Boss Paul Jewell says his summer recruitment plans are already well under way and has outlined the areas of his squad he will be looking to augment between now and the start of 2012/13 on Saturday 18th August.

Jewell says he’s already talked to clubs and potential signings: “We’ve spoken to players who are out of contract. We’ve spoken to clubs who’ve got players under contract.

“The plan doesn’t start after the Doncaster game, it’s already started. You never have a nice summer holiday, sometimes you almost work as hard as you do when the games are on because you’re never off the phone trying to get players in.”

Even before knowing whether midfielder Grant Leadbitter will stay — the pair are due to talk today — the Blues boss outlined the positions he is seeking to strengthen: “We’re looking for a goalkeeper, some central defenders, as we’ve only got Damien and Tommy at the club, so we need a couple more at least, we need another midfield player and another forward.

“Everyone talks about the spine of the team and that’s where we’re looking. And around that there may be one or two utility players coming in, someone who can play both positions at full-back, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Jewell says that like all bosses he wants signings in as soon as possible but admits that in reality this rarely happens: “I think every manager would like all the players in by the first day of pre-season, but it never works that way.

“But it’s important to try and get ahead of the game sometimes and we want to move quickly. I’m not confident [that that will be the case], but that’s what we want to do.”

He says season-long loans from the Premier League will form part of his plans: “That’s one route that we’re looking at. The problem is getting in quickly. I spoke to a club yesterday about a couple of their young players and the queue’s a mile long.

“I think taking players on a year’s loan is different from taking a goalkeeper who has to go back. It’s getting the time to ask the managers right - you look at the results on a Saturday and then make the call or don’t make the call.”

The Town boss dismissed reports that exiting Derby midfielder Paul Green has agreed to join the Blues: “I know Greeny, I signed him for Derby on a free transfer from Doncaster. He did fine, but he’s not one we’ve enquired about.”

Photo: Action Images

walberswick added 13:32 - Apr 27 My point is about progress. When August comes around we may have 3 players form his 14 that can genuinely contribute. There is chance Jet may be snapped up and Stevenson is an unknown. So little progress overall from Jewell's signings. That's a year wasted and another to make up for this one.
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Marcus added 14:29 - Apr 27 Is there a manager in the modern game at championship level who hasn't made a hatfull of questionable signings? Town have made the 'mistake' of being sensible with wages and have attempted to keep annual losses within 5M. Veterans were signed on one year deals to plug holes on the squad. The 'problem' has been Clegg only offering contracts that Keep the club financially sound and better prepared for the fair play rules. Now that other clubs are being forced to do the same we have an advantage as we have a solid income and we've substantially reduced our wages in anticipation of the closed season. I think it's time for everyone to give PJ and Clegg a chance. Give them at least until Christmas to demonstrate they can get things right. I really don't like the attitude of 'xxxxx out' after a few defeats. I often disagree with team selections but I'm also not working with the players and my opinions are solely based on eBay happens during games. In addition I feel Town have slipped behind other teams that have a reserve league when it comes to player development. I don't feel this is the fault of anyone at the club but changes in the game as a whole. The commencement of an U21 league should help more young players develop. But this could take a few years. We must start thinking long term, when people say, 'Jewell out' it's painfully short term and really not the 'Ipswich way'.

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TractorTrog added 18:44 - Apr 27 Might be worth while giving Wenger a shout for Jenkinson he lives in Essex and needs some game time??? anybody
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TractorTrog added 18:53 - Apr 27 Incidently its taken me over 3 seasons of Fifa 12 to assemble a really quality team with limited funds and were still looking to go up this season after missing out on the playoffs ... well at least its pleasurable waste of time lol ;0)
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DiamondGezzer added 06:37 - Apr 28 Personally, I'd like to see us sign some more exciting " Cresswells ", but there, last year I asked for Bullard ! Think I'll just sit back and leave it to those in the know.
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