Town manager Roy Keane says finishing anywhere other than in the top six next season will be unacceptable. The Blues ended Keane's first season in charge in a disappointing 15th place in the Championship.
Keane told the club site: "There were expectations that we would be up there challenging for promotion when I arrived at the club, but that's what Ipswich Town should be aiming for.
"Players have to deal with those expectations, just like managers do. I'd rather aim the bar high and go for it.
"We came up short last season though, particularly at the start and there will be no room for error next year.
"I keep saying I live in the real world. Having another poor start or repeating the mistakes we made last year won't be tolerated.
"I know what is expected. It's competing in the top six. I've heard people mention mid-table. It's got to be the top six. Anything else is not acceptable."
Meanwhile, former Blue Darren Ambrose’s £750,000 move from Crystal Palace to QPR is now in doubt with the CPFC 2010 consortium close to completing the deal to buy the Eagles and keen to keep the midfielder.
Ambrose has already agreed personal terms and has undergone a medical at Loftus Road but, given the change of circumstances at Selhurst Park, Rangers, managed by ex-Palace boss Neil Warnock, may now have to up their offer for the former England U21 international.