Supple ready for battle with Wright (From Gazette)

Supple ready for battle with Wright

10:02am Monday 29th June 2009

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Shane Supple is preparing for a ‘massive’ season with Ipswich Town.

And the goalkeeper, fresh from penning a new one-year deal, has revealed his determination to oust current number one Richard Wright.

Irishman Supple insists he is not staying just to keep the bench warm.

Instead, he wants to replace his good friend in the team and make a positive impression under new Town boss Roy Keane.

Supple, 22, told the Gazette: “I’ve got a big year ahead and really want to push on.

“There was a time when I wondered if I needed to find a new club, in order to get first-team football.

“The thought went through my head but I had a chat with one or two people and, after that, sat down and made the decision to stay and give things a go.

“It’s a massive season for me and I need to be playing first-team games.

“I’ve just turned 22, which is still young for a goalkeeper, but now it’s time for me to get in the team and do the business.

“I want the number one spot and need to be playing.

“If things don’t work out then you never know what will happen.

“What will be will be but at least I know I’ll have tried my best.”

Supple is good friends with former England man Wright – but insists that does not dilute his enthusiasm for replacing him in the Ipswich team.

“We get on very well,” he said.

“We’re similar-minded and have the same philosophies, but that’s not to say I don’t want his place in the team.

“Richard knows that.

“He knows I’m breathing down his neck and he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Supple is looking forward to the prospect of working with Keane.

The goalkeeper was on loan at Oldham Athletic when the appointment was made late last season and, so far, has only had a ‘brief chat’ with the Manchester United legend.

“It’s exciting to have a new manager. I have an idea of how he wants to do things and what he expects,” he said.

“He wants everyone to work hard in training and, if you do that, you’ll have a chance of being in the team.”

Meanwhile, Antonio Gomez has been confirmed as the new fitness coach at Portman Road.

The 32-year-old spent two years in that position at Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool before working under Keane at Sunderland from July 2008.

The Spaniard said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to join such an ambitious club as Ipswich.

“I know Roy wants to take this club forward and win a place in the Premier League and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that challenge.”

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