New chief told kids can drive Tractor Boys up the table

IPSWICH stand-in boss Bryan Klug would like new manager Paul Lambert to build a team around some of the young stars he has helped to develop.

But he knows that sorting out a leaky defence and an anaemic attack might have to come first if the Tractor Boys are to climb out of relegation trouble.

Lambert began work on the training ground yesterday after watching the match (Millwall’s Jake Cooper beating Kayden Jackson in the air, right) from the stand at the Den on Saturday.

He was confirmed as successor to Paul

Hurst on the morning of the game, so long-time club servant Klug took control of the team – the fourth time he has been Ipswich caretaker.

Former Norwich chief Lambert must have despaired at the defending that left his new side three points adrift at the foot of the table.

Lee Gregory scored twice as Ipswich failed to deal with set plays. And Ryan Leonard chipped his first Millwall goal into an empty net after another defensive blunder. But Lambert would have enjoyed the confident displays of 19-year-old midfield pair Andre Dozzell and Flynn Downes. “Sometimes youth has no fear, but that is the way we have tried to teach them to play,” said Klug (above).

“They have both had less than 10 games. But both are players that I would like to think we will eventually be able to build a team around. Whether it is now in these circumstances I don’t know.

“We need some Championship REF: experience and that is what Paul will bring. But, hopefully, he will see that those players have got a future.” The Lions won for the third home game in a row, but must now take that form on to the road, where they have taken only two points. “Results at the Den speak for themselves,” said Leonard. “We have been at it and the fans have been at it and they have been great for us. It is not for the want of trying. “Everyone tries so hard away from home, but we need to manage games better and the confidence we get from winning at home will be taken into the away games.”

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