CARLOS Edwards has admitted sympathy for the plight of Paul Jewell – but warned his team-mates to shake off the manager’s self-doubt ahead of the visit of Derby County.
Jewell today reiterated that he would be in the home dugout at Portman Road tomorrow night following a weekend of soul-searching and self-questioning of his ability.
Speaking at lunch-time, his skipper admitted it wasn’t what the players wanted to hear in the wake of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Hull City, but believes Town must now rise to the challenge.
Edwards said: “We were disappointed and the last thing we wanted to hear was that he had to look at his own position and decide whether he was the right man for the job.
“I think any manager in the situation he was in might have said the same thing. The pressure is on – for him to keep his job the results have to change.
“The players felt for him. We are disappointed in ourselves that we are not getting the results he knows we are capable of.
“But we can’t dwell on what the gaffer is going through as we are not in the same position he is in. All fingers are going to be pointed at him.
“We are hoping that we can get that game (the Hull defeat) out of our systems as quickly as possible and focus on the next two home games.”
Edwards revealed that he had private words of encouragement for Jewell this morning at the training ground as Ipswich look to improve on a poor performance at Humberside.
The right-back, who was recently given some time off by the manager, said: “I don’t think the team performed in the way we could. At this level, you need everyone to be at least 90% to get something from a game.
“I think everyone needs (a kick up the backside) – myself included. He gave me a week off and whatever happens (with Jewell), I will never get a week off again!
“It didn’t work in my favour to have a week off. Whenever I get a few days off, it takes me a week to get going again. I am the first to put my hand up – I know I had a rubbish game on Saturday.”