenly Drury has found himself playing a key role in the Blues surge back up the Championship table.
“You have to understand that football is a business nowadays and if the club doesn’t want to sell you for a certain price then you’re not going anywhere,” said Drury.
“I was concerned it might leave me without much chance to play, but luckily for me though it’s worked out well so far.”
He continued: “I always thought I would be good enough to play at this level and it’s nice to be given the chance to prove it.
“You do look round sometimes at the players that are out of the team, but you have to remind yourself that you’re keeping them out on merit.
“A lot of the boys that have come in hadn’t had a lot of football previously. We’re enjoying it and are keen to prove ourselves every game.
“I just go out there and give 100% of what’s in my body – I think a lot of the boys are like that. We’re working really hard for each other.”
He continued: “Coming from non-league, I appreciate being in the Championship but it doesn’t change your attitude towards the game. Whatever level you play at you just go into every match aiming to give your best and play your own game.”
With Town boss Paul Jewell scouring the lower leagues for hidden gems, Drury added: “There are some good players in the lower leagues, sometimes it just comes down to who is luckiest enough to get the chance. Hopefully the gaffer might be able to pluck a couple more from down there.”
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7 comments
What's happened to Ged, has he got bird flu?
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Richard Gardiner
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Well done Andy Drury, I didn't think at first that you would be good enough for the Championship, you have proved me wrong. Full of energy and as you say, you give 100%, that's all we ever ask for as fans.
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NB
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Drury is a key member of our currently very successful team, but at the moment they are all key members and if we get an injury up front Jason is there to step in and play his part. But I don't think our goalie is taking enough Sanatogen! He MUST concentrate and command his area. I'm sure he will, everyone learns.
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JOHN BURLS
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
That's the crux of the matter - he 'appreciated' the chance to play for ITFC - whereas loanees & over 30's were just looking for a payday. Buying him was one of Jewells successes - though even so he nearly ruined it by selling him to Crawley.
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Old Timer
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I would rather have 11 players like AD playing at 100% effort, even if they aren't stars, rather than have a team full of potentially very good players at Championship level who aren't putting their all into the club! Whether it comes down to luck, or whatever, glad you've been given a chance and grabbed it with both hands! COYB.
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Kieran Atkin
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Drury is living proof that most teams succeed despite the mismanager rather than because of him. He should remind himself that most genuine Town supporters were rather bemused at his disgraceful and clueless treatment - which of course can now with hindsight be redefined as 'good man management'.
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Rob Steroo
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Good job Crawley wouldn't pay as that meant Jewell actually made a correct decision in being forced to keep Drury. Just shows accidents can happen and that circumstances (luck) may just help Jewell make a few more correct decisions.
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SussexTractorBoy
Wednesday, February 22, 2012