Left-back Aaron Cresswell says new boys Luke Chambers and Elliott Hewitt are settling into the squad well. The 22-year-old says last week’s training camp close to Eindhoven was good for team bonding.

Cresswell was impressed with central defender Luke Chambers, who recently signed on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest: “He showed what a good player he is. He’s a good on the ball, good in the air, he’s a good all-round centre-half and a good leader. I think he’s settled in very well and I think he’ll have a good season.”

Also on the trip but not yet ready to play, having undergone hip operations while with Macclesfield was new right-back Elliott Hewitt.

Cresswell feels the Wales U21 international will have benefited from tagging along despite not having been involved in the games: “He’s come along with the boys to Holland, he’s working with Matt [Byard] and Alex [Chapman] in the physio room.

“I think he’s out for a month or two, I’m not sure, but he’s settled in well as well. He’s only 18 and hopefully he’ll be fit and ready soon.”

Last summer’s signing from Tranmere can empathise with Hewitt having been through similar experiences a year ago: “I was in the same position I was in when I came here. I’d never been away from Liverpool and I don’t think he’s ever moved from where he was. He’s just got to get his head down and work hard, like we’ve all got to do.”

Overall, the Liverpudlian believes the trip was a worthwhile exercise: “It’s always nice to get away with the whole team because we’re in and around one another 24/7.

“Down at the hotel where we’ve been staying there are good facilities, loads of tennis, table tennis, good food. We’re all together all the time, so it’s been good.

“But we’ve always had a good spirit around the place,” he added. “There are a few experienced players, a few younger players and I’m sure the gaffer will bring in a few more before the season starts and we can all gel together.”

Goalkeeper Scott Loach signed from Watford while the squad was in Holland and arrived at his Ipswich hotel on Sunday night ahead of Monday training and tweeted: "The new era begins."

Tottenham midfielder Massimo Luongo is set to join on a season-loan loan from Tottenham in the next few days.

Photo: Action Images

Len_Brennan added 06:21 - Jul 23 Good to hear, now let's get cracking & complete the signings of Kello, Davies, Baldock, Murphy & another centre half. That should set us up nicely for the season ahead.
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gazzmac4 added 07:18 - Jul 23 Good to hear this! @len_brennan although I agree that we could use a few more signings I doubt we can afford all of those in that list. I'd be happy with just 2 of them!
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debenturedave added 07:32 - Jul 23 Everything seems to be coming together slowly but surely... really need another centre half and a big striker to ensure we have a good season !
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brian_a_mul added 08:08 - Jul 23 Dont forget luck! In particular with form and injuries to key players. I agree that a striking partner for Chops and one more for defensive cover will set us up nicely.
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Jimmys_Law added 08:21 - Jul 23 I think a pacey winger to play on the left is what's needed desperately, unless Jewell insists on playing both Martin and JET on the wings. They've both said before that they'd rather play a free role just behind the striker and I feel that is the best position, certainly for Martin.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 08:38 - Jul 23 Len_Brennan: Agreed, but you could leave Murphy off your list. Jimmys Law: Very much agreed: We could do worse than take one of the French lads who were trialists in Holland. I thought they both did pretty well.
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Mark added 09:00 - Jul 23 The squad is shaping up, but we do need to add some aerial ability to the attack now that Murphy has departed and a decent winger would be nice as well as another striker. In defence, we have to get some cover at left-back and we need a fourth centre back as cover too. So, going well, but more signings needed.
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jlcollins added 10:03 - Jul 23 Agreed with all the comments today, but would leave murphy off the list, if he isn't prepared to take a paycut, then we aint intrested, there are better players out there for less money, and less wages, I trust pj and Clegg, they have done exceptional this close season, well done all involved in the signings, I look forward to seeing them in action, COYB!!!!!!
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bluetown added 10:31 - Jul 23 mark i take it you dont rate the lad whight
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bluebud added 11:06 - Jul 23 ......things are looking positive but we need to remember - we will lose some players before the season starts, so more signings please :-)
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TractorBoy666 added 13:16 - Jul 23 A pacey player on wing is something i don't see a lot in this team so hopefully there is one out there. Another CB is needed and a big tall lad up front with Chopra...AKINFENWA! Joking haha.
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