IPSWICH coach Tony Mowbray today appealed to fans: "Please stick with us."Mowbray said the atmosphere at Portman Road this season had been very positive and urged supporters to keep it going.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH coach Tony Mowbray today appealed to fans: "Please stick with us."

Mowbray said the atmosphere at Portman Road this season had been very positive and urged supporters to keep it going.

Town may appear to be struggling in the Premiership, with just one win and five points from their first seven games, but the former skipper scoffed at the idea they were relegation candidates.

He said: "When a team isn't winning you may see the players' confidence start to go, but that

certainly isn't the case here. I see no signs of that.

"I also sense the supporters realise things are not as bad as some people might believe. It is important they stick with us – their backing is very much appreciated by us all."

Fourth-bottom Ipswich, on the same five-point mark as the three teams below them, are approaching a key stage of the season.

After Tuesday's Worthington Cup trip to Crewe, their next league game is at home to Everton in a week's time.

Then they face Swedish opponents Helsingborgs in the home leg of their UEFA Cup second round tie, before league games at Fulham and Southampton, and a home clash with West Ham.

Mowbray, 37, added: "We are only three points worse off now than we were at the same time last year and if we had those points I don't think anybody would be too concerned.

"Who's to say we can't beat Everton, get something at both Fulham and Southampton, and then beat West Ham? That would put us in a mid-table position."

Town boss George Burley has ruled out any panic buys and Mowbray has 100 per cent belief in the current squad of players.

He added: "I have no fears for the team. Okay, I agree the league table doesn't make good reading as it stands at the moment, but I see the players every day and I can gauge the mood.

"I see them in training, in the dressing room and in games, like last week's against Leeds when they were on top for most of the time and I can assure supporters there is nothing to worry about.

"I would be a lot more concerned if we weren't playing well and creating chances. I just know we are going to win enough games not to have any problems."