JAMES Scowcroft has sent a message of reassurance to his former Ipswich Town team-mates following the announcement the club was going into administration.

JAMES Scowcroft has sent a message of reassurance to his former Ipswich Town team-mates following the announcement the club was going into administration, writes Derek Davis.

Scowcroft, who was sold to Leicester City from Town for £3m, has gone through the situation with the Foxes and believes the club and players have come through stronger.

Speaking from Portugal, where he is enjoying a club trip, Scowcroft said: "It is not an ideal situation but what we found is once the players understood the circumstances and what could happen and will happen we were able to settle down.

"The only thing we could do, and all the Ipswich lads can do is do their job to their very best.

"That means training and performing to their highest ability."

City, under manager Micky Adams, have clearly done that and are currently second in the Division One behind Portsmouth.

Scowcroft has come through a couple of injury spells to be a key player and has weighed in with 10 goals, including two on Saturday in their 4-1 win at Walsall.

Leicester City are close to coming out of administration with a consortium headed by former City and England star Gary Lineker about to take them over.

Scowcroft added: "We, as a club and individuals, have come through this stronger. The word administration prompts a lot of scare-mongering and stories, which are not correct.

"Sure, it has been a cloud over the club but it is not the huge scary thing people fear at first.

"I know the Ipswich lads will be confused a little at first but as I say all they can do is perform their job and I'm sure they will come through.

"I still expect to see them in among the play-off places."

But City boss Adams has warned Joe Royle he will find his hands tied rigidly by the administrator.

He will have no say about any offers coming in for his players as the administrator will decide who goes and who stays.

And any hopes of loan signings are out the window. Clubs in administration are banned by the Football League from taking on new players.

Adams said: "It is very frustrating. One of the things you want to do when you go in as a new manager is make changes by signing new players and allowing others to leave. He will not now be able to bring in anyone on loan to help out."