AN angry Joe Royle today came out fighting and confidently predicted: "We will be better next season."The Ipswich boss clearly felt the time was right to make a bold statement to ease fans' concerns about the lack of transfer activity at Portman Road.

AN angry Joe Royle today came out fighting and confidently predicted: "We will be better next season."

The Ipswich boss clearly felt the time was right to make a bold statement to ease fans' concerns about the lack of transfer activity at Portman Road.

But suggestions that out-of-contract pair Fabian Wilnis and Chris Makin were stalling on signing new deals because they feared other players' departures would affect Town's promotion chances also prompted Royle's furious outburst.

He said: "If Fabian and Chris want to hesitate and not sign contracts that's their prerogative. And if they don't want to stay at Ipswich it's up to them – they can and will be replaced.

"We only want players who want to play for this club."

See tonight's Evening Star for full story