Town manager Paul Jewell says the Championship could be even harder during 2011/12 with the likes of Southampton and Brighton having been promoted from League One. The Blues boss expects a very competitive division with plenty of clubs looking to get back into the top flight.
Jewell said: "I hear people say Ipswich have got Premier League facilities, stadium, training ground and Premier League history, and it's true. But if you look around the Championship, so have half the league.
"There are some big, big clubs in this division. It's a tough league to get out of and when you look at the clubs that have come down and the likes of Southampton and Brighton, who will be boosted by playing at a new ground, who have come up, you can argue it will be even harder next season.
"We're looking forward to the challenge though. The countdown has started. We'll be back in pre-season training in two weeks [June 29th]. The excitement of knowing a new season is around the corner will be there and we'll be ready to go on August 6th."
Meanwhile, released Town striker Kevin Lisbie says that although he’d like to return to Millwall, where he was on loan last season, he’d be pleased wherever he goes as long as he's be playing regularly: "I did enjoy myself there, but at this stage of my career I just want to be playing football and I'd be happy to get a contract anywhere to do that.
"Obviously, rejoining Millwall would be my ideal choice, but I'll be happy at any club as long as I'm playing regularly next season.
"I'm hoping that there will be a bit more movement and a few things in the pipeline by the end of this month,” he added.
"I've told my agent not to call me until something concrete crops up and at the moment I've not heard from him, so I assume that apart from initial interest nothing serious has presented itself."