The reluctant caretaker manager recorded his fifth victory in six games at Portman Road yesterday - his other game in charge, last season, ended in a draw - and he remains just the sort of iconic figure that may silence disgruntled supporters who have watched West Ham slip into the Football League and sell most of their star players.

A fiercely passionate man, despite his mild-mannered television persona - just ask those who had to deal with him at Sport England - it seems unlikely that Brooking could be persuaded to give up the quiet life for the pressures of football management.

The departure of Glenn Roeder after just three matches signalled West Ham's intent to avoid slipping into the mire in the way their opponents have done. Just two years after competing against the likes of Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup, Ipswich are struggling at the wrong end of the First Division.

Brooking once again had Jermain Defoe to thank for settling earlier nerves. So much depends on the England Under-21 international remaining at the club, and with the transfer window closing tomorrow they should retain his services at least until January.

Cutting in from the right with barely a challenge to speak of, Defoe fired a shot beyond Kelvin Davis and into the top corner from 20 yards.

David Connolly had by then had an effort disallowed for offside, heading in after a fine cross from Matthew Kilgallon, who was making his debut for West Ham on loan.

The game seemed as good as over a minute into the second half when Connolly doubled the visitors' lead, latching on to a rebound after Neil Mellor's initial effort had been blocked by Davis.

West Ham seemed in control until Ipswich pulled a goal back 20 minutes into the second half when Jermaine Wright's deflected shot spun beyond David James. That lifted Joe Royle's men and Pablo Counago almost equalised when he turned the defence, only for James to rush out and smother.

Defoe and Connolly should have done more with opportunities to make the game safe, but Brooking's impeccable record remains intact.

David Alexander (Sunday Telegraph)