New signing Kevin Horlock says he is confident Town can win automatic promotion to the Premiership this season. Horlock joined the Blues from West Ham on a free transfer earlier in the month.

The former Manchester City and Swindon man has already been promoted from this division three times and is heartened by the Blues' friendly victories over Premiership sides: "People say friendly results don't matter but they're wrong.

"Winning is always a good thing - whatever the occasion - because it breeds confidence and gives everyone a lift.

"The lads performed well again and, to be honest, they're a joy to play with.

"They make my job easy and I always knew it would be that way. Ipswich are a great club with a good mix of young and old players - everyone in the football world knows that."

The Northern Irishman says consistency will be the key to Town's success: "The club have been there or thereabouts for the last couple of years.

"This time we need to be more consistent and get off to a good start, otherwise you're always playing catch-up.

"Ipswich were the best passing side we [West Ham] played against last season and that bodes well. It makes me feel very confident."

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