Donachie tells fans not to worry

IPSWICH Town fans have today been told not to worry by assistant manager Willie Donachie.

Despite the loss of ace striker Darren Bent to Charlton Athletic, and a possible exodus of other top players during the summer, Donachie still sees a bright future at Portman Road.

Donachie, who has been Joe Royle's right-hand man throughout their managerial career, insists that one thing that will not be missing next season is heart.

Royle and Donachie already have a short list of players who they can bring in as replacements.

They will not be big money signings because of the fragile state of the Ipswich finances, but Donachie today assured Town fans that they will have the good of the club at heart.

“We will bring the right type of player to the club,” stressed Donachie. “This is very important.

“When Joe and I first came in the autumn of 2002 Ipswich had a very good team. But players like Matt Holland and Herman Hreidarsson were perhaps looking to go.

“They liked the club and had served it well, but I don't think their hearts were in another fight for Ipswich Town.

“Since then we built a side full of players who want to be here. They care about each other and are prepared to work for each other. We will ensure this continues.”

Royle and Donachie have enjoyed considerable success during their years at Oldham, Everton, and Manchester City, and Donachie explained the secret that he is sure will hold Ipswich in good stead in 2005/06.

“First of all you need good players,” he said. “But more importantly you need good people. This is the key.

“Most of the people in football are great, but you have to make sure that you do not have a bad apple in the barrel.

“Before we sign a new player we do a great deal of homework into their background. There are certain players we would never sign however good their playing reputations.

“The wrong type can disrupt the way a club works and can drag it down.”

The 53-year-old, who would be happy to spend the rest of his career with Ipswich, went on: “We have had a number of ups and downs, but we always remain positive.

“We believe in our players and back them to the hilt. We encourage a positive environment and do not allow ourselves to get into a rut.

“If we take knocks we keep believing and stay positive.

“When I first became a coach I pledged to make sure that players under my control enjoyed playing.

“To make sure they did not get bored. There is massive pressure on them with 30,000 people waiting to voice their opinions if things go wrong.

“We tell them that mistakes will happen and to forget them. Now is all that matters. If we keep focused on that the future would look after itself.”

“The Premiership is our goal and is the only place to be.”

And he added: “Suffolk people are fantastic and I love the countryside, I see my future being here for ever.

“When Joe asked me to coach at Oldham I thought it might last a few weeks, but we went on and had ten wonderful years at Boundary Park. I hope it turns out to be the same here.”