GEORGES Santos today had a rallying call to Ipswich Town fans: "Don't be worried about relegation."The Marseilles-born 33-year-old defender or midfielder was part of the Grimsby Town side that dropped out of the First Division at the end of last season.

By Elvin King

GEORGES Santos today had a rallying call to Ipswich Town fans: "Don't be worried about relegation."

The Marseilles-born 33-year-old defender or midfielder was part of the Grimsby Town side that dropped out of the First Division at the end of last season. He is therefore ideally suited to give an informed opinion on Ipswich Town's fortunes this campaign.A poor start, with just two points from their first five matches, has set some alarm bells ringing among Town supporters, but Santos has no such concerns.

He said: "Ipswich are very different to Grimsby. They will move up the table fast.

"They are a much bigger club to start with and despite their financial problems over the last year or so they are in a position where they bring players in.

"At Grimsby, player-manager Paul Groves had to make do with what he had, and there was little chance of him improving his squad. There was just no money around.

"Ipswich are a big club with big fans – and they have the players to score goals. At Grimsby, although we were able to stop teams scoring at times, we did not have players in the side who could find the net.

"Here there are a hat-full with Pablo Counago, Darren Bent, Alun Armstrong and Dean Bowditch who have the ability to get us goals.

"We must focus on the future, and starting with our visit to West Brom begin a move up the table.

"The arrival of Alan Mahon and Chris Bart-Williams will give us a lift at the right time. I remember Newcastle United starting a season on the wrong foot and being near the bottom of the table. They ended up qualifying for the Champions' League. We can rise in similar fashion."

Santos, who has just settled into a house in a quiet part of Ipswich, is happy to play wherever Joe Royle wants.

"I had a good time at Grimsby in the back line, and was voted player of the year," he added. "But if the Gaffer wants me to play in midfield it is no problem."