Assistant boss Willie Donachie says he is determined to tighten up Town's defence next season. The Blues have conceded 64 goals so far during 2005/06.

Donachie says the goals-against column is something which has long needed improving but he feels the club's attacking traditions don't lend themselves to developing a mean backline: “The amount of goals we have conceded has always been a problem and has concerned me every season.

“It is part of the philosophy of the club to concentrate on playing football and attacking. Defending has never been a priority here and that has always worried me but sometimes you have to go along with the philosophy of the club.

“You can't go to Spurs and expect them to play like Wimbledon. Ipswich has traditions, which I can't change, but I would like to add defensive strengths and a more resolute attitude as well as playing football. It has been difficult and my aim next year is to develop a much more resolute defensive attitude.

The problem stems from both personnel and the way the team is set up. Last year we were built on scoring goals but ultimately you have to be set up defensively.

“The mentality here has always been Ipswich are a good footballing team and are less bothered with the basics of the game, which are vital.”

Town are looking to sign a central defender in his early 20s over the summer, while they could also target a more defensive midfielder with Kevin Horlock, Jim Magilton and perhaps Jimmy Juan all leaving Portman Road in the summer.

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