The first game of the new season has yielded a win and an infectious mood of optimism has quickly spread among the Ipswich Town faithful. However, as I hardly need to remind you, last season began with a similar emphatic victory, but soon became a source of immense frustration for Ipswich fans.

So could this win be another false dawn? Realistically it is far too early to tell, but there are certainly signs that this surge of optimism is not misplaced.

Firstly, the vibe surrounding the Ipswich team is more positive and this is largely down to Paul Jewell’s stewardship. His predecessor Roy Keane ruled with an iron fist and this did nothing to boost team spirit - players were frequently exiled for minor misdemeanours, or seemingly nothing at all - while a tendency for futile hoof-ball tactics certainly didn’t soften the blow of countless disappointing results. Jewell has instilled a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere and appears a better man-manager than Keane.

He deployed a five-man midfield at Bristol City as well as against Wolves and Colchester and, despite the perception that this is a negative tactic, Saturday’s showing proved that especially away from home, it provides ample attacking support. The two widemen were able to push up in support and this paid off when Lee Martin tucked away a finish to score only his second competitive goal for Ipswich. This performance, coupled with a sparkling pre-season, bodes well for the ex- Manchester United man, despite the fact he has so far failed to shine at Ipswich.

It was surprising that Jewell chose to play just one striker however, given that he signed three (counting Jay Emmanuel-Thomas) in the summer, meaning he has six frontmen at his disposal.

The manager has stated his desire to eventually revert to a 4-4-2 formation, which will please many fans and perhaps see him make the most of his bolstered strike force.

Jewell has certainly revitalised the squad he inherited, clearing out much of the deadwood, and bringing in some excellent signings.

Although 14 players left the club, the quality of the signings he has made so far will hopefully have nullified the negative effect of such a large overhaul. He has signed Lee Bowyer and Ivar Ingimarsson who are 34 and 33 respectively, and while they are not long-term solutions, they are of similar age to many of Jewell’s promotion winning squad at Wigan in the 2004/2005 season who were nicknamed “Dad’s Army”.

He clearly feels that experienced veterans are a vital ingredient in a winning team and the free signing of Lee Bowyer in particular could be something of a coup. Just last season he was pulling the strings in Birmingham’s midfield in the top flight and has always offered a goal threat from midfield.

In Michael Chopra, Jewell has bought a striker who has twice scored more than 20 goals in a Championship season and who has already got off to a flying start, scoring within three minutes of his Ipswich debut in the Netherlands and 13 minutes of his official debut at Bristol City. Ipswich Town has been crying out for a prolific striker for many seasons and finally, it seems as though we may have landed one who could fire us to glory.

Another new arrival, Nathan Ellington, was free-scoring under Jewell at Wigan and despite little success since their promotion season he believes he can recreate his previous form.

Jewell has also acquired the mercurial Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and the promising Aaron Cresswell who stood out in his debut on Saturday. Both are young players and this sees a more long-term investment from Jewell who has stated he believes both could blossom into fantastic players. With several weeks left for Jewell to dabble in the transfer market and the ensuing loan window, at least two more signings are expected. A right-sided centre back is the highest priority, while Marton Fulop’s departure necessitates a new back up to David Stockdale.

Also high on the wish-list is a centre midfielder who will attempt to fill the void left by Jimmy Bullard or battle with Mark Kennedy for the holding midfield role.

Excitement will continue to build in anticipation of Ipswich’s next league game at home to Hull on Saturday and hopefully a new, successful era will dawn under Jewell who has certainly made a good start to life at Portman Road.

Lightningboy added 17:55 - Aug 8 Great start (like last season) but i'm not stupid enough to get too carried away..will enjoy the moment while it lasts. The one big difference between now and a year ago is the fact that I had pretty much no faith in Roy Keane and I like many were proven right..I have complete faith in Paul Jewell to at least keep us heading in the right direction..I think the majority of town fans will be pleased to just see us at least challenging for promotion over the coming season(s) ala the Burley & Royle years.

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