Boss Joe Royle says his trip to Holland to watch Ajax and FC Twente's reserves wasn't aimed at bringing back a specific player. Royle and chief scout Colin Suggett met up with former Blue Romeo Zondervan, now an agent, when they watched the game on Tuesday.

The Town manager said: "It was more of a fact-finding mission than anything else. We were never going to come back with a player straight away.

"The situation in England is getting harder and harder, with clubs reluctant to let players go out on loan, so it's important we keep on top of the situation in Europe.

"At Ajax I saw two players who cost 14 million Euros between them. It was a very young side and they are not all going to have a first team future there.

"It was a chance to put a few names in the notebook. Some of them may be available in the transfer window or at the end of the season.

Royle is also planning a trip to France as he seeks out a striker and left-back to replace Sam Parkin and Jay McEveley, while a number of players are expected to spend time at Portman Road on trial over the next few weeks.

Danish striker Sammy Youssouf has started his trial and is reported to have impressed in training.

The TWTD Message Board remains down for the time being. Rivals have encountered a problem with the database but are hopeful it should be resolved today.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls