IPSWICH Town chief executive Simon Clegg today admitted that the bad start to the season must have tested the patience of every Blues supporter.“And they were not found wanting,” said Clegg, who refused to rule out the possibility of reaching the Championship play-offs this season.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town chief executive Simon Clegg today admitted that the bad start to the season must have tested the patience of every Blues supporter.

“And they were not found wanting,” said Clegg, who refused to rule out the possibility of reaching the Championship play-offs this season.

Despite manager Roy Keane leading Town to their worst ever start to a season, fans have remained loyal. Clegg heaped praise on them and handed out some Christmas cheer by voicing his hopes for a much better 2010.

“I don't think any other club in the country would have kept their supporters so rock solid behind the team after the start that we regrettably had,” said Clegg.

“This speaks volumes about what a special club this is. I have been to several supporters' meetings and almost to a man and woman they have been supportive towards the manager.

“We tested them a bit but they have not been found wanting, and I have to thank them for their loyalty.

“It has made us more determined to pay them back and reward them for their patience with a good 2010.”

After expectation levels reached astronomical heights in the summer, Ipswich have only just got their act together with Clegg refusing to write off this campaign.

He went on: “We are 13 points behind the top six and if we can turn our recent draws into wins all is possible.

“I did not set a target of promotion this season but to build the foundations for a place in the Premier League at the first possible moment.”

Clegg gave Keane his support over the manager's record of dropping players out of his squad, and says that players are never written off.

“Roy is not afraid to drop players if they are not delivering - on to the bench or out of his squad,” said Clegg.

“But he doesn't write them off; he is good like that.

“Players are given the chance to earn the right to get back into the side - as we have seen with Owen Garvan, David Wright and Damien Delaney.”

Arran Lee-Barrett's chances of earning an extension to a contract that runs out at the end of the month have improved with impressive recent displays in the first team.

He has earned the respect of Clegg, who enthused: “Arran lives near the ground and came into the club and asked if he could train to keep fit. He is currently our number one keeper - a remarkable accomplishment.”