IPSWICH Town stalwart Jon Walters today called for more leadership on the pitch if the Blues are to snap out of their dreadful start to the season.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town stalwart Jon Walters today called for more leadership on the pitch if the Blues are to snap out of their dreadful start to the season.

Saturday's 2-0 Championship defeat at West Brom means they are in a relegation position with just one point from their opening four matches.

Walters backs manager Roy Keane to be a success despite severe doubts already creeping into the minds of Town fans who began the season with so much optimism.

“There are certain players who take a game by the scruff of the neck,” said Walters.

“We need someone who can do that. We need more leadership on the pitch.

“There is only so much a manager can do once you step on to the pitch, and there must be no hiding from this among the players.

“The manager will be a success whatever he does, but it might take time here and I have to agree that after one point from the first 12 it is not good enough and we need new players - either permanent or on loan.

“Actions speak louder than words, and we must not just talk about putting things right. It is early days but we have got to start showing on the pitch. We've got to improve.”

When Town owner Marcus Evans appointed Keane - and he won his first two games at the end of last season - Ipswich looked set for a revival.

But the owner must now be scratching his head after The Blues have taken one point from nine from middle of the road teams and suffered a second televised defeat in two weeks.