JIMMY Bullard today heralded a successful era for Ipswich Town under the management of Paul Jewell.

The Hull City loanee scored on his debut at Derby County last night as Ipswich beat the Rams 2-1 to move up the Championship table and seven points away from the bottom three.

Bullard was beaten to man of the match by Town skipper David Norris, who also scored as the visitors came from behind. Norris had a superb second period to show why Ipswich were right to hold on to the 29-year-old midfielder.

“I’m sure Paul Jewell will do a great job at Ipswich,” said Bullard. “He’s one of the best managers I have played for and it makes such a difference to play for someone you respect.

“We enjoyed success at Wigan together and I am looking to do the same during my time at Ipswich.

“All the boys did well and they are a great bunch and it’s good to show the character to bounce back from going a goal down.

“This is a great club and I’m just glad to be here and playing football again.

“I got through 90 minutes, which is good and I should be fit for Saturday’s game.”

Talking about his goal, Bullard went on: “I enjoyed that.

“I had so much time and didn’t know whether to control the ball, hit it with my left or right foot – or head it – and I didn’t want to miss it altogether.

“There was a player in my way so I didn’t know it was a goal until I saw the net ripple.”

A delighted Jewell predicted more pleasure to come for Town fans adding: “We won, which is great but there is so much we can do better.

“There are shoots of progress you can see, and we should have killed them off.

“Derby are on a poor run, but they have a good home record and they scored from a good counter attack.

“Winning breeds confidence – and the lads have not been used to winning with Jimmy Bullard bringing a new dimension to our play and David Norris enjoying a great night.”

Disappointed Derby boss Nigel Clough said: “At 1-0 we were relatively comfortable but then Ipswich scored from distance. That goal changed the game and our keeper held up his hands at the interval.

“For 20 minutes in the second half we were in control and looked like taking the lead again, but they creep one in at the near post.

“Ipswich had three chances I think and won the game – that’s how we are going at the moment with confidence being drained with every defeat.”