IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has hit out at Crawley Town counterpart Steve Evans’ claim that the Blues had turned down a ‘significant’ offer for midfielder Andy Drury.

The 28-year-old is back with the Blues following a 15-game loan spell which included 12 wins, three draws and four goals to his name.

“They’ve made it sound like we turned down a bid, but it’s not quite like that,” said Jewell.

“We agreed a fee before he went on loan, which we said they could buy him for if he did well for them.

“Twelve wins and three draws is obviously not good enough though, because the bid was half of what we agreed – I wouldn’t even call it a bid.”

Drury has made just six starts and a further seven substitute appearances for Town since Jewell made him his first signing at the club back in January, paying non-league side Luton �150,000.

“The loan spell will have done him the world of good confidence-wise,” said Jewell.

“He’s not really been given a chance to have a long run in the team to be fair to Andy, but he comes back into consideration now.”

Crawley boss Evans said he would now be moving onto other targets, even rejecting any notion that Drury could return on loan.

He told the Crawley News: “I was given a figure I was cleared to offer by the board. We made the offer in writing and Ipswich were very professional but rejected it.

“Andy Drury played a part for us. People can say what they want, but there are far more important players at this football club.”