STAND-in skipper Keith Andrews has today made an impassioned plea to save Paul Jewell’s job.

The Blues boss is facing mounting pressure after his side lost their seventh straight game on Saturday.

Though the performance against Watford had more passion and spirit, another quick-fire defensive collapse saw the Hornets walk away from Portman Road with a 2-1 victory – and left the clock ticking on Jewell.

But Andrews, who gave Ipswich the lead, believes reclusive owner Marcus Evans should grant the manager more time.

He said: “He has got our backing 100 per cent – absolutely he shouldn’t be sacked. We are in a transitional phase where he has brought in a hell of a lot of players. But you can see it in our performance that everyone is fully behind him.

“I thought we were going to turn the corner today. There was a desire in training and a real focus around the place – we knew how important this game was.

“But the results have to change. It is not just Paul, it is all of us. We are old and big enough to realise that seven (defeats) out of seven isn’t good enough. We need to get that win.”

Andrews admitted the dressing room was as “flat as a pancake” but despite one national newspaper yesterday linking ex-Sunderland manager Steve Bruce with the job, it seems Jewell still has time.

Andrews, who captained Town in the absence of Grant Leadbitter added: “I have played at clubs where managers have been sacked which is unfortunately part and parcel of the game – and the modern game especially.

“I have never experienced seven on the bounce. None of us are enjoying being in this situation. The players, the fans, the staff are living it day-by-day and all I can say is we are doing everything we can to turn the corner.”