WITH pride and bodies battered and bruised Ipswich Town go to Watford today looking to halt a run of three straight defeats and seven games without a win.

By Derek Davis

WITH pride and bodies battered and bruised Ipswich Town go to Watford today looking to halt a run of three straight defeats and seven games without a win.

Blues boss Joe Royle has impressed on his under-performing players that the new season starts now and will ring the changes after disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Brighton on Saturday, by stiffening up his midfield and shoring up his leaky defence.

Norwegian Vemund Brekke-Skard will make his first start in a Blues shirt, while Lewis Price returns in goal and Jay McEveley is recalled into the squad.

Royle said: “We have got to raise ourselves and go again. We are starting next season today. We have three games left and we want to go out of this season high on hope.”

Keeper Shane Supple has bruised ribs and a sore hip after being clattered by late challenges on Saturday and will be rested, allowing Lewis Price to reclaim the number one spot.

Royle said: “It is been in my mind for a while to play Lewis again before the end of the season and this is an ideal opportunity.”

Chris Casement has a swollen ankle and will not be involved so McEveley answered an SOS call by Town to return from his Liverpool home to at least be on the bench.

Royle will have another £50,000 to spend on his playing squad next season after Darren Bent made his 40th appearance for Charlton Athletic, triggering the second bonus payment.