Joe Royle immediately set his sights on winning promotion to the Premiership after being unveiled as the manager of First Division Ipswich this afternoon.
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."
Royle pleaded with Town fans to give him a chance - despite his connection with local rivals Norwich.
Royle, who played for the Canaries, pleaded: "Give us a chance, give us a little bit of time. It's the Norwich connection - there are always fervent fans and it is their derby game. I don't think they've got any reason not to want me."
Royle admitted Thursday's UEFA Cup second round first leg clash against Slovan Liberec would take a back seat to the weekend Division One clash against Crystal Palace.
He said: "It's a while since I've been in Europe. I am looking forward to that. I'm not disregarding Europe for a second but the three points at stake against Crystal Palace are slightly more important.
"Last time I saw Ipswich was in Russia last year when I was wearing my other hat as a commentator."
The former Everton boss revealed he would retain the services of caretaker manager Tony Mowbray while also bringing in Willie Donachie, currently at Sheffield Wednesday.
He added: "Tony Mowbray is staying with us and hopefully Willie Donachie will join us if we can sort that out. The chairman has been speaking to Sheffield Wednesday and we are hoping to do that sooner rather than later."
But Royle will have to turn around Town's fortunes without any extra money, although he insists a play-off spot is still within reach.
He said: "I think the chairman has made it very clear there will be no immediate funds to spend.
"But I think the squad is good enough if we can get them playing to the top of their ability.
"I'm realistic as to what our position is. We are down towards the bottom - let's get into the middle before we think about the top.
"A play-off place is certainly not impossible. There are a lot of games in this division. I saw at Manchester City you can come late and come into it."