Ipswich fans stress the need for Paul Jewell to focus on further additions to the defence.
There’s now two weeks to go before the new Championship season kicks off, but where do Ipswich Town still need reinforcements? That’s what Vital Ipswich has been asking you this week.
At the time of writing, Ipswich manager Paul Jewell has made five new signings this summer: namely Michael Chopra, Ivar Ingimarsson (pictured), Nathan Ellington, Aaron Cresswell and Lee Bowyer. However, whilst Town’s first team have remained unbeaten in four pre-season matches so far, it is no secret that there is still room for improvement, and with 13 players having left Portman Road this summer, the squad is not as deep as it once was.
So, with Jewell almost certain to add to his squad this week, which area of the team do you feel still needs the most investment? Here’s how you responded:
12% – Goalkeeper
44% – Defence
33% – Midfield
11% – Attack
Click here to suggest your own poll for the site!
Two areas stand out in this poll, but none more so than the defence, which 44% of voters felt was most in need of improvement. The backline have only conceded 4 goals in 4 pre-season matches (albeit some coming against inferior opponents) but having lost the likes of Gareth McAuley, Troy Brown, Tom Eastman and Darren O’Dea from last season’s squad, the Town rearguard is looking somewhat light on numbers – not helped by an injury to new recruit Ingimarsson.
Aside from the defence however, it seems there is still much concern over the midfield. A third of those polled voted in favour of more additions in the middle of the park, with Bowyer the only new signing in this area so far. David Norris and loanee Jimmy Bullard were notable departures this summer, and whilst Bowyer may have replaced one of the two, there remains a significant gap.
Less concern was expressed over other areas of the team however. Despite the loss of Brian Murphy and Ian McLoughlin, only 12% of voters felt that the Blues were most in need of more goalkeepers, whilst considerable investment in the strikeforce to date has ensured that strengthening the frontline is no longer seen as the top priority for Town supporters; a significant change from an identical poll back in April.
This week’s poll: ‘Who do you think should be Ipswich Town’s first choice captain?’ (See right-hand column to view the list and place your vote)
Which area of the Ipswich team do you think is the weakest? Do you think Paul Jewell has been focusing on the right areas, and what have you made of the players he has signed so far? Share your views using the comment box below.
You can also have your say on this topic on our club forums – just click the banner below to register an account with Vital Ipswich:
