IT was not difficult for Joe Royle to explain away a 3-1 home defeat. The Blues boss did not look for excuses but admitted that Wigan were simply too good for his Ipswich side.

IT was not difficult for Joe Royle to explain away a 3-1 home defeat. The Blues boss did not look for excuses but admitted that Wigan were simply too good for his Ipswich side, writes Derek Davis.

Royle said: "They swarmed all over us. Wigan are a very good side. They have two £1million strikers up front and have just taken on a £1m midfield player and that was the difference.

"Don't be kidded by the name Wigan Athletic. They are a powerful club in this division. They are powerful spenders and are a powerful side and they were terrific.

"We could not get on top of them to pass the ball, although I thought we had weathered the storm but then they scored."

The difference between the clubs could be counted in millions and they will hurt many more Premiership dreaming clubs.

He added: "All due respect to Wigan we are a far bigger club than them but they have the money, their star is in the ascendancy and will take some stopping.

"It was not that they out-passed us it was that they swarmed all over us and were more athletic and quicker than us."

Although Shefki Kuqi pulled one back and Darren Bent hit the crossbar, Royle has no doubt Wigan were worthy winners.

He said: "It would have flattered us because they were breaking on us and with the pace of their two front players and the pace of the right winger, you have to hold your hands up and say they were better than us."

Royle refused to criticise the effort and commitment of his squad but knows they need help - and the backing of the Blues' faithful.

He said: "This group of lads were terrific for us but we need to boost the squad again. They have signed a striker and midfielder for big money and we're searching for a loan player and that's the difference.

"I was disappointed with the crowd's reaction to some of our players. They did better second half, hit the crossbar and had chances so credit them for that.

"These lads don't lack honesty and have done terrifically well and we are still in with a great chance.

"We have to lift ourselves and go again. We are stretched injury wise so we are making too many changes every week as we try and boost ourselves.

"The catalyst when we were bottom were three loan signings and we are trying to bring someone in."