Klug: Ward red made it ‘impossible’ for Ipswich

Posted Sunday, April 22, 2018 by PA

Ipswich caretaker boss Bryan Klug and Aston Villa assistant Colin Calderwood both agreed the sending off of Town midfielder Grant Ward was pivotal in the away side’s 4-0 victory at Portman Road.

Ward was given his marching orders just before half-time when he was shown a red card by referee Simon Hooper for a high challenge on Villa defender Neil Taylor.

Villa were leading 1-0 at that point through Conor Hourihane’s 25th-minute strike and they would go on to add three further goals after the break, Lewis Grabban netting a brace before Henri Lansbury wrapped things up.

Klug felt Ward’s dismissal made it “impossible” for his side, saying: “I felt up to then we were in the game.

“We had a plan and when that happens it all goes out the window.

“It was right in front of us. I don’t think there was any malice in the challenge but he did catch him high and it gives the referee a chance to do that and I have no real complaints about that really.

“There’s no malice in the challenge and he (Taylor) did not look that he was hurt badly and that’s no criticism of him.

“It was not even rash. I don’t think that Grant even saw him and it made it impossible for us.

“We tried different ways to get something out of the game and that left us a bit open, and they have got some fantastic players who were able to capitalise and in the end we are well beaten.

“But it’s not through lack of effort. We made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the way that we defended and gave the ball away in certain areas, but they are a good team.”

Steve Bruce’s assistant Calderwood agreed with Klug, saying: “We had gained ascendancy with the goal and then that (the sending off) certainly made it easier for us with them down to 10 men.

“We were exerting a bit more control and a bit more composure, and I think the work that happened in the first half contributed to the openings in the second, but it’s a red card because of the way it has to be interpreted today.

“There’s no malice in it, there’s no intent, but as much as you feel sorry for the boy you just have to accept it.”

Villa’s win leaves them fourth in the Sky Bet Championship, three points adrift of second-placed Fulham with two games remaining.

Calderwood said of his side’s victory: “We don’t know how hopeful that is for the automatic position but it helps us having a nice rhythm and good form going into whatever may happen come the end of the season.

“We have got to be ready (for the play-offs) and the big games that we have had the atmosphere has been rare and intensified and that gives us confidence and hopefully that will give supporters the belief.”