Boss Paul Jewell has revealed that Town had two bids turned down over the weekend as he looks to add three more players to his squad. The Blues manager says he’s undecided whether he’ll make further moves for the unnamed duo.

Jewell said: “We still want to bring in three players. It’s proving frustrating but I’m not kidded about where we need to strengthen.

"I think we’re three players short of me being happy with the squad. It’s having the patience to make sure that those we bring in are the right ones.

“We’ve had a couple of bids rejected over the weekend, whether we go back in for them remains to be seen, but we’re working exceptionally hard to improve the squad.”

Recently the Blues have been linked with Celtic centre-half Kelvin Wilson, while Huddersfield skipper Peter Clarke, also a central defender, was reported to be interesting Town yesterday and is again mentioned in one of today's tabloids but appears a less likely target.

Derby striker Steve Davies has been a Blues target throughout the summer but Jewell wouldn’t be drawn on whether the 24-year-old he signed from Tranmere when he was at Pride Park was still on his radar: “There are lots of players on my radar. We could be here all night speaking about players on my radar, players that we’ve asked about, players that are not available, players that may become available.

“This transfer window goes to August 31st and people try and play games of poker with their players, just as we would, so it’s a bit frustrating.”

After the defeat at Southend, the Blues boss said he was confident of adding to his squad by the time Blackburn visit Portman Road on the opening day of the Championship season and he remains convinced he needs more players, despite the improved subsequent performances: “I was asked this question last week and I said I was 100% certain.

“I’m 100% certain we do need them. There’s been a vast improvement in the last two games but as a group of players we want competition for places all over the pitch.

“I know, and I think everyone knows, that we need to improve our squad. The lads who have started the last two games have done exceptionally well but I think we’re three players short.

“I think you can see that when we take our main players out we lack a little bit of depth. We’ve got an honest bunch of players, a young bunch of players.

“The midfield that started tonight was exceptionally young. If you take Carlos out of the starting XI in the last two games, there’s a 28-year-old, two 26s and everyone else is 24 or under. It bodes well for the future, and that’s what we want to do - we want to bring young players to the club as well as add that little bit of experience in key areas which is vital.”

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Sospiri added 06:06 - Aug 9 I like the side he is picking, especially having Hyam and Carson in the side again. But we really lack depth in the squad. Good luck to PJ to get in some competetive back-ups.
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TractorBoy666 added 06:09 - Aug 9 Yeah, experience if defo the key now. Disappointing to have bids turn't down but life goes on. My guesses are they were Wilson and Davies. But if it was Davies then how much closer are we getting to there value?! I must be wrong.
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ericgates added 06:13 - Aug 9 What about Chris Iwellumo for up front and Papa Bouba Diop for centre mid/centre defence cover. Two big strong lads in areas we need,and a bit of experience,plus no transfer fees.
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012ashers added 06:17 - Aug 9 Yeah well was a good game last night and the weekend, westill need to have that strong head in defence that were still lacking and maybe another striker, but I think that will do, it still seams like either there is no money avavible or they still don't wanna one to portmant road
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Dissboyitfc added 06:32 - Aug 9 Phil, do we know if these were first bids? Because Jewell himself said the first bid is always low and turned down. Looking forward to the new season especially if we get the right additions...COYB
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KiwiBlue2 added 06:33 - Aug 9 Wouldnt be surprised to see Davies arrive but likely to be right at the close of this window. Beyond him (or a similar striker) and another good right cb I would be happy with what we have. No point wasting money this month just to bring 'someone' in, we need to just focus on those who will improve the squad. If it doesnt happen this month then wait until January when we will know for certain what needs to be done to get us challenging ......

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ITFCforlife added 06:47 - Aug 9 orlando sa? davis?
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itfc1981 added 07:56 - Aug 9 Clegg always get his targets remember! ;)
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TractorRoyNo1 added 08:12 - Aug 9 there's a hole in my bucket dear lisa ..... there's a hole
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theblueginger added 08:26 - Aug 9 Im suprised about the relative youth of the squad now...but would like to point out that PJ doesn't know all his players very well. Lee Martin is 25 i thought?
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bluey123 added 08:33 - Aug 9 Poor Jewell he has had only 4 months to get players now less than a week to the opener v Bristol Rovers he should have got on with his job and signed the players we clearly neede for nearly 18 months PooR Manager JEWELL OUT
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BROTHERBLUE1974 added 08:52 - Aug 9 Zzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzz
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algarvefan added 08:54 - Aug 9 bluey123 whilst not a huge fan of Jewell, I don't think you could call him a poor manager, he has obviously been made to work within financial restraints and this is making signings difficult when other clubs are offering more. I'd rather see a mid table side bringing on youth at the moment than a Pompey or Rangers scenario caused by spending what you ain't got. Yes we need more strength in depth, but doesn't look like we are going to get it before the season starts, but Jewell still has time.

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DutchTownFan added 09:11 - Aug 9 Look at the photo, is Jewell turning into Keane?
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saffronblue added 09:23 - Aug 9 bluey123, do you ever have a positive post to make? PJ has signed players to start sorting out the defence, he has cleared out most of Keanes dead wood and I think the future is looking much brighter. We are not Man City and we do not have a huge transfer budget so he is having to cut his cloth accordingly.
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Michael11 added 09:56 - Aug 9 I'm happy that we're starting to give the young boys a chance, the whole revival last season came when Hyam was brought into the side. Think Chops could do with another striker to help, he can't score every goal for us!
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KellysBlues added 10:01 - Aug 9 bluey123, you have very limited knowledge of football and football management. you say 4 months to get players in, alot of players contracts end in june, most players go away for holidays and there agenst go away as well no doubt, it was european championships this year so alot of managers/agents/players would of been watching/attending that. Clubs dont wait for summer or end of season to get players, they are all ways looking and working at what they need and what they can get and who they can afford etc. and of course PJ may well have a list but its ME who has to fund that list or question that list and even speak to that player. why dont you just back the club and its current set up and be positive, its so called fans like you that give other club fans the fuel to mock this great club.

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EatonBlue added 10:03 - Aug 9 Murphy and Davies ?
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BillBlue added 10:25 - Aug 9 I would stop trying to correct Bluey123 if I were you, it is just a waste of time, the bloke is a permanent idiot. I am one of those who consider PJ to be an excellent Manager and strongly believe that ME believes that as well so, IMO, he is here to stay and will take us to the promised land. I am a bit miffed about these turned down bids though, obviously we are not offering a price which is seen to be fair. With that in mind I can remember towards the end of last season PJ saying if he wanted somebody then ME would cough up to get him so, surely, now is the time. We have a good team again and now is the time to put the icing on the cake so, Mr Evans, please cough up, right now, then I can see us going up this year, yes I did say this year, and think what that would be worth! COYB

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pazelle added 10:31 - Aug 9 Jewell is looking good in this new photo, probably the best he's looked since he got here!
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DutchTownFan added 10:33 - Aug 9 Well yeah, he looks less fat, his stubble's coming on though!
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tractorgirls added 10:41 - Aug 9 Have to wonder why Jewell has not been trusted with enough money to get the players in we need.
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JohnyJohnson added 10:59 - Aug 9 Michael11- agree. The Hyam effect always seems to turn things around- such an influencial lad- just hope he stays in the first team and is allowed to make a few mistakes. Great to see Jewell finally taking a risk on young hungry players. Much more of an exciting season ahead with this lot in the first team. Just think how depressed we would all be if Bowyer, Leadbitter etc were still starting. Sad to see Bullard may be dead wood too was hoping to see him push.

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mark1969 added 11:01 - Aug 9 Agree with BillBlue, Jewell is doing his best with funds available , Evans is being prudent due to previous incumbants spending on transfers and wages and Jewells extravagance with Jimmy B.However we are starting to look like we are on the comeback trail , i hope M.E. sees this and will help P.J. now on the next 2-3 essential signings to give us all a great season. Still not sure about Clegg but again he can only work within M.E. guidelines . Heres to a great sesaon c,mon M.E. lets all get it together that way we all win !!

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runningout added 11:05 - Aug 9 agree with the fact we have known for ages we are weak in defending.. Know it's a area hard to fill, but it's been too long and has me frowning.. can understand a few players not choosing us and prefering a more hotbed of football, but that's their loss of a good life too..
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