Joe Royle admits he can feel the 'burden' of Ipswich Town's extraordinary home record in Europe.
The new Blues chief faces a baptism of fire tonight when he takes charge for the first time against Slovan Liberec in the UEFA Cup.
Remarkably, Town are unbeaten in 30 European games on home soil - a record spanning 40 years.
And Royle, whose charges have a second round first leg date with the Czechs at Portman Road, said: "I must admit it's a burden but a nice one to have, especially coming in my first game.
"It's a huge pressure to defend such a proud record but I'm excited about the challenge."
George Burley is poised to become the new manager of Stoke City. The former Town boss watched from the stands last night as they lost 2-1 at home to Watford.
Published Thursday October 31, 2002
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