THEY may have made an indifferent start to the season, but don't call Ipswich shot-shy!Official statistics from Opta Index prove Town are out on their own, having attempted more shots than any other team in the Premiership this season.

By Mel Henderson

THEY may have made an indifferent start to the season, but don't call Ipswich shot-shy!

Official statistics from Opta Index prove Town are out on their own, having attempted more shots than any other team in the Premiership this season.

And George Burley's team are also top when it comes to crosses and corners, which confirms they are one of the most attack-minded teams around.

While they may have managed just one win from their opening five games, the facts and figures suggest it isn't for the want of trying.

Ipswich have managed a total of 82 shots, 12 more than both Arsenal and Manchester United who complete the top three line-up.

Meanwhile, Dutch favourite Martijn Reuser is the Premiership's busiest player when it comes to crosses and corners, with 75.

That's 25 more than Leeds full-back Ian Harte, while Blackburn winger Damien Duff – in impressive form at Portman Road last Sunday – is third with 46.

Nigerian winger Finidi George is sandwiched between two Premiership hot-shots when it comes to most shots attempted.

Town's £3.1 million new boy from Real Mallorca, who has clocked up a total of 17 efforts, is currently top scorer at Portman Road courtesy of the double strike on his home debut against Derby.

His shot tally is just one fewer than Sunderland's Kevin Phillips – and one more than Louis Saha of Fulham.

The statistics come as no surprise to Ipswich legend and Star columnist Kevin Beattie.

He said: "Apart from one or two spells in the last 30-odd years or more, Town have always been known as an enterprising team.

"Clubs have an image that is earned over a period of time – you think of Manchester United and the way they sweep forward, but in Liverpool's case it is more of a steady build-up through the midfield.

"The Ipswich way is to play football and to take the game to the opposition. George Burley is now preaching the same gospel, now he's manager, that he learned under Bobby Robson.

"I suppose the worrying thing is that Town are not turning possession, crosses, corners, shots etc. into goals. But I honestly believe they are not far away.

"It just needs a bit of fine tuning. I would rather they were known for going forward than the number of fouls they commit, or some other negative aspect of the game.

"It's early days yet – far too early for panic to set in. The signs are encouraging and the goals will soon start to flow. I'm sure of it."