PAUL Jewell’s job as Ipswich Town manager remains safe for now.

The Blues may have suffered their seventh straight Championship defeat on Saturday – throwing away yet another lead to lose 2-1 at home against Watford – but the reaction of supporters at the end suggests that they saw enough signs that all is not lost just yet.

Although many voted with their feet by staying away from Portman Road, those who were amongst a reduced crowd of 16,262 left encouraged by a significantly more impassioned display.

And despite a smattering of boos at the final whistle, the majority warmly applauded their side from the field.

“Supporters aren’t silly,” said Jewell, who was given a resounding vote of confidence from club owner Marcus Evans and chief executive Simon Clegg last week.

“They stuck with the players because they recognised that they were giving everything they have and that, but for a little bit of luck, we would have won the game. I thought there was a positive reaction throughout the ground.”

With Brighton’s late winner against Nottingham Forest keeping Town outside the relegation zone, stand-in Town skipper Keith Andrews echoed his manager’s praise for the Blues’ supporters.

He said: “I have always said since day one that Ipswich have a very fair set of fans. I have noticed that as an opposing player through the years.

“I think they recognised the performance we put in, how much it meant to us and how much we wanted to win.

“On Tuesday night (4-0 loss at Burnley) we should have been booed off but they don’t vent their frustration like other supporters. It is a credit to themselves. They are fully behind us and we really respect that.”

Jewell’s position remains precarious though, with both Dave Jones and Steve Bruce already linked with the club by national newspapers.

Town travel to Barnsley on Saturday for a televised tea-time game, before welcoming Jewell’s old club – Derby County – the following weekend.