BLUES boss Joe Royle has called for patience and understanding from Town fans as they go through a transitional period.Royle was ecstatic at getting a point from Wolves but was disappointed at some fans' reaction during and after the match.

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Joe Royle has called for patience and understanding from Town fans as they go through a transitional period.

Royle was ecstatic at getting a point from Wolves but was disappointed at some fans' reaction during and after the match.

He said: “Hopefully, we will have another couple of players fit by next weekend, which will make a big difference to us. At the same time there has to be a reality check from our fans. For us to compete with the likes of Wolves, who have a side full of internationals and are spending big money, is going to be hard for us at the moment.

“We are still transitional and we have had a horrendous time with injuries but there we are having a go.

“We may have been a little bit fortunate, although I would also say that the two big chances Wolves had after our equaliser came from pushes which the referee did not see.

“It was a great point for us. I would have gladly and willingly taken a point before the game and that is not lack of ambition, that is reality. I heard the isolated boos at the end and the boos when Dean Bowditch was substituted but I would ask the good people of East Anglia to bear with us.”

A Matt Richards penalty gave Town the draw after a Colin Cameron opener and Royle was delighted to hold on for the point.

Royle said: “I'm absolutely ecstatic. With all our current problems, playing against one of the best teams in this division, it was a terrific result.

“We had the bad luck to go behind to a wicked deflection and I thought 'here we go' but then had the good luck to get a penalty, which I'm sure Glenn won't be happy with. You could not fault our spirit and the way the players battled on and kept going.”

Town have needed set pieces to find the net of late and Royle is keen to get in a finisher.

He said: “The lack of a goal in open play is a worry for us and we are looking for a greater goal threat and we may have to wait and make and mend until January 1 when we can get someone in.”

The spot-kick came when Gabor Gyepes brought down Nicky Forster and Royle admits it was harsh on Wolves. He said: “If the penalty had been against us I would have been disappointed and we have had them given against us for less, heavy breathing at times. So I'm not surprised, although at least there was a tackle in the vicinity. The lad got the ball as well as the man and I would be unhappy if it had gone against us.

“Equally, it was a big deflection for their goal which leaves Lewis (Price) stranded. At that stage, neither side had really threatened so at least it livened the game up.

“For all their superiority in the final stages, our goalkeeper was not overworked so we must have been doing something right.”

Kevin Horlock returned from injury and gave Town a more physical presence, while Scott Barron made his Football League debut.

“Kevin gave us more bite in midfield and a bit more about us. The problem we have is Ipswichitis, when everyone wants the ball when we have it and play but not too many want to defend when we don't have it. Some are oblivious but I can't fault their honesty and effort.

“Scott did very well in the reserves and may have just got in because of Fabian's (Wilnis) suspension, which we are still puzzled about, and Jay McEveley's injury, but he will get another chance to impress.”