IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell revealed today that he is not surprised by his side’s recent slump in form.

Town take on third from bottom Scunthorpe in a Championship fixture at Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) desperate to end a run of three consecutive home defeats.

Boos rang out from the terraces at the final whistle of Tuesday’s 3-0 reverse against Watford, and the optimism that was built up in Jewell’s early days after taking over from Roy Keane is in danger of evaporating.

Jewell remains certain that he can bring the good times back to Portman Road, but he warned supporters that a quick fix was never on the cards.

“Along with the players I’m disappointed with our recent home displays,” said Jewell.

“But I’m not surprised.

“I’ve been saying from day one that things will not change overnight.

“We are where we are because of what we’ve got.

“The goal is the same as when I arrived – not to get involved in a relegation battle and then look to move forward next season.

“We won two or three games – one of them 6-0 – and a few people got a bit excited.

“I said at the time to cool the jets and keep feet our feet on the floor.”

Jewell has a contract until the summer of 2013 and it is then that he wants to be judged.

“Please don’t judge me after one half of a season,” he added.

“I have over two years left on my contract and want to be here a long while.

“Judge me over a period of time.

“Our supporters are not daft. They know it is work in progress and the problems that were here before.”

Scunthorpe parted company with manager Ian Barraclough earlier in the week, and Jewell says that patience can be the key.

“Around the world the successful managers have been given time,” added Jewell.

“If you are given a fair crack of the whip and don’t produce then you can hold your hands up and agree with the decision to go.

“But if you have only been in the job for two minutes it becomes a nonsense.”

HAVE you still got faith in manager Jewell? Have your say – e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk.