JOE Royle today received a wake-up call with a difference – to be told he had been crowned Nationwide Manager of the Month for March.Royle laughed: "They caught me cold with the news.

By Mel Henderson

JOE Royle today received a wake-up call with a difference – to be told he had been crowned Nationwide Manager of the Month for March.

Royle laughed: "They caught me cold with the news. I was still in bed when the phone rang!"

The Ipswich boss scooped the award courtesy of an eight-game unbeaten run that has rocketed Town into the promotion frame.

He will be presented with his magnum of champagne before Saturday's vital home clash with play-off rivals Nottingham Forest.

See tonight's Evening Star for full story