Royle sets sights on promotion

Joe Royle immediately set his sights on winning promotion to the Premiership after being unveiled as the manager of First Division Ipswich this afternoon.

The former Oldham, Everton and Manchester City boss today took over at Portman Road following the sacking of George Burley earlier this month.

Royle had been out of work since parting company with the Maine Road club following their relegation from the top flight in May last year.

Royle, who won six caps for England and played for East Anglian rivals Norwich during his career, said: ‘‘I was approached by other clubs during my sabbatical but I saw this as a chance to do something.

‘‘It is a club with a great reputation for sportsmanship and a chance to be successful.

‘‘I will approach the job in stages, getting away from the bottom, the play-off places and then who knows?’’

‘‘There is plenty of ability in there. When a side is losing confidence can become strained but I have not seen any sign that that has happened here.’’