JOE Royle today described Ipswich Town fans as nothing short of phenomenal.He said: “To be out of the Premiership for four years, and to have just had a disappointingseason it says volumes that over 16,000 season tickets have already been sold for 2006/07.

By Elvin King

JOE Royle today described Ipswich Town fans as nothing short of phenomenal.

He said: “To be out of the Premiership for four years, and to have just had a disappointing

season it says volumes that over 16,000 season tickets have already been sold for 2006/07.”

Royle has never lost faith in a bright future for the Blues, and that fact that supporters have backed him - and his players - has heightened his resolve.

“It has been a tricky season, and to be honest it will be nice to get it out of the way and start afresh,” added Royle, who takes his team to Plymouth for their final Championship game of the season on Sunday.

“Considering all our financial constraints, and the injuries we have suffered we have done okay to finish in mid-table.

“And a large majority of our supporters realise our problems and have voted their continuing support through season ticket sales.

“Their response has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“On Saturday our fans were great. They came to say goodbye to Jim Magilton and helped to lift the team.

“We needed that win, and it proved the point that goals change games.”

Town have ruled out Danny Haynes and Fabian Wilnis for Sunday's final game of the Championship season at Plymouth Argyle.

Haynes suffered mild concussion in the 2-0 victory over Derby County on Saturday, and when he began vomiting 90 minutes after the match he was taken to hospital as a precaution.

He was kept in overnight, and Town physio Dave Williams said: “Danny is okay now, but he won't be playing on Sunday.”

Royle added: “Fabian has cracked a rib and will not play again this season.”

N (SQUARE) Joe Royle has explained his reasons for letting 22-year-old midfielder Jimmy Juan return to his parent club Monaco.

Juan has played his last game for Ipswich Town and will not feature in Sunday's final match of the Championship season at Plymouth.

The player, who has been on loan at Portman Road for 18 months, has one more year on his contract with Monaco to run.

Blues fans will see the decision as a blow to hopes of a successful 2006/07, but Royle explained:

“Jimmy did well when he came into the side and up until the time he was injured.

“But he did not kick-on in the latter part of the season. He has potential, and with a better financial situation at the club we could have given him another year to see how his potential unfolded.

“But our need is next season, and I want players who have already proved themselves at Championship level.

“We already have bags of potential at the club with our own players. We have competition in midfield, and there is the possibility of bringing in a new player during the summer.

“We wish Jimmy well and I thank him for his contribution.”