Town boss Paul Jewell says new striker Nathan Ellington has something to prove to himself as well as other people after losing his direction in recent seasons. The man known as the Duke was one of the stars of the Blues manager’s Wigan side, netting 24 goals as the Latics pipped Town to Premier League promotion in 2004/05.

Jewell said: “Nathan is only 29 and I think he’s lost his way a bit over the last two or three seasons. I sold him for £3.5 million to West Brom when they were in the Premier League, then he went to Watford for £4 million and since then it hasn’t really happened.

“The Duke is very unpredictable. He can drive you to distraction one minute and he can stick one in the top corner the next.

“He’s powerful, he’s quick, he’s good in the air and I also think he’s got an awful lot to prove to himself and to other people because in the last couple of seasons he hasn’t done himself justice. I think he’s a fine addition on a free transfer.”

The Town manager also brought Michael Chopra in from Cardiff for £1.5 million, someone he says is used to playing in a team competing at the top of the Championship: “Michael Chopra’s obviously a proven goalscorer at this level.

“He’s quick, he gets across the front of players and he knows what it’s about. He’s played in a Cardiff side at the top end of this league for the last couple of years, so he’s used to winning.

“He scores goals, he’s an all-round good player. He’ll give us that little bit of pace we lacked at times last season in order to get in behind teams. He’ll give us that option and his goalscoring record stands up to scrutiny.”

Jewell still plans to add another striker this summer — with Jason Scotland and Tamás Priskin perhaps set to move on — and says he would have done so even if Connor Wickham hadn’t left for Sunderland: “Just because Connor’s left, it doesn’t mean we’ll have to buy another striker — we were going to get one anyway.”

The Blues boss may now be looking to add height to his attacking options with his former Derby frontman Rob Hulse out of favour at QPR and Sheffield United's Ched Evans linked on a number of occasions, along with Ellington's Wigan strike partner Jason Roberts, although the Blackburn striker recently dismissed claims he was on the way to the Blues.

Photo: Action Images

brockleyblueboy added 12:27 - Jul 5 Would a cheeky bid for Chris Eagles be out of the question? With his service we would be a top 2 team. Fraid to say we will need better service to the front guys and civilli and co won't cut it for me. Huge opportunity for lee martin this season.
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cammeray added 12:30 - Jul 5 Big season for Civelli if he gets on. Will feel like his first proper start, could be shipped out in Jan if doesn't deliver
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Mark added 12:51 - Jul 5 I think he will do a decent job, and on a free transfer he is far less of a risk than £750K Jason Scotland last summer. I don't know why some people suggest Jewell signs players he knows. Of his five permanent senior signings so far he has only worked with Ellington as far as I know; not Cresswell, Ingimarsson, Drury or Chopra!
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barnettractor added 13:04 - Jul 5 Only time will tell, but I've a feeling that PJ has got it spot on in signing players with previous proven class and something to prove. When PJ re-installs that confidence and 'prove the doubters wrong' team spirit I can see us being quite a formidable force. Give them time and judge them after the new team settles in.
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Lightningboy added 13:28 - Jul 5 Clubs have paid £7.5M for him so there must've been something there..let's hope PJ can get him back at his best.
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Tractamatt added 13:28 - Jul 5 Common sense say's managers will always sign 1 or 2 players that have served them well in the past and why not, pj will be the best manager we have had since burley (my own oppinion) But where we not told to expect a signing today or is the icelandic youngster it?
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whoppit added 13:40 - Jul 5 Facts are that "Duke" is a past it player and has been for years now. Only on board cos they are a mate of Jewell's.
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bluelady added 13:47 - Jul 5 Whoppit yawn back to sprouting your usual rubbish highlighting your lack or knowledge of the game yet again you sad sad man
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craigyboy10 added 14:43 - Jul 5 Whoppit you post some completely stupid comments.. Jewell isn't just gonna sign players for the sake of it! Jewell knows what we need! And he has worked with the duke before I do agree with comments on here let the football do the talking. Norwich didn't make the dream signings but they got promoted! Its all about getting the balance right! So if your gonna moan! Moan in may 2012 if and that's a big if we have a bad season which in my opinion I don't think will happen. Give the guys a break.

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itfc1981 added 15:35 - Jul 5 1 goal in 6 since he joined West Brom, 6 years ago. bit more than a few seasons off the boil.
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bluelady added 15:57 - Jul 5 itfc to get a balanced view how many has he set up?
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jas0999 added 18:44 - Jul 5 I agree with PJ - he has MUCH to prove.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 21:41 - Jul 5 Give the guy a break, don,t get on his case before he has kicked a ball in anger. I really hope that he, along with the rest of the team are going to quieten you doubters & moaning minnies up once & for all. As bluelady rightly points out, he may well have a high assist count, move opposing defenders all over the place & be a big physical presence, therefor creating space for the more prolific Chopra. He may just be very good defensively at set pieces too, so shall we judge him (& others ) after a fair crack of the whip?.

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