JOE Royle last night vowed to bring in a new loan signing within the next few days after a performance at Wigan which he described as "the worst since I have been at Ipswich.

JOE Royle last night vowed to bring in a new loan signing within the next few days after a performance at Wigan which he described as "the worst since I have been at Ipswich."

The Blues boss was furious that his midfield was so over-run and the strikers could not finish at the death as a Nathan Ellington goal gave the Latics the win in the first-ever league meeting between these clubs.

The abysmal display had Royle admitting that for the first time they were missing players they had sold.

Royle fumed: "Wigan over-ran us, especially in midfield where we had put three in to counter their two.

"It is not about formations it is about personnel; people are not doing what is asked from them and that will have to change.

"That was by far the worst performance since I have been at Ipswich and it was not acceptable. Fair enough we had chances towards the end but if we had have nicked a point from them it would have been a travesty.

"For the first time I believe if we had some of the players we have lost then we would not have lost. The likes of Hermann Hreidarsson, Jamie Clapham and certainly Matt Holland would have made all the difference.

"But there is no point in bemoaning that. It has happened and we have to get on with it but we did look bereft.

"I felt sorry for the supporters who travelled and tried to get behind us but even from six yards with the keeper to beat we can't score.

"But it was not just the forwards, you can't blame them."

To add to Town's woes, keeper Kelvin Davis dislocated a finger and is doubtful for the visit of West Ham on Saturday.

Wigan boss Jewell was understandably delighted and described it as the best 90 minutes he has enjoyed as the Latics manager.

He said: "We were excellent. We kept it at a high tempo for the whole game against a very good Ipswich side.

"I know Joe is getting stick over the start they have had but they are a quality outfit with quality players and will be up there at the end of the season."

n Town's fixture with Crystal Palace on September 6 has been postponed due to international call-ups.